Notre Dame Football Players Media Guide 2008

2 0 0 8 S T U D E N T- A T H L E T E S JAMES ALDRIDGE Halfback Junior • 6-0 • 225 Birthdate: 7-6-87 St. Louis, Mo. (Merrillville, Ind.) 34 2006 (FRESHMAN): Missed the first five games due to a knee injury suffered in the offseason but played in seven of the final eight contests and was Notre Dame’s second-leading rusher … rushed 37 times for 142 yards while playing behind Darius Walker … strong and powerful runner saw increased reps with the first-string offense as the season progressed … gained 26 yards on four fourth-quarter carries in his Notre Dame debut vs. Stanford … rushed season-high 12 times for 29 yards vs. Navy in Baltimore … collected season-best 45 yards on eight carries vs. North Carolina … rushed five times at Air Force for 27 yards (5.4 avg) … totaled nine yards on three carries with a long rush of 10 yards vs. Army … registered seven yards on three carries against LSU in the Sugar Bowl. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Merrillville (Ind.) High School … one of 16 candidates for Parade All-America High School Football Player of the Year award ... one of nine running backs on Parade prep All-America team ... rated 19th on list of top 100 prep players nationally by USA Today ... rated 26th on Dallas Morning News list of top 100 players in the country ... rated 30th on list of top 100 players nationally by Chicago Sun-Times ... rated 47th on list of top 150 players nationally by CollegeFootballNews.com ... selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... rated 13th on list of top 20 players in Midwest on Detroit Free-Press Best in the Midwest team ... named to Indiana Top 50 all-state team by Indiana Football Coaches Association, as one of seven running backs ... rushed for 1,433 yards and 21 TDs on 237 carries as senior in 2005 at Merrillville High School in Merrillville, Ind. ... caught five passes for 59 yards ... helped team to 11-3 record and semifinal of Indiana Class 5A playoffs ... finished with 3,808 all-purpose yards in two years at Merrillville ... rushed for 110 yards on 25 carries in semifinal loss to Hamilton Southeastern ... rushed 23 times for 227 yards and three TDs in earlier playoff game vs. Crown Point ... first-team running back in ’05 on all-area team by Northwest Indiana Times ... listed 58th on ’05 preseason list of top players in the country (and 10th among running backs) by The Sporting News ... rated one of top 100 players nationally on ’05 preseason list by Lindy’s ... one of 14 running backs on ’05 national preseason top 100 list by CBS SportsLine.com ... rushed for 2,067 yards and 20 TDs on 281 carries as junior in 2004 ... also caught 11 passes for 190 yards and two TDs and threw a 36-yard TD pass ... accounted for 2,411 all-purpose yards as junior ... transferred to Merrillville from Hazelwood Central High School in St. Louis, Mo., after his sophomore year ... enrolled at Notre Dame in January of ’06 ... born July 6, 1987 ... high school coach was Jeff Yelton … son of James and Lisa Aldridge ... enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters with a major in psychology. ALDRIDGE’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S Att Yds Avg TD Aldridge’s Career Highs: Rushes – 32 (vs. Navy, 2007) Rushing Yards – 125 (vs. Navy, 2007) Longest Rush – 43 (vs. Michigan State, 2007) Receptions – 3 (at UCLA, 2007) Receiving Yards – 18 (at UCLA, 2007) Longest Reception – 11 (at UCLA, 2007) CAREER: Notre Dame’s leading returning rusher and player with the most career rushing yards on the Irish roster … rushed for 605 yards during his first two seasons on 158 attempts and caught five passes for 30 yards in his career … played in 18 games at Notre Dame and started five contests … member of a talented and young crop of Irish running backs who will compete for the starting job this fall … split time in the backfield in ’07 with Travis Thomas, Armando Allen and Robert Hughes (Allen and Hughes return in ’08) … has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in a game twice in his career and has averaged over 5.0 yards per carry in five contests … has displayed ability to not only run the ball effectively but also pick up the blitz and serve as a receiving option out of the backfield ... rated the No. 30 running back in the nation by Phil Steele prior to the 2008 season. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Led the Irish with 463 rushing yards on 121 carries … started five games and appeared in 11 contests during sophomore season … started at running back against Michigan State, Purdue, UCLA, Boston College and Air Force … gained 19 yards on six rushes while splitting time with four other running backs in season opener vs. Georgia Tech … led the team in rushing with 51 yards against Michigan ... led the Irish in rushing for the second straight game with 104 yards, including a career-high (and team season-high) carry of 43 yards in the second quarter against Michigan State … became first Irish running back to top 100 yards in first career start since Tony Fisher vs. Kansas on Aug. 28, 1999 ... led the Irish in rushing with 52 yards against UCLA ... paced the Irish in rushing against Navy with career-high 125 yards ... led the Irish in rushing against Air Force with 62 yards. LG Rec Yds Avg TD 2006 2007 Total 20:44 94:17 7-0 11-5 37 121 158 142 463 605 3.8 3.8 3.8 0 0 0 13 43 43 0 5 5 0 30 30 0.0 6.0 6.0 0 0 0 115:01 18-5 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 45 ALDRIDGE’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2006 Opponent Att Yards Avg. Lg TD Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue Stanford UCLA Navy North Carolina Air Force Army USC LSU Total 2007 Opponent 4 12 8 5 3 2 3 37 25 29 45 27 9 0 7 142 Did Not Play Did Not Play Did Not Play Did Not Play Did Not Play 6.3 Did Not Play 2.4 5.6 5.4 3.0 0.0 2.3 3.8 ARMANDO ALLEN JR. 11 7 13 9 10 1 4 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Halfback Sophomore • 5-10 • 195 Birthdate: 4-30-89 Opa Locka, Fla. (Hialeah-Miami Lakes) 5 Att Yards Avg. Lg TD Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *UCLA *Boston College USC Navy *Air Force Duke Stanford Total 6 1 10 18 5 22 5 32 14 8 0 121 3.2 -3.0 5.1 5.8 1.8 2.4 3.4 Did Not Play 125 3.9 62 4.4 27 3.9 0 0.0 463 3.8 19 -3 51 104 9 52 17 7 -3 11 43 4 9 7 14 16 6 0 43 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Allen’s Career Highs: Rushes - 16 (vs. Navy, 2007) Rushing Yards – 91 (vs. Navy, 2007) Longest Rush – 15 (vs. Navy, 2007) Receptions – 6 (at Penn State, 2007) Receiving Yards – 38 (at Penn State, 2007) Receiving Touchdowns – 1 (vs. Air Force, 2007) Kickoff Returns – 6 (vs. Air Force, 2007) Kickoff Return Yards – 117 (vs. Air Force, 2007) Kickoff Return Average – 28.8 (vs. Navy, 2007) Longest Kickoff Return – 38 (vs. Navy, 2007) CAREER: Lightning quick running back who is one of the fastest players on the football team … used in a variety of ways during first year including as a rusher, receiver and kick returner … totaled team-high 1,176 all-purpose yards, averaging 98.0 yards per game … displayed glimpses of his potential during freshman season in which he rushed for 348 yards on 86 carries and gained another 124 yards on 24 receptions … set school record for both kickoff return yards in a season (704) and kickoff returns in a season (33) … eclipsed Julius Jones record of 26 kick returns in a season and broke Tim Brown’s record of 698 kick return yards in a season … already ranks seventh at Notre Dame in career kickoff returns … part of a talented running back group that includes James Aldridge and classmate Robert Hughes ... rated by Phil Steele as the 18th-best kick returner in the nation prior to the 2008 season. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Recorded team-best 1,176 all-purpose yards, averaging 98.0 yards per game … second-leading rusher on the team with 348 yards on 86 carries (4.0 avg) … caught 24 passes (fifth most on the team) for 124 yards and one touchdown … returned 33 kickoffs for 704 yards (both single-season school records) … one of four freshmen who played in all 12 games and started at running back in four games – Penn State, Michigan, Navy and Duke … gained 25 yards on three rushes while splitting time with four other running backs in season opener vs. Georgia Tech … led the Irish with 116 all-purpose yards against Penn State ... became the first freshman to start at running back (at Penn State) since Darius Walker in ’04 vs. Purdue … had eight carries for 11 net yards vs. Penn State ... recorded six receptions for 38 yards, both team-highs against the Nittany Lions ... had nine carries for 24 yards against Michigan … finished with four kickoff returns for 80 yards vs. Purdue ... had 25 yards rushing on six carries vs. the Boilermakers … increased his all purpose yards per game to 81.5 after the UCLA game ... had three kickoff returns for 73 yards with a long of 31 yards vs. the Bruins … had three receptions for 16 yards vs. Boston College … led the team with 58 yards on 11 rushes against USC … recorded 226 all-purpose yards vs. Navy ... that effort ranks tied for the 11th most all-purpose yards in single-game Irish history ... registered a season-long kickoff return of 38 yards vs. Navy ... racked up season-high 91 yards rushing vs. the Midshipmen … caught first touchdown pass of his Irish career against Air Force ... led the team with 161 all-purpose yards vs. the Falcons … had 42 rushing yards and 17 receiving against Duke … logged 99:59 of playing time and made 55 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Named to Super Southern 100 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution for 2006 as one of 14 running backs ... rated 38th best overall national prospect by CSTV – and eighth among running backs ... rated 52nd nationally on Rivals.com Top 100 list, as well as 10th among Florida players and second among all-purpose backs ... listed as one of 12 running backs on National 100 list by Fort Worth Star-Telegram ... preseason broken fibula ended his 2006 senior season before it ever began at Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School in Hialeah, Fla. ... rated number-one senior prospect in Dade County on preseason basis for 2006 by Miami Herald ... rated 12th on list of top Florida prospects at end of ’06 season by South Florida SunSentinel ... rushed for 1,095 yards and 12 TDs as junior in 2005, despite missing three games to injury ... led Miami Lakes Trojans to 6-3 record and runner-up finish in Florida District 13-6A, plus regional quarterfinal slot in state playoffs in ’05 that produced loss to unbeaten Columbus ... second-team Florida Class 6A all-state selection at running back as junior in 2005 by Florida Sports Writers Association ... first-team all-Dade County pick as running back as junior in 2005 by Miami Herald ... rated eighth-best overall prospect nationally – and second among running backs — on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News ... one of top 33 running backs nationally on 2006 preseason basis *games started 46 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE ALLEN’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 RUSHING Opponent Att Yds Avg Lg TD RECEIVING Rec Yds Avg TD THIS IS NOTRE DAME Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC *Navy Air Force *Duke Stanford Total 3 8 9 3 6 3 3 11 16 9 9 6 86 25 11 24 13 25 19 9 58 91 27 42 4 348 8.3 1.4 2.7 4.3 4.2 6.3 3.0 5.3 5.7 3.0 4.7 3.0 4.0 11 4 6 9 9 11 7 11 15 9 12 9 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 2 1 1 2 3 0 3 2 2 1 24 1 38 7 5 -9 3 16 0 20 17 17 9 124 1.0 6.3 3.5 5.0 -9.0 1.5 5.3 0.0 6.7 8.5 8.5 9.0 5.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 ‘08 OUTLOOK *games started THOMAS BEMENDERFER Center Senior • 6-5 • 300 Birthdate: 12-5-85 Mishawaka, Ind. (Penn) 67 ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES CAREER: Local product returned to South Bend in 2006 after starting his career at Northwestern University … very intelligent offensive lineman who will add depth to the center and guard positions in 2008 … sat out 2006 season but appeared in all 12 games in 2007 either on special teams or as a reserve interior offensive lineman. 2007 (JUNIOR): One of four walk-ons who received a scholarship just prior to the start of the season … participated in all 12 games for the Irish as a reserve offensive lineman or on special teams … logged 12:36 of playing time as a reserve center and guard … made 41 special teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Transferred to Notre Dame and sat out season. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action in first season at Northwestern. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked 14th-best player in Indiana and 74th nationally among defensive tackles by SuperPrep ... earned all-state honors as a junior at defensive tackle, and all-state honors as a senior at offensive tackle at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Ind. ... helped lead the Kingsmen to back-to-back regional championships, as well as a state final appearance in 2003 ... Penn captured Northern Indiana Conference and Class 5A Sectional titles all four years he played ... chosen to play in Indiana's North-South All-Star game, but was unable to participate due to an injury ... 2004 Gridiron Digest consensus all-state selection ... tabbed Penn's Kingsmen of the Year recipient, an award that is chosen by the student body and is given to the most respected and dedicated student ... valedictorian of senior class (out of 618 graduating students) ... Wendy's Heisman Award finalist ... Burger King Outstanding Student-Athlete ... Indianapolis Colts Academic All-Star ... named to Indiana's "Tremendous 26" ... also lettered in wrestling and played rugby ... a state finalist in the heavyweight division his sophomore and junior years ... captain of football, wrestling and rugby teams ... chosen to play on USA U-19 rugby team ... member of National Honor Society and school's Honor Roll ... coached by Cory Yeoman … born on Dec. 5, 1985 … son of Todd and Judy Bemenderfer … Dean’s List student who is enrolled in pre-professional studies in College of Science. BEMENDERFER’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-GS Time Special Teams Appearances by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... rated 42nd national prospect (and seventh among running backs, 13th in the Southeast) on preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... ran 4.38 in the 40 (best of the 550 competitors) at the ’06 U.S. Army All-American Bowl combine where he was chosen the offensive MVP ... selected for 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio but did not participate because of his injury ... ran for more than 1,000 yards as sophomore in 2004 ... missed half his freshman season after suffering broken wrist in his first varsity game ... won Florida Class 4A state prep title with 13.82 clocking in 110-meter hurdles in 2006 as junior ... named top male athlete at Hialeah-Miami Lakes as freshman, sophomore and junior ... played for coach Jerry Hughes at Hialeah-Miami Lakes ... enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2007 ... from same high school as former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey and current Duke quarterback Thad Lewis ... son of Valderia Allen ... born April 30, 1989 … enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters and majoring in sociology. ALLEN’S CAREER STATISTICS Att Yds G-S Time Year Avg TD LG Rec Yds Avg TD ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS 2007 99:59 12-4 86 348 4.0 0 15 24 124 5.2 1 CAREER KICK RETURN STATISTICS CAREER ALL PURPOSE STATISTICS Year Ret Yds Avg TD Long Year Rush Rec PR KR Avg/G 2007 33 704 21.3 0 38 2007 348 124 0 704 98.0 2005 2006 2007 Total Did Not Play at Northwestern Transferred to Notre Dame (Sat Out Season) 12-0 12:36 41 12-0 12:36 41 MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 47 JUSTIN BROWN Defensive End Senior • 6-3 • 277 Birthdate: 3-27-86 Clinton, Md. (Bishop McNamara) 94 Brown’s Career Highs: Tackles – 8 (at Michigan, 2007) Tackles For Loss – 1.5 (at Penn State, 2007) Sacks – 1 (at Navy, 2006) CAREER: Three-time monogram winner should be stalwart in 2008 Irish defensive line ... approved by Notre Dame’s Faculty Board on Athletics for a fifth year of eligibility since he never played as a rookie in 2004 … played in 26 games during his career, starting six contests at Notre Dame, totaling 48 tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup … started four of final five games in 2007 and established career bests for playing time, games started, tackles and tackles for loss … most experienced returning member of the Irish defensive line and one of three fifth-year veterans on the roster in ’08 … expected to compete for starting spot at a defensive end position and has made great strides in the game despite having only played football for five years. 2007 (SENIOR): Recorded a career-high 30 tackles with 11 solo tackles and 19 assisted stops and also registered a career-best 3.5 tackles for loss … started five games at defensive end, including four of the final five games, and appeared in 10 contests … split time with Dwight Stephenson Jr. at defensive end opposite Trevor Laws … notched career highs in tackles and tackles for loss in a single game during the season … started second career game and first season opener at Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech ... first start since Stanford game in ‘05 ... recorded 1.5 tackles for a loss of 13 yards, a career game high against Penn State ... recorded half a sack vs. the Nittany Lions ...finished the game with three tackles (two solos, one assist) … recorded career-high eight tackles vs. Michigan … made one assisted and two solo tackles against USC … recorded four tackles (one solo, three assists) against Navy … made six tackles (two solo, four assists) vs. Air Force … started at defensive end and recorded two assisted tackles against Duke … started sixth career game at defensive end and recorded three tackles and 0.5 sack against Stanford … logged 146:11 of playing time and made 35 special teams appearances. 2006 (JUNIOR): Saw action at defensive end vs. Navy, North Carolina, Air Force and LSU in 2006 … made two tackles, including one sack, against Navy … also forced a fumble vs. the Midshipmen … recorded one tackle and broke up a pass against North Carolina … posted three tackles, along with half a sack, at Air Force … made eight special teams appearances and logged 24:55 of playing time. 2005 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 12 games and earned a monogram … started the Stanford game at defensive end and played extensively as a reserve through the season … made 12 total tackles (nine solos), one tackle for a loss (two yards) and logged a quarterback hurry … made four tackles (all solos) against Stanford in his first career start … made one solo tackle in the win over Syracuse … made two tackles in the win over Navy … made one tackle for a loss of two yards against Tennessee … assisted on a stop vs. BYU while playing 11:55 at defensive end and making one special teams appearance … assisted on a tackle against USC … recorded two solo tackles vs. Pittsburgh … logged 75:38 of playing time with five special teams appearances. 2004 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action as a reserve defensive lineman. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Md. … played only one season of organized high school football but was an immediate standout … made 65 tackles, nine sacks and three fumble recoveries in 2003 during his first season of organized football as a defensive lineman … earned second-team all-conference honors as a senior in 2003 … also played basketball for two seasons as a forward … full name is Justin Marcus Brown … born March 27, 1986, in Washington, D.C. … one of three children … son of Michael and Beatrice Brown ... earned 3.167 grade-point average during ‘05 fall semester … graduated in May 2008 with a degree in sociology from the College of Arts and Letters ... currently enrolled in graduate studies program. BROWN’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total 75:38 24:55 146:11 246:44 12-1 4-0 10-5 26-6 Did Not Play 12 9 3 1 5 6 30 11 19 48 21 27 1-2 1.5-10 3.5-18 6.0-30 1 1 0 2 0-0 1.5-10 1-4 2.5-14 0 1 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 BROWN’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 TT UT AT TFL Opponent Sacks FF FR PBU INT *Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College *USC Navy *Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 0 2 4 Did Not Play Did Not Play 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 4 6 2 2 0 0 3 30 11 1 3 8 1 1 4 0 1.5-13 0.5-0 0-0 0.5-2 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 3 4 2 3 19 0 0 0 0 1-3 0 0.5-2 3.5-18 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0.5-2 1.0-4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 *games started 48 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE SERGIO BROWN Safety Junior • 6-2 • 205 Birthdate: 5-22-88 Maywood, Ill. (Proviso East) 31 receiver in 2005 at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Ill. ... made 41 tackles, two sacks, intercepted six passes and broke up 18 others as senior safety ... three-year starter who had 60 tackles and six interceptions (returned five for TDs) as junior in 2004 ... state qualifier in long jump ... born May 22, 1988 ... high school coach was Aaron Peppers … son of Myrtle Brown ... enrolled in Mendoza College of Business and majoring in marketing. BROWN’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int THIS IS NOTRE DAME 2006 2007 Total 0:56 32:41 33:37 11-0 9-0 20-0 4 7 11 3 4 7 1 3 4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 ‘08 OUTLOOK CAREER: Primarily a special teams performer through his first two seasons … participated in 20 contests at Notre Dame, recording 11 tackles, including seven solo stops … expected to compete in training camp for the starting safety job vacated by Tom Zbikowski. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Contributed to special teams and secondary in nine of 12 games (did not play vs. Michigan, Duke or Stanford) … had four solo tackles and assisted on three others … registered season-best two solo tackles at Purdue … totaled 32:41 of playing time. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Played in 11 of 13 games on special teams covering kickoffs and punts … totaled four tackles, including three solos … made 97 special teams appearances and tallied 56 seconds of playing time. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Proviso East High School in Maywood, Ill. … rated 83rd on list of top 100 prep players nationally by USA Today ... rated 91st on list of top 100 players nationally by Chicago Sun-Times ... rated 16th on list of top 20 Midwest players on Detroit Free-Press Best of the Midwest team ... a special-mention choice on Illinois all-state team selected by Champaign News-Gazette ... rated ninth overall among senior players in Illinois in ’05 by Chicago Tribune ... second-team Illinois all-state pick at defensive back by Chicago Tribune ... accounted for 710 all-purpose yards and scored four TDs as senior wide DAVID BRUTON Safety Senior • 6-2 • 212 Birthdate: 7-23-87 Miamisburg, Ohio (Miamisburg) 27 ‘08 PLAYERS Bruton’s Career Highs: Tackles – 15 (vs. Michigan State, 2007) Tackles For Loss – 2 (vs. Georgia Tech, 2007) Sacks – 1 (vs. Georgia Tech, 2007) Interceptions – 1 (Three times) CAREER: One of three captains of 2008 Irish squad, joining Maurice Crum Jr. and David Grimes ... top returning tackler on 2008 roster after ranking third on the team and pacing the secondary in 2007 with 85 tackles … enters ’08 with the second-most career tackles (117) on the team (behind Maurice Crum Jr., 240 tackles) … also has recorded one sack, 5.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, three passes broken up, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery … logged 351:29 of playing time in 35 games and has started 11 contests while making 444 special teams appearances … primarily a special teams player in his first two seasons before starting at free safety throughout his junior year in 2007 … the top gunner on the punt coverage unit as a sophomore and junior … one of two returning starters in the Notre Dame secondary ... named to the Nagurski Watch List (defensive player of the year) for 2008 ... rated the 12th-best safety in the nation by Lindy’s and the No. 19 free safety by Phil Steele in the ‘08 preseason… named to ‘08 Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. 2007 (JUNIOR): Ranked third on the team and tops in the secondary with 85 tackles … also posted one sack, 4.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, two passes broken up, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery … played in all 12 contests, starting 11 games at free safety (did not start vs. Navy) … notched five games with at least nine tackles … started first career game in season opener vs. Georgia Tech ... recorded best game in his Irish career, recording career highs with nine tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack … suited up vs. Penn State, making two tackles (one solo, one assist) … led the Irish with nine tackles against Michigan … led the Irish in solo tackles with eight (totalled 15) against Michigan State ... added an interception vs. the Spartans in the second quarter … recorded three solo tackles against Purdue … recorded one interception with a 17-yard return vs. UCLA to set up first Irish touchdown ... made four solo tackles vs. the Bruins … had six solo tackles vs. Boston College … had one forced fumble against USC ... made two solo and 3 assisted tackles vs. the Trojans … made four tackles (two solo, two assist) vs. Navy … recorded 13 tackles (seven solo, six assist) against Air Force … made six tackles (three solo/three assisted) and had a fumble recovery against Duke … tied for the team lead (with Tom Zbikowski and Joe Brockington) with nine tackles vs. Stanford … made his third interception of the season at Stanford … logged 319:02 of playing time and made 169 special teams appearances … named defensive MVP of the 2007 Blue-Gold Game after returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown and recording four tackles. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Played in 12 of 13 games for the Irish, on both special teams and as a reserve safety (did not play at Georgia Tech) … recorded 11 special teams tackles … recorded 18 total tackles on the season … after making first appearance of season vs. Penn State, recorded two tackles against Michigan … recorded three tackles vs. Stanford … made solo tackles vs. Purdue and UCLA … recorded a season-high five tackles in home finale vs. Army, including one for loss … registered two tackles in final regular season game at USC ... recorded four special ‘08 COACHES ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 49 BRUTON’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2006 Opponent TT UT AT TFL Sacks FF FR PBU INT Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue Stanford UCLA Navy North Carolina Air Force Army USC LSU Total 2007 Opponent 0 2 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 5 2 4 18 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 4 12 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 6 Did Not Play 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 TT UT AT TFL Sacks FF FR PBU INT *Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *UCLA *Boston College *USC Navy *Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 9 2 9 15 3 4 6 5 4 13 6 9 85 6 1 5 8 3 4 6 2 2 7 3 8 55 3 1 4 7 0 0 0 3 2 6 3 1 30 2-11 1-10 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0.5-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-2 0-0 4.5-16 1-10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-17 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3 3-20 *games started RYAN BURKHART Kicker Junior • 5-11 • 190 Birthdate: 3-30-87 Wakarusa, Ind. (Northwood) 39 teams tackles in the Sugar Bowl against LSU ... logged 28:32 of playing time and made 113 special teams appearances. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Played in 11 games (all but USC), primarily on special teams … made 14 tackles (10 solos) and broke up a pass … recorded his first career tackle (solo) vs. Michigan … made one solo tackle at safety in the win at Washington … had a huge day on kickoff coverage at Purdue, logging five solo tackles and stopping return men inside the Purdue 20 on three occasions … also played 3:55 at safety against the Boilermakers … made 17 special teams appearances vs. BYU … made two tackles (one solo) on special teams against Tennessee … made two tackles (one solo) on special teams vs. Navy … made two tackles (one solo) at Stanford … assisted on his lone tackle of the game vs. Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl … logged 3:55 of playing time with 162 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Miamisburg (Ohio) High School … made 54 tackles, three interceptions and broke up seven passes as a senior … caught 10 passes for 200 yards as a receiver … averaged 41 yards on four kickoff returns … earned AllDivision I-II all-area honors from Dayton Daily News … won all-district honors on defense … allconference and special mention all-Southwest Ohio as a junior … as a junior in 2003, intercepted eight passes, made 58 tackles and had 270 receiving yards … attended Notre Dame football camp in the summer of 2004 … coached by Tim Lewis … full name is David Lee Bruton … born July 23, 1987, in Winchester, Ky. … older of two children … son of David Sr. and Constance Bruton ... enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters, majoring in political science and sociology … earned a 3.176 grade-point average in ’07 fall semester. BRUTON’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int CAREER: Local product has played in nine games for the Irish in his career, purely as a kickoff specialist … did not see action as a sophomore in 2007 … will compete this fall with Brandon Walker for a spot as either the place-kicker or kickoff specialist … has yet to attempt a field goal in a college game. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Did not see game action in 2007. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Strong-legged kicker became the kickoff specialist after Bobby Renkes was injured in the fourth game of the season vs. Michigan State … Burkhart kicked off in final nine games (including Sugar Bowl vs. LSU) and made 45 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Northwood High School ... named to Indiana Top 50 all-state team as its only placekicker by Indiana Football Coaches Association ... helped Northwood High School to Indiana Class 3A state crown in 2005 ... Northwood won state crown after 2-5 league mark and 9-6 overall record that included six straight wins to finish the season ... hit 12 of 22 field-goal attempts as senior in ’05 (including 53-yarder in season opener) and punted 47 times for 35.5 average ... connected on eight of 11 field goals, including seven of eight from 40 yards or more, and also punted 36 times for 39.6 average as junior in 2004 ... punted 20 times for 37.7-yard average as a sophomore in 2003 and hit 50 PATs ... Indiana Class 3A all-state pick as junior by both Associated Press, IFCA and Bloomington Herald-Times ... first-team all-conference punter and kicker as senior and junior ... kicked two 49-yard field goals in one game in 2004 ... won sectional final game as sophomore with field goal with 37 seconds left ... helped team to Northern Lakes Conference title as junior ... attended Notre Dame football camp in summer of 2005 ... born March 30, 1987 ... son of Tim and Anne Burkhart ... high school coach was Rich Dodson … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management-consulting and psychology. BURKHART’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-GS Special Teams Appearances TFL QBH 2005 2006 2007 Total 3:55 28:32 319:02 11-0 14 12-0 18 12-11 85 10 12 55 4 6 30 40 0-0 1-1 4.5-16 5.5-17 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 1-10 1-10 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 3 0-0 0-0 3-20 3-20 351:29 35-11 117 77 2006 2007 9-0 45 Did Not Play 50 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE JIMMY CLAUSEN Quarterback Sophomore • 6-3 • 217 Birthdate: 9-21-87 Westlake Village , Calif. (Oaks Christian) 7 THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK Clausen’s Career Highs: Pass Attempts – 40 (vs. Air Force, 2007) Pass Completions – 22 (vs. Air Force, 2007) Passing Yards – 246 (vs. Air Force, 2007) Passing Touchdowns – 3 (twice; vs. Air Force, vs. Duke, 2007) Completion Percentage – 69.2 (at Purdue, 2007) CAREER: Begins 2008 season completely healthy as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback ... completed 57 passes for 636 yards and six touchdowns in last three games of ‘07 combined ... started the second game of the 2007 season, marking the earliest a Notre Dame freshman had started at quarterback in school history … became the eighth Irish quarterback to start as a freshman since 1951 … played in 10 games during inaugural season, starting nine contests … only two freshman quarterbacks appeared in more games (Brady Quinn, 12 in 2003; Blair Kiel, 11 in 1980) and no former freshman quarterback at Notre Dame started more games (Quinn and Kiel also started nine) … completed 138 of 245 passes (.563) for 1,254 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions … ranks second on Notre Dame’s freshman quarterback single-season lists for completions (Quinn, 157), attempts (Quinn, 332), yards (Quinn, 1,831) and completion percentage (Matt LoVecchio, .584 in 2000) … his seven TD passes rank third on Irish freshman quarterback single-season list behind LoVecchio’s 11 and Quinn’s nine ... rated the 26th-best quarterback in the nation by Phil Steele for ‘08 … named to Maxwell Award Watch List and O’Brien Award Watch List for ‘08 ... only true sophomore quarterback named to O’Brien Award Watch List. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Started at quarterback in the second game of the season vs. Penn State, the earliest any Notre Dame freshman had started at the position since freshmen regained their eligibility in 1972 … played in 10 contests and started nine games during rookie campaign … only Brady Quinn (12 games in 2003) and Blair Kiel (11 games in 1980) played in more games as an Irish freshman signal-caller … tied Quinn and Kiel for most starts by a freshman quarterback in school history … completed 138 of 245 passes (.563) for 1.254 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions … ranks second on Notre Dame’s freshman quarterback single-season lists for completions (Quinn, 157), attempts (Quinn, 332), yards (Quinn, 1,831) and completion percentage (Matt LoVecchio, .584 in 2000) … seven TD passes rank third on Irish freshman quarterback single-season list behind LoVecchio’s 11 and Quinn’s nine … one of three quarterbacks to play in the season opener vs. Georgia Tech ... completed four of six passes for 34 yards ... became the eighth freshman to ever start at quarterback for Notre Dame (since 1951) … made earliest (second game of the season) freshman quarterback debut in Notre Dame history against Penn State ... connected with Irish receivers on 17 of 32 attempts, committing one interception vs. Nittany Lions ... found wide receiver Robby Parris for a 35-yard completion, the longest of the day ... finished with 144 passing yards at Penn State ... completed 11 of 17 passes for 74 yards in second career start against Michigan ... completed seven of 13 pass attempts for 53 yards against Michigan State ... threw first TD pass of his Irish career to John Carlson in third quarter at Purdue ... completed 18 of 26 passes for 169 yards including a long pass of 36 yards vs. Boilermakers … recorded his first rushing TD of Irish career with a one-yard run against UCLA ... was 17 of 27 for 84 yards passing at UCLA … went seven for 20 for 60 yards vs. Boston College … did not see playing time vs. USC or Navy … recorded career-high three TD passes vs. Air Force ... that tied single-game record for TD passes by a freshman for Irish ... hit 22 for 40 for 246 yards passing vs. Air Force … threw a season-long and Irish career high 25-yard TD pass to David Grimes in the first half vs. Duke ... was 16 of 32 for 194 yards passing against the Blue Devils … passed for 196 yards while completing 19 of 32 attempts (.594) with no TDs and one interception vs. Stanford … credited with longest pass completion of season on a 44-yard catch-and-run play by Junior Jabbie … also connected with Duval Kamara for a 35-yard completion and Carlson for 20 yards … finished with an efficiency rating of 104.6, his third straight game exceeding 100. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Received the Hall Trophy (actually called the Ball Park National High School Player of the Year Award) at the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl … awarded since 2001, previous Hall Trophy recipients include: RB Kevin Jones (2001 – Virginia Tech), QB Chris Leak (2003 – Florida), RB Adrian Peterson (2004 – Oklahoma) and last year’s winner, QB Mitch Mustain (2006 – Arkansas) ... named USA Today Offensive Player of the Year ... received National High School Offensive Player of the Year Award from the Touchdown ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES Club of Columbus (Ohio) and was named finalist for Sam B. Nicola award, presented annually to the top high school player ... named Co-Player of the Year by Parade and selected first-team AllAmerica by the publication ... one of 20 players named to the Best in the West list compiled by the Long Beach Press-Telegram ... listed as one of 11 quarterbacks on National 100 list by Fort Worth Star-Telegram ... named a first-team All-American by Scout.com ... completed 194 of 281 passes for 3,428 yards and 49 touchdowns with only six interceptions in 15 games as a senior ... also rushed for seven scores in final season ... helped lead Oaks Christian to four consecutive CIFSouthern Section championships and tied the longest winning streak in section history as the Lions won 46 straight contests ... never lost a game he started, finishing his career 42-0 ... Oaks Christian was named the state team of the year by CalHiSports.com in 2006 after winning the Division III state bowl game and becoming only the second team in California history to finish a season with a 15-0 record ... defeated Cardinal Newman High School in state championship, 27-20 in overtime, and finished season ranked sixth in the nation by USA Today ... for his career, he passed for 10,764 yards and a state record 146 TD passes ... completed 67.8 percent of his passes in high school, one of the best nationally in high school history, according to the National Federation of High School sports record book ... ranked the top prospect in the nation by Rivals.com ... named number four national prospect by SuperPrep ... rated the number-one quarterback in the country and ninth-best prospect on the ESPN 150 list ... started for the West team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio ... rated best player in the country in the 2006 preseason by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... one of top 25 quarterbacks nationally on 2006 preseason basis by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... rated the No. 1 prospect in the nation in the 2006 preseason by The Sporting News ... named one of the top 50 high school seniors by Street & Smith’s and one of seven quarterbacks named to its All-America team ... completed 156 of 231 passes for 2,778 yards with 30 TDs and five interceptions as a junior ... as a sophomore, he completed 227 of 329 passes for 3,665 yards with 58 TDs and six interceptions ... played for coach Bill Redell at Oaks Christian ... older brothers, Rick and Casey, both played quarterback at the University of Tennessee ... enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2007 ... son of Jim and Cathy Clausen ... born Sept. 21, 1987 … enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters, majoring in sociology ... earned a 3.267 grade-point average in the spring ‘08 semester. ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 51 CAREER PASSING STATISTICS Year G-GS C-A-I Pct. Yards TD 2007 10-9 138-245-6 56.3 1254 TD 7 CAREER RUSHING STATISTICS Year Att. Yards Avg. 2007 62 -187 -3.0 1 RUSHING Att. Yards CLAUSEN’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 PASSING Opponent Comp. Att. Pct. Yards TD Int. TD Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *UCLA *Boston College USC Navy *Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 4 17 11 7 18 17 7 22 16 19 138 66.7 53.1 64.7 53.8 69.2 63.0 35.0 Did Not Play Did Not Play 40 55.0 32 50.0 32 59.4 245 56.3 6 32 17 13 26 27 20 34 144 74 53 169 84 60 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 2 10 9 4 3 8 1 -14 -25 -65 -30 13 -21 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 246 194 196 1254 3 3 0 7 0 0 1 6 10 7 8 62 -39 12 -22 -187 0 0 0 1 *games started MAURICE CRUM JR. Inside Linebacker Senior • 6-0 • 235 Birthdate: 5-29-86 Riverview, Fla. (Tampa Bay Tech) 40 Crum’s Career Highs: Tackles – 16 (Navy, 2007) Tackles For Loss – 3 (twice, Tennessee, 2005; Penn State, 2006) Sacks – 1 (five times; four times in 2006 and once in 2007) Interceptions – 2 (at UCLA, 2007) Forced Fumbles – 2 (at UCLA, 2007) Fumble Recoveries – 2 (at UCLA, 2007) Touchdowns – 1 (at UCLA, 2007) CAREER: One of three captains of ‘08 Notre Dame squad, joining David Bruton and David Grimes ... became the 17th player in the program’s history to be named a two-time captain of the football team ... fifth-year senior who has won three monograms ... approved by Notre Dame’s Faculty Board of Athletics to utilize a fifth year of eligibility … enters the 2008 season with 241 career tackles, needing 54 stops to enter Notre Dame’s top-ten list for career tackles … on pace to pass to former teammate Tom Zbikowski who sits eighth all-time for the Irish with 300 tackles … totaled 114 solo tackles, five sacks, 17 tackles for loss, three interceptions, eight passes broken up, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … has started every contest over the last three seasons and holds Notre Dame’s longest active streak for both most consecutive games played and started (37) … started at outside linebacker as a sophomore, middle linebacker as a junior (both in a 4-3 scheme) and inside linebacker as a senior (in a 3-4 scheme) … named an honorable mention ‘08 preseason AllAmerican by The Sporting News ... selected to the ‘08 Nagurski Trophy Watch List (defensive player of the year) and Lott Award Watch List ... rated the No. 11 inside linebacker by Phil Steele for ‘08 and the 11th-best outside linebacker by Lindy’s … named to ‘08 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. 2007 (SENIOR): Ranked fourth on the team and second among linebackers with 84 tackles … added 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, four passes broken up, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries … personally responsible for five turnovers as he intercepted two passes, forced a fumble (that was recovered by a teammate), and recovered two fumbles that he forced … started every game for third straight season … received national Defensive Player of the Week award from the Walter Camp Foundation following his performance at UCLA … scored first career touchdown when he returned a fumble he forced and recovered 35 yards for a score at UCLA … tied with two teammates with a team-high nine tackles vs. Georgia Tech … was a force in the second game of the season with six tackles (three solo, three assist) against Penn State ... assisted on six tackles and recorded a solo tackle for a total of seven against Michigan ... led the Irish with careerhigh 16 tackles (six solo, 10 assist) against Michigan State ... has led the Irish in tackles on six different occasions over his career ... game also marked the third of his career with 10 or more tackles ... his 16 tackles were the most for an Irish player since Chinedum Ndukwe had 22 stops at Air Force on Nov. 11, 2006 ... recorded two tackles against Purdue (one solo, one assist) … named Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week following incredible performance at UCLA ... had two fumble recoveries, one with a return for a touchdown, and one forced fumble ... also had two interceptions for 46 yards vs. the Bruins ... first Irish player to ever record two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two INTs in the same game ... set school record for turnovers forced (four) … made three tackles (one solo, two assist) vs. USC … had 13 tackles (seven solo, six assist) and a forced fumble vs. Navy … made 11 tackles (five solo, six assist) vs. Air Force … recorded three assisted tackles against Duke … made six tackles (four solo, two assist) vs. Stanford … logged 294:40 of playing time with 106 special teams appearances. 2006 (JUNIOR): Started all 13 games at middle linebacker for the Irish, one of 15 Irish players to start every game … led the team with 100 tackles … third on the squad with 10.0 TFL for 55 yards … third on the team with four sacks … made six tackles, along with two for loss and one sack, in the season opener at Georgia Tech … recorded a career-high and game-high 14 tackles (10 solo) vs. Penn State … also matched a career-high three TFLs and forced a fumble vs. the Nittany Lions … made six tackles with one TFL against Michigan … registered five tackles vs. both Michigan State and 52 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE Purdue … recorded his first career interception vs. Stanford … also had a pass break-up and made seven tackles against the Cardinal … made eight tackles with one sack against UCLA … recorded 11 tackles vs. Navy … registered nine tackles, plus one sack, vs. North Carolina, leading the team in tackles for the second time … made six tackles at Air Force … recorded six tackles, 1.5 TFL and one sack in home finale vs. Army … had nine tackles, with 0.5 TFL, on the road at USC ... finished the Sugar Bowl vs. LSU with eight tackles, including five solo ... logged 238:34 of playing time with 114 special teams appearances. 2005 (SOPHOMORE): Started all 12 games at linebacker … finished sixth on the team with 57 total tackles (32 solos) … made 3.5 tackles for losses (five yards) with three quarterback hurries, one pass broken up and a forced fumble … recorded five tackles (two solo) against Pittsburgh in his debut performance for the Irish … registered five tackles at Michigan, including four solo stops and forced a fumble against the Wolverines … made seven tackles (four solos) against Michigan State … made two tackles (one solo) against Washington … made one solo tackle against Purdue … assisted on four tackles and had a quarterback hurry against USC … made five tackles (four solos) and had two quarterback hurries in the win over BYU … made five tackles (four solos) against Tennessee, including three for losses (five yards) and a pass broken up … made seven tackles (two solos) in the win over Navy … made two tackles in the victory over Syracuse … had seven tackles (six solos) in the victory over Stanford … credited with seven tackles (two solos) against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl … logged 262:56 of playing time with 57 special teams appearances. 2004 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action as a rookie reserve linebacker in 2004 … was a significant contributor on the scout team. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Tampa (Fla.) Bay Tech High School … a first-team linebacker on the Florida class 3A all-state team selected by the Florida Sports Writers Association ... an all-Hillsborough County first-team pick at linebacker as a senior, selected by the Tampa Tribune ... made 68 tackles as a senior in 2003 ... had 103 tackles (60 solos) as a junior in 2002, adding three interceptions and two sacks ... served as team captain as a junior and was named all-county and all-conference ... named defensive MVP of the 2003 Hillsborough County All-Star game ... his father Maurice Crum Sr., played collegiately as a linebacker at the University of Miami, earning first-team All-America honors as a senior in 1990 and leading the Hurricanes in tackles three straight years … full name is Maurice Crum Jr. ... born May 29, 1986, in Tampa, Fla. ... son of Maurice Sr. and Tia Alexander ... graduated in May 2008 from the College of Arts and Letters with a degree in sociology ... currently enrolled in graduate studies program. CRUM’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int 2006 Opponent TT UT AT TFL Sacks FF FR PBU INT *Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *Stanford *UCLA *Navy *North Carolina *Air Force *Army *USC *LSU (Sugar) Total 2007 Opponent 6 14 6 5 5 7 8 11 9 6 6 9 8 100 4 10 2 4 1 3 3 4 3 0 2 6 5 47 2 4 4 1 4 4 5 7 6 6 4 3 3 53 2-15 1-14 3-10 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-7 1-7 0-0 0-0 1-9 1-9 0-0 0-0 1.5-9 1-8 0.5-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 10-55 4-38 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK TT UT AT TFL Sacks FF FR PBU INT *Georgia Tech 9 3 6 1-2 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *UCLA *Boston College *USC *Navy *Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 6 7 16 2 8 0 3 13 11 3 6 84 3 1 6 1 5 0 1 7 5 0 2 35 3 6 10 1 2 0 2 6 6 3 4 49 0-0 0-0 0.5-1 0-0 2-17 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-8 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-34 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-34 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-46 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-46 ‘08 PLAYERS 4.5-21 1-8 *games started TAYLOR 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total Did Not Play 262:56 12-12 57 32 238:34 13-13 100 47 294:40 12-12 84 35 794:1037-37 241 DEVER 25 3-5 53 10-55 49 4.5-21 3 2 0 5 0-0 4-38 1-8 5-46 1 0-0 1 1 0-0 3 3 2-34 4 5 2-34 8 0-0 1-0 2-46 3-46 114 127 17.5-81 Offensive Tackle Sophomore • 6-5 • 308 Birthdate: 5-6-89 Grass Valley, Calif. (Nevada Union) 75 ‘08 COACHES CRUM’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2005 Opponent TT UT AT TFL Sacks FF FR PBU INT ‘07 REVIEW *Pittsburgh *Michigan *Michigan State *Washington *Purdue *USC *BYU *Tennessee *Navy *Syracuse *Stanford *Ohio State (Fiesta) Total 5 5 7 2 2 4 5 5 7 2 7 7 57 2 4 4 1 1 0 4 4 2 2 6 2 32 3 1 3 1 1 4 1 1 5 0 1 5 25 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 CAREER: Physically-imposing player did not see game action during freshman year but will compete for time on the offensive line in 2008 … used primarily during 2007 as an offensive tackle and would go against the first-string defense. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Did not see any game action during freshman year. HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated as the 49th-best player and number-eight offensive lineman in the Far West by SuperPrep ... Scout.com rated him as the No. 29 offensive tackle in the nation and the 47th-best prospect in California ... ranked the 39th-best tackle in the country and 60th-best prospect in California by Rivals.com ... played for coach Dave Humphers at Nevada Union High School ... full name is Anthony Taylor Dever ... born May 6, 1989 … son of Tim and Lori Dever ... high school team was section champion in junior year … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business. 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 53 PAUL DUNCAN Offensive Tackle Senior • 6-7 • 308 Birthdate: 6-18-87 Dallas, Ga. (East Paulding) 72 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in 12 of 13 games for the Irish as a reserve offensive lineman … provided support for freshman Sam Young as a reserve right tackle ... logged 52:09 of playing time with 64 special teams appearances. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Played in five games (Pittsburgh, Washington, BYU, Tennessee and Navy) as a reserve offensive tackle … saw action late in the 42-21 season-opening victory at Pittsburgh … also played in the 36-17 win at Washington … played 6:37 at tackle in the 49-28 win over Purdue … played 4:58 on offense in the win over BYU … played 1:10 in the win over Tennessee … played 1:11 in the win over Navy … logged 23:45 of playing time. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from East Paulding High School in Dallas, Ga. … the 2004 Offensive Lineman of the Year for the state of Georgia by the Atlanta Touchdown Club … named to Super Southern 100 team by Atlanta Journal-Constitution … played both offensive and defensive tackle as a senior … first-team pick as an offensive lineman on the Georgia Class 4A all-state team by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution … rated the nation’s No. 18 offensive tackle by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report … played in Georgia’s North-South all-star game following his senior season … attended Notre Dame football camp in the summer of 2004 … coached by Tim Glanton … born June 18, 1987, in Adleworth, Ga. … full name is Paul Emmett Duncan … second-youngest of four children of Julie and Paul Duncan … enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business majoring in management-entrepreneurship. DUNCAN’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-GS Time CAREER: Veteran of the Irish offensive line after starting all 12 games during his junior season and seeing action in 29 career contests … began the 2007 campaign at left tackle but transitioned to right tackle after swapping positions with Sam Young … gained tremendous experience by logging 301:44 of playing time during junior year and has been on the field for 376:38 in his career … played primarily as a freshman and sophomore on special teams or as backup to Young … heads into the fall as a valued member of an Irish offensive line that returns three players who started all 12 games, one player who started six contests and one player that started five games. 2007 (JUNIOR): Started all 12 games for Irish as an offensive tackle, starting the first two games at left tackle and the final 10 contests at right tackle … one of two juniors (also Mike Turkovich) to start on the offensive line … one of four players on offense and eight players on the team to start all 12 games … made first career start at Notre Dame when he opened at left tackle vs. Georgia Tech … started at left tackle vs. Penn State … made first career start at right tackle against Michigan... made second consecutive start at right tackle vs. Michigan State and helped the Irish gain 117 rushing yards ... started seventh game of his career vs. Navy and helped the team rush for a season-best 235 yards and four rushing touchdowns … on senior day, helped Notre Dame gain 220 yards rushing while averaging 4.6 yards per rush vs. Duke … logged 301:44 of playing time with 38 special teams appearances. 2005 2006 2007 Total 5-0 12-0 12-12 29-12 23:45 52:09 301:44 376:38 JASHAAD GAINES Safety Junior • 6-0 • 202 Birthdate: 12-19-86 Las Vegas, Nev. (Las Vegas) 29 CAREER: Third-year player looking to carve a niche for himself in the defensive secondary … has participated in nine games at Notre Dame, recording six tackles with one solo stop and five assisted tackles … played primarily on special teams as a freshman and sophomore where he made 41 combined appearances … made appearances as a reserve safety during three games and played on special teams in one more in the 2007 season … posted a career-high four tackles against USC in 2007. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in four games and made 15 special teams appearances while also earning limited time as a reserve safety … made season debut vs. Penn State and had one tackle … achieved a career-high four tackles vs. USC … also had a tackle vs. Air Force … logged 5:01 of playing time. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Made 26 special teams appearances and played in five games as a freshman defensive back. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, Nev. … Gatorade Player of the Year for 2005 in Nevada ... first-team Nevada Class 4A all-state defensive back by Reno Gazette-Journal and Las Vegas Review-Journal ... helped Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, Nev., to 23-0 victory over Hug in Nevada Class 4A state title game, making five tackles (2.5 for loss) as Las Vegas held Hug to 18 rushing yards ... helped Las Vegas allow only 28 combined points over its final eight games ... helped Las Vegas to 14-1 overall mark in ’05, including shutout wins in each of last three playoff games ... helped Las Vegas outscore five playoff opponents by combined 106-14 score ... had 55 tackles, 13 passes broken up and two interceptions as senior in ’05 ... rushed for 102 yards and three TDs on 22 attempts ... first-team all-Sunrise Region ... also ran track ... sister, Tulyah, is a senior and a starting guard on Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team ... born Dec. 19, 1987 ... son of Kevin and Phalesia Gaines ... high school coach was Chris Faircloth … enrolled in College of Engineering, majoring in mechanical engineering. GAINES’ CAREER STATISTICS 54 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int 2006 2007 Total 0:00 5:01 5:01 5-0 4-0 9-0 0 6 6 0 1 1 0 5 5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Made his Irish debut on special teams and appeared in seven games during the season … participated on a special teams units 50 times. THIS IS NOTRE DAME 2006 (FRESHMAN): Did not see any game action as a rookie. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Fort Campbell High School in Fort Campbell, Ky. … first-team all-state pick in Kentucky by Louisville CourierJournal ... one of 22 seniors on 2005 Class of the Commonwealth team named by Lexington Herald-Leader ... made 90 tackles, forced three fumbles and had two interceptions (both returned for TDs) in 2005 ... played on Fort Campbell High School team that was ranked number one in Kentucky most of its unbeaten ‘05 season ... made 128 tackles, five interceptions as junior in 2004 ... born May 29, 1988 ... son of Leonard Sr. and Cassie Gordon ... high school coach was Shawn Berner … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters, double majoring in political science and pre-professional studies … earned a 3.417 grade-point average in fall ‘06 semester. GORDON’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S Special Teams Appearances BARRY GALLUP JR. Halfback Junior • 5-11 • 200 Birthdate: 10-14-87 Wellesley, Mass. (Belmont Hill) 21 ‘08 OUTLOOK 2006 2007 Total 0:00 0:00 Did Not Play 7-0 50 7-0 50 CAREER: Talented, young player who moved from wide receiver to halfback during ‘08 spring practices ... used primarily as a running back in high school … former Massachusetts player of the year did not play as a freshman and saw 2:30 of action as a sophomore … looking to have solid training camp and work his way up the Irish depth chart. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Made five special teams appearances during the season as he saw the field for the first time in a Notre Dame uniform. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Quick and shifty wide receiver who did not play as a rookie. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Belmont Hill School in Wellesley, Mass. … Gatorade Player of the Year for 2005 in Massachusetts ... named to Boston Globe All-Scholastic team and also named MVP for Independent School League ... finished his career with 70 touchdowns and 14 interceptions ... rushed for 1,606 yards as senior in ‘05 and added eight receptions at 29 yards per catch, while scoring 26 TDs at Belmont Hill School in Belmont, Mass. ... helped Belmont Hill to 8-1 mark and first round of state playoffs ... selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl ... had 500 receiving yards and eight receiving TDs as junior in 2004 to go with 1,700 rushing yards from tailback slot and another 16 rushing TDs ... had six interceptions in eight games in ’04 ... captain of track and field team as all-New England pick and also was an all-league selection in hockey ... father Barry Sr. is part of Boston College athletics department as director of football operations ... born Oct. 14, 1987 ... son of Barry Sr. and Victoria ... high school coach was Kevin Fleming … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in finance … earned a 3.733 grade-point average in ‘06 fall semester and 3.542 GPA in ‘08 spring semester ... boasts a 3.502 cumulative average. GALLUP’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S Special Teams Appearances GARY GRAY Cornerback Sophomore • 5-11 • 188 Birthdate: 1-6-89 Columbia, S.C. (Richland Northeast) 4 ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES ‘07 REVIEW CAREER: Highly-touted prospect did not play in freshman season after undergoing shoulder surgery prior to the start of the fall practice … expected to compete for playing time in the secondary and to push the cornerbacks in training camp … was valuable to the first-team offense as he helped prepare the receivers down the stretch. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Did not play while he recovered from preseason shoulder surgery. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated 13th best prep player nationally on ESPN 150 listing . . . one of 12 defensive backs on National 100 list by Fort Worth StarTelegram . . . named to Super Southern 100 team for 2006 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of eight cornerbacks . . . listed 78th player nationally by Rivals.com, as well as third among South Carolina players and ninth among cornerbacks . . . one of 11 players from South Carolina selected to All-Southern team by Orlando Sentinel . . . rated 54th best prospect nationally overall by CSTV – and third nationally among cornerbacks . . . first-team South Carolina all-state pick as defensive back for 2006 by both Associated Press and Columbia State . . . rated third on Columbia State Top 50 list of South Carolina players for 2006 . . . played quarterback in wing-T attack as senior in 2006 for Richland Northeast High School in Columbia, S.C. . . . made 24 tackles and intercepted one pass in ’06 . . . rushed for 1,028 yards on 127 carries in ’06 as option signalcaller and finished with 1,600 total yards and 11 touchdowns . . . also ran a kickoff back 88 yards for a score . . . had 60 tackles and broke up 14 passes and had four interceptions (one returned 65 yards for a TD) as junior cornerback in ’05 – and made 65 tackles with 19 pass breakups and three interceptions in eight games as sophomore in 2004 . . . also started three games at quarterback as sophomore on 7-4 team, throwing for 320 yards, rushing for 350 more and scoring six TDs . . . led Richland Northeast to 13-2 record and South Carolina Class 4A Division II title game in 2005 as junior . . . rated 21st-best overall national prospect – and first among defensive backs — for 2006 on preseason basis by The Sporting News . . . rated 14th-best defensive back prospect nationally (and 53rd overall in East) on preseason basis for 2006 by The Sporting News SchoolSports . . . selected for U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl in San Antonio and also played in Shrine Bowl between North and South Carolina stars . . . enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2007 . . . played for coach Jay Frye at Richland Northeast . . . born Jan. 6, 1989 . . . son of Duane Wages and Yvonne Robinson … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters. 2006 2007 Total 0:00 0:00 Did Not Play 5 2-0 2-0 5 LEONARD GORDON Cornerback Junior • 5-11 • 187 Birthdate: 5-29-88 Clarksville, Tenn. (Fort Campbell, Ky.) 24 HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA CAREER: Third-year player provides depth in the secondary as he can play either safety or corner for the Irish … has played in seven career games, all coming as a sophomore … played strictly on special teams in 2007, appearing 50 times during the season. 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 55 DAVID GRIMES Wide Receiver Senior • 5-10 • 177 Birthdate: 12-31-86 Detroit, Mich. (DePorres) 11 Grimes’ Career Highs: Receptions – 8 (UCLA, 2006) Receiving Yards – 79 (UCLA, 2006) Longest Reception – 36 (Navy, 2006) Receiving TDs – 1 (four times) Longest Kickoff Return – 50 (North Carolina, 2006) CAREER: One of three captains for Notre Dame in ‘08, joining David Bruton and Maurice Crum Jr. ... veteran wide receiver who has been a key member of the offense each of the last two seasons … possesses great hands and tremendous versatility as he has lined up in the slot as well as out wide in various formations … recorded 55 career receptions for 579 yards with four touchdowns for the Irish, making him Notre Dame’s active career leader in catches and receiving yards … played in 34 games over the past three seasons and started 16 contests – only Sam Young has more career starts on the current Irish offense … able to get on the field his first two years as a kick returner where he averaged 23.7 yards on 36 returns. 2007 (JUNIOR): Recorded career-high 27 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns while playing in 10 games and starting eight of those contests … ranked fourth on the team in both catches and receiving yards … did not play vs. UCLA or Boston College while he recovered from an injury and started the remaining games he appeared in, except against USC and Navy … started the season opener for the first time in his career ... recorded one reception for four yards vs. Georgia Tech … led the Notre Dame wide receivers, pulling in five completions from quarterback Jimmy Clausen for a team-high 45 receiving yards vs. Penn State ... recorded three receptions for 10 yards against Michigan … had three receptions for 24 yards vs. Michigan State … recorded 34 yards on three catches vs. Purdue … did not play at UCLA or vs. Boston College due to an injured ankle … caught two passes for four yards vs. Navy … led the Irish in receiving with six receptions for 67 yards and a TD vs. Air Force … scored Notre Dame’s first TD of the afternoon against Duke on a 25-yard grab ... had two receptions for 26 yards including a TD vs. the Blue Devils … finished the season with two catches for 10 yards against Stanford … logged 175:01 with two special teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Played in 12 of 13 games for the Irish … fifth on the team with 336 receiving yards … led the team with 514 kickoff return yards … fourth on the team with 852 allpurpose yards … started as the third wideout against Stanford, UCLA, North Carolina, Air Force, Army, USC and LSU … had a 46-yard kickoff return in the season opener at Georgia Tech … had four receptions for 48 yards while averaging 24.2 yards on six kickoff returns vs. Michigan … netted a careerhigh 193 all-purpose yards against the Wolverines … had a breakout game against UCLA, making eight catches for 79 yards and returned three kickoffs for 53 yards … had his first career touchdown reception vs. Navy, a 36-yard grab … totaled 72 yards on three catches vs. the Midshipmen … returned three kickoffs for 101 yards vs. North Carolina, including a career-best 50-yard return … made two catches for 16 yards vs. Air Force … gained 56 yards on five receptions against Army … had two catches for 34 yards, along with two kickoff returns for 35 yards against USC ... recorded a 24-yard TD catch vs. LSU in the Sugar Bowl ... logged 160:47 of playing time with 50 special teams appearances 2005 (FRESHMAN): Played in all 12 games, primarily on special teams, and won a monogram … emerged as Notre Dame’s top kickoff return man … made his first career start at receiver for the Irish against BYU … for the season, he made two catches for 19 yards, rushed two times for eight yards, returned 15 kickoffs for 338 yards (22.5-yard average with a long of 40) and returned a punt for 17 yards … played in a reserve role at receiver in the opener at Pittsburgh, but did not make a catch … made his first catch for Notre Dame against Michigan State, an 11-yard reception in the fourth quarter … returned a kickoff for 31 yards against Washington … played 5:55 at receiver versus Purdue, but did not make a catch … returned two kickoffs for 62 yards against the Boilermakers, including a season-best 40-yarder … rushed twice for eight yards on reverses and returned two kickoffs for 36 yards against USC … had one catch for eight yards against BYU and returned three kickoffs for 62 yards against the Cougars, including a long of 33 yards … returned two kickoffs for 27 yards (long of 16) and a punt for 17 yards in the win over Navy … had one kickoff return for 23 yards in the win over Syracuse … returned four kickoffs for 97 yards versus Stanford, including a 28-yarder … logged 26:06 of playing time with 52 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from St. Martin DePorres High School in Detroit, Mich. … caught 48 passes for 800 yards and eight TDs as a senior in 2004 for the state runner-up … made 41 tackles and intercepted five passes on defense … a first-team allstate pick at wide receiver on the Detroit Free-Press Dream Team … returned a fumble 36 yards for a TD in the 2004 Michigan Division 7 state title game against Unionville-Sebewaing … also caught five passes for 59 yards and made seven tackles in that game … helped DePorres to an overall 9-5 mark in 2004 and a first-place tie in the Detroit Catholic League … team captain as a senior … honorable mention all-conference as a junior when he helped DePorres to the Michigan Division 8 state crown while scoring on 80-yard reception in the state title game, a 20-9 win over Beal City … a top-flight guard in basketball … older brother, Carl, is a fifth-year wide receiver at Michigan State … attended Notre Dame football camp in the summer of 2004 … coached by Greg Carter … full name is David Michael Grimes … born Dec. 31, 1986, in Los Angeles, Calif. … one of five children … son of Janice Grimes ... enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business majoring in marketing … earned 3.33 gradepoint average in ‘06 spring semester and a 3.40 GPA in ’07 fall semester. GRIMES’ CAREER STATISTICS RUSHING RECEIVING Year Time G-S No. Yds Avg. TD LP Att Yds Avg. TD LP 2005 2006 2007 Total 26:06 160:47 175:01 361:54 12-1 12-7 10-8 2 26 27 19 336 224 579 9.5 12.9 8.3 10.5 0 2 2 4 11 36 25 36 2 1 0 3 8 2 0 10 4.0 2.0 0.0 3.3 0 1 0 1 8 2 0 8 34-16 55 Year KICKOFF RETURNS No. Yards Avg. TD LP PUNT RETURNS No. Yards Avg. TD LP 2005 2006 2007 Total 15 21 0 36 338 514 0 852 22.5 24.5 0.0 23.7 0 0 0 0 40 50 0 50 1 0 0 1 17 0 0 17 17.0 0.0 0.0 17.0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 17 56 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE GRIMES’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2006 Opponent Rec. Yards Avg. TD Long Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue *Stanford *UCLA Navy *North Carolina *Air Force *Army *USC *LSU (Sugar Bowl) Total 2007 Opponent 0 0 4 0 0 1 8 3 0 2 5 2 1 26 0 0 48 0 0 7 79 72 0 16 56 34 24 336 0.0 0.0 12.0 0.0 0.0 7.0 9.9 24.0 0.0 8.0 11.2 17.0 24.0 12.9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 20 0 0 7 17 36 0 9 16 27 24 36 gram … made five tackles (two solos) … was named the look team’s defensive player of the week prior to the Michigan State and Syracuse games … made his Irish debut against Washington, making an appearance on special teams vs. the Huskies … was a regular on special teams against Purdue, making 11 appearances, but did not make a tackle … was in on 16 special teams plays versus USC … made 17 special teams appearances vs. BYU … made 10 special teams appearances vs. Tennessee … made two tackles in the win over Navy and played 5:23 at safety against the Midshipmen (his debut on defense for the Irish) with six special teams appearances … made two tackles (one solo) in 15 special teams appearances vs. Syracuse … logged 5:23 of playing time with 115 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Holy Trinity Academy in Melbourne, Fla. … as a senior in 2004 he made 76 tackles and nine interceptions at strong safety, carried 40 times for 362 yards and caught 21 passes for 447 yards while accounting for 13 TDs … rushed 34 times for 316 yards and four TDs as a junior in 2003 … also caught 31 passes for 831 yards and 12 TDs while making 149 tackles, four sacks, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries … a four-time all-state pick who finished seventh in Florida prep history with 25 career interceptions … was named the team’s MVP all four seasons … was a freshman member of Holy Trinity’s first varsity football team and was instrumental in the program’s 30-8 regular season record over the next four seasons (including 17-1 in 2003-04) … led Holy Trinity to two district championships … Holy Trinity qualified for the state playoffs all four years … had career totals of 401 tackles, 25 interceptions, 85 catches for 2,063 yards and 29 TDs … scored 314 points in his prep football career … a sprinter in track who also played basketball … coached by John Thomas … kept a diary about his senior year of high school for the Florida Today newspaper … full name is Ray Henry Herring Jr. … born Sept. 15, 1986, in Tampa, Fla. … father, Ray, Sr., was a highly-recruited defensive back at Palm Bay High School before being paralyzed in a game … son of Ray and Valerie Herring ... enrolled in College of Arts and Letters, majoring in sociology … earned a 3.021 grade-point average in ’07 fall semester. HERRING’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES FUMBLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK Rec. Yards Avg. TD Long *Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue UCLA Boston College USC Navy *Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 1 5 3 3 3 0 2 6 2 2 27 4 45 10 24 34 Did Not Play Did Not Play 0 4 67 26 10 224 4.0 9.0 3.3 8.0 11.3 0 0 0 0 0 4 14 8 9 17 ‘08 PLAYERS 0 2.0 11.2 13.0 5.0 8.3 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 6 21 25 14 25 *games started 2005 2006 2007 Total 5:23 41:09 6:23 9-0 5 13-1 18 4-0 3 2 9 1 12 3 9 2 14 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 1-0 2-0 3-0 0 2 0 2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 52:5 5 26-1 26 ‘08 COACHES RAY HERRING Safety Senior • 5-10 • 198 Birthdate: 9-15-86 Melbourne, Fla. (Holy Trinity Academy) 6 ROBERT HUGHES Halfback Sophomore • 5-11 • 237 Birthdate: 6-21-89 Chicago, Ill. (Hubbard) 33 ‘07 REVIEW CAREER: Backed up two-time All-American Tom Zbikowski during his first three years with the Irish defense … appeared in 26 games for Notre Dame, starting one game in 2006, and contributing primarily on special teams where has made 310 appearances … totaled 26 tackles for the Irish with 12 solo stops, three fumble recoveries and two passes broken up … will compete for the vacant strong safety starting spot in training camp. 2007 (JUNIOR): Appeared in the first four games before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season … totaled three tackles and recovered two fumbles … recorded a season high in tackles against Georgia Tech in the season opener with two … the following week, made a tackle vs. Penn State … the highlight of his season was recovering two fumbles vs. Michigan … logged 6:23 of playing time and made 16 special teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in all 13 games during the season … started the Stanford game at strong safety in place of an injured Tom Zbikowski … 13th on the team with 18 tackles on the season … recorded four tackles in the home-opener vs. Penn State … had one tackle in each game vs. Michigan and Purdue, adding a pass break-up against the Boilermakers … made a career-high nine tackles in his first career start vs. Stanford … recorded two tackles versus Navy and one tackle vs. Air Force … recovered a fumble vs. Army ... registered a pass breakup vs. LSU in the Sugar Bowl ... logged 41:09 of playing time with 179 special teams appearances. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Played in nine games, primarily on special teams, to earn a mono- Hughes’ Career Highs: Rushes – 18 (at Stanford, 2007) Rushing Yards – 136 (at Stanford, 2007) Longest Rush – 45 (at Stanford, 2007) Rushing Touchdowns – 1 (four times in 2007) Receptions – 2 (at Stanford, 2007) Receiving Yards – 13 (vs. Duke, 2007) Longest Reception – 13 (vs. Duke, 2007) CAREER: Powerful running back who has demonstrated nifty agility for a player his size … blossomed towards the end of his rookie season as he gained 246 combined yards on 35 carries (7.0 avg.) with two touchdowns in the final two games … became the first Notre Dame freshman running back to eclipse 100 rushing yards in consecutive weeks since Allen Pinkett in 1982 … totaled 294 yards rushing on 53 carries with four TDs in rookie campaign … added three receptions for 17 yards … enters training camp in heated competition at the running back position with James Aldridge and classmate Armando Allen Jr. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Recorded the best average yards per rush on the team (5.5), the second-most rushing touchdowns (four) and the third-highest rushing yards total (294) … used primarily in short-yardage situations early in the season, then exploded onto the scene in the final two games when used as the primary running back … rushed for 246 yards on 35 carries with two HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 57 HUGHES’S CAREER STATISTICS YEAR TIME G-S ATT YDS AVG. TD LP REC. YDS AVG TD 2007 39:39 11-1 53 294 5.5 4 45 3 17 5.7 0 HUGHES’ 2007 GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS RUSHING Opponent Att. Yards Avg. Long TD RECEIVING Rec. Yards Avg. TD Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC Navy Air Force Duke *Stanford Total 0 0 0 6 1 5 4 1 1 17 18 53 0 0 0 33 0 6 3 3 3 110 136 294 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 1 0 0 Did Not Play 1.2 3 0 0.8 4 0 3.0 3 1 3.0 3 0 6.5 33 1 3.0 45 1 5.5 45 4 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.5 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 4 17 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.0 2.0 5.7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 *games started RICHARD JACKSON Wide Receiver Junior • 6-3 • 205 Birthdate: 9-25-87 Clermont, Fla. (East Ridge) 80 TDs in the final two contests … caught three passes for 17 yards including a long reception of 13 yards … played in 11 games during freshman season in the Irish backfield (did not play at UCLA) … against Michigan State carried the ball six times for 33 yards and a TD … carried the ball once vs. Navy for a three-yard TD … had a break-out game against Duke carrying the ball 17 times for a game-high 110 yards and a TD … included a 33-yard scamper and also caught a pass for 13 yards vs. Duke … continued his dominance the next week at Stanford, running for career-high 136 yards on 18 carries … the 136 rushing yards were the most by a Notre Dame player all year and the best rushing total by an Irish running back since Darius Walker gained 162 yards vs. Army in ‘06 … achieved Notre Dame’s longest play from scrimmage for the 2007 season when he broke loose for a 45-yard run in the first quarter … scored the game-winning TD with under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter … logged 39:39 with 35 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Selected for 2007 U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl in San Antonio ... named first-team all-state by the Chicago Tribune after rushing for 1,780 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior ... helped lead Hubbard to an 8-3 season and reached the second round of the state playoffs in his senior season ... named to the Best of the Midwest team by the Detroit Free Press as the 14th-best prospect and number four running back on the list ... listed as one of 12 running backs, along with teammate Armando Allen, on National 100 list by Fort Worth Star-Telegram ... named one of the top 50 high school seniors by Street & Smith’s and one of six running backs named to its All-America team ... rated the ninth-best running back in the nation by Scout.com and the second-best prospect in Illinois by the recruiting service ... Rivals.com rates him the third-best player in Illinois, 14th-best running back prospect in the country and 77th-best player in the nation ... rated the 13th-best running back in the nation by Tom Lemming ... one of 11 Notre Dame signees chosen to the ESPN 150 list ... rated 96th-best overall prospect nationally – and 15th among running backs, 17th-best player in the Midwest – on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... one of top 33 running backs nationally on 2006 preseason basis by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... ran for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior, adding 71 tackles and five sacks at nose tackle while helping Hubbard reach the Class 6A state semifinals ... rushed for 1,000 yards as a freshman and 1,034 yards as a sophomore to earn all-area honors ... attended the same high school as Indianapolis Colts defensive back Kelvin Hayden ... played for coach Elton Harris at Hubbard ... uncle E.J. Jones played running back for the Kansas City Chiefs in ‘85 and attended Chicago Vocational H.S. (same high school as Chris Zorich) ... son of Earl Reed and Blanchie Reed ... born June 21, 1989 … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters. CAREER: Big, physical wide receiver has played in 12 games through his first two seasons at Notre Dame, all in his freshman year … logged 1:40 of time during rookie campaign, and made 73 special teams appearances … worked behind Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight as a freshman but looks to compete in 2008 at the wide receiver position with a talented group of players. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Did not see any game action as a sophomore. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Strong and fast wide receiver played primarily on special teams where he garnered 73 appearances while playing in 12 games ... earned 1:40 of playing time. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from East Ridge High School in Clermont, Fla. … rated 87th on list of top 100 prep players nationally by USA Today ... firstteam Florida Class 6A all-state selection (at defensive back) for 2005 by Florida Sports Writers Association ... finished his career with 182 receptions for 3,249 yards ... played on teams that had three consecutive undefeated regular seasons with 31 straight regular-season wins ... caught 42 passes for 576 yards, 13.7-yard average and five TDs during 10-0 senior regular season in 2005 for East Ridge High School in Clermont, Fla... . helped team to Florida Class 6A state playoffs, but East Ridge fell in first round after coming into that contest ranked number one in Class 6A ... two-way player who also worked as safety ... caught 73 passes as junior in ’04 for 1,279 yards and 11 TDs ... made 40 tackles and three interceptions on defense as junior ... standout in basketball as well ... born Sept. 25, 1987 ... son of Tommy and Maria Jackson ... high school coach was Bud O’Hara … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters, majoring in history. JACKSON’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-GS Time Special Teams Appearances 2006 2007 Total 12-0 12-0 1:40 73 Did Not Play 1:40 73 58 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE DUVAL KAMARA Wide Receiver Sophomore • 6-5 • 219 Birthdate: 3-1-89 Hoboken, N.J. (Hoboken) 18 tions for 33 yards against USC ... paced the team with five receptions (44 yards), including two TD receptions (one in overtime) vs. Navy … snagged a jump ball from 25 yards out for a TD with four seconds remaining in the first half vs. Duke ... had two receptions for 32 yards including a TD vs. the Blue Devils … tied season high with six catches vs. Stanford for season high 93 yards including season-best 35-yard reception ... logged 184:59 of playing time and made 14 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Selected for U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl in San Antonio ... named to the Parade All-America team, one of eight wide receivers to make the squad ... rated the No. 1 prospect in New Jersey by Rivals.com, the sixth-best wide receiver in the nation and 34th-best prospect in the nation by the recruiting website ... rated the seventh-best wide receiver in the country by Tom Lemming ... listed as the No. 8 wide receiver and 36th-best prospect on the ESPN 150 list ... rated the No. 8 wide receiver in the country and thirdbest prospect in New Jersey by Scout.com ... listed as one of 13 wide receivers on National 100 list by Fort Worth Star-Telegram ... earned first-team all-state accolades as a senior from the Associated Press and Newark Star-Ledger after recording 33 receptions for 560 yards and nine touchdowns ... named to the Scout.com National 100 list following his senior year where he was the seventhranked wide receiver and the No. 63 prospect overall ... rated 65th-best prospect in the country – and No. 12 among wide receivers, 16th-best player in the East – on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... one of top 24 wide receivers nationally on 2006 preseason basis by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... named second-team all-state as a junior by the Star-Ledger after catching 39 passes for 775 yards and 11 touchdowns ... ended his high school career with 125 catches for 2,696 yards and 50 touchdowns ... great downfield blocker helped his running back rush for 2,204 yards with 35 touchdowns in Kamara’s senior season ... played for coach Lou Taglieri at Hoboken ... son of Abu and Christine Kamara ... born March 1, 1989 … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business. CAREER RECEIVING STATISTICS Year G-GS Rec Yds Avg TD THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK Kamara’s Career Highs: Receptions – 6 (twice in 2007) Receiving Yards – 93 (at Stanford, 2007) Receiving Touchdowns – 2 (vs. Navy, 2007) Long Reception – 35 (at Stanford, 2007) CAREER: Talented and physically-imposing wide receiver set the Notre Dame freshman record for receptions and receiving touchdowns in 2007 … recorded 32 receptions for 357 yards (11.2 avg.) and four TDs in rookie season … broke Tim Brown’s previous mark of 28 catches from 1984 … led the Irish in receiving in three games (USC, Navy and Stanford) … member of experienced wide receiver group and will compete in training camp with David Grimes, Robby Parris and George West ... rated the No. 64 wide receiver in the nation for ‘08 by Phil Steele. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Set two Notre Dame freshman receiving records … recorded 32 receptions breaking Tim Brown’s previous freshman school record of 28 catches … caught four touchdown passes to set school record by a freshman … registered 357 receiving yards and averaged 11.2 yards per catch … played in 11 games (missed Air Force game) and started five contests … started final five games of the year he appeared in (Boston College, USC, Navy, Duke and Stanford) … one of nine freshmen to pick up their first career action for the Irish in the season opening loss vs. Georgia Tech ... recorded two receptions for 19 yards against the Yellow Jackets … had six catches for 68 yards vs. Purdue... caught first TD of the season on a seven-yard pass from Evan Sharpley vs. Purdue ... registered a long reception of 23 yards vs. the Boilermakers … made first career start for the Irish at wide receiver vs. Boston College ... led the team with four recep- ‘08 PLAYERS 2007 11-5 32 357 11.2 4 TD Lg KAMARA’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS Oppponent Rec. Yards Avg. Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA *Boston College *USC *Navy Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total *games started 2 1 1 1 6 2 2 4 5 2 6 32 19 6 14 9 68 20 19 33 44 Did Not Play 32 93 357 9.5 6.0 14.0 9.0 11.3 10.0 9.5 8.3 8.8 16.0 15.5 11.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 4 11 6 14 9 15 15 13 11 21 25 35 35 ‘08 COACHES ‘07 REVIEW PAT KUNTZ Defensive End Senior • 6-3 • 283 Birthdate: 4-15-86 Indianapolis, IN (Roncalli) 96 HISTORY & RECORDS KUNTZ’ CAREER HIGHS: Tackles – 8 (at Penn State, 2007) Tackles for Loss – 1 (Two times, both in 2007) Passes Broken Up – 2 (Three times, all in 2007) CAREER: A key veteran on the defensive line who will move to defensive end after starting at nose tackle in the first 10 games of 2007 … possesses a tremendous motor and work ethic and displayed an uncanny ability to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage … led all defensive linemen in the Football Bowl Subdivision with nine pass break-ups last year and MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 59 KUNTZ’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT UT AT TFL Sacks FF FR PBU INT *Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *UCLA *Boston College *USC *Navy *Air Force Duke Stanford Total 2 8 6 3 2 7 5 5 0 4 1 3 3 0 1 5 2 2 0 2 1 5 3 3 1 2 3 3 0 2 0-0 0-0 0 0.5-1 0-0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0-0 0-0 0 1-1 0-0 0 0-0 0-0 0 1-1 0 0 Did Not Play Did Not Play 2.5-3 0-0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 42 19 23 0-0 9 0-0 *games started TERRAIL LAMBERT tied for the team-high honors… has played in 31 career games with 10 career starts (all in 2007) … totaled 53 career tackles with three tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, nine pass break-ups and one fumble recovery. 2007 (JUNIOR): Started each of the first 10 games at nose tackle before missing the last two due to injury … recorded 42 tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss and tied for team-high honors with nine passes broken up … led all defensive linemen in the nation in passes batted down ... started as the anchor of the defensive line in the season opener vs. Georgia Tech ... recorded career-high eight tackles (three solo, eight assist) and had 0.5 tackles for a loss of one yard at Penn State ... recorded six tackles against Michigan in third start of the season ... notched two tackles and paced the Irish with a game-high two pass break-ups against the Wolverines … had three assisted tackles and a pass breakup against Michigan State... led the Irish in tackles with seven (five solo/two assisted) against UCLA ... had two pass breakups on the day vs. the Bruins ... recorded five tackles (two solo, three assisted) and a broken up pass against Boston College ... had a total of five tackles (two solo, three assist) vs. USC, including one tackle for loss, and added two pass break-ups ... made four tackles (two solo, two assist) against Air Force … logged 210:40 of playing time and made 51 special teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in 12 of 13 games for the Irish as a reserve defensive tackle ... totaled seven tackles on the season ... made two tackles in the home opener against Penn State ... recovered a fumble against Navy ... recorded three tackles, along with half a sack, versus North Carolina ... logged 81:52 of playing time. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Played in nine games, primarily on special teams … missed the season’s final three games with an injury … made four tackles (one solo) on the season … had one tackle in the win over Navy … assisted on two tackles against BYU, playing 3:30 at defensive tackle … made one solo tackle against Purdue while playing 2:07 at defensive tackle … logged 11:49 of playing time with 56 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Roncalli High School in Indianapolis, Ind. … led Roncalli to its third straight Indiana state title in 2004 by making 114 tackles (27 for losses), 14 sacks and one interception while forcing a pair of fumbles … made 120 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior in 2003 … rated the nation’s number-24 defensive tackle by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report … played the last four games of his senior season with a broken right arm … coached by Bruce Scifres … led Roncalli’s basketball team to a sectional championship as a senior in 2005 … as a sophomore in 2004, he made five game-winning shots during the Roncalli basketball team’s drive to a sectional title … full name is Patrick Tyler Kuntz … one of three children … born April 15, 1986, in Indianapolis, Ind. … enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters, majoring in sociology. KUNTZ’ CAREER STATS TACKLES FUMBLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int Cornerback Senior • 5-11 • 195 Birthdate: 12-1-85 Oxnard, Calif. (St. Bonaventure) 20 Lambert’s Career Highs: Tackles – 11 (vs. Purdue, 2006) Tackles For Loss – 1 (vs. Purdue, 2006) Sacks – 0.5 (vs. LSU, 2007 Sugar Bowl) Interceptions – 2 (at Michigan State, 2006) Passes Broken Up – 1 (twice) Fumble Recoveries – 1 (vs. Purdue, 2006) Fumbles Forced – 1 (vs. Purdue, 2006) CAREER: Granted a fifth year by Notre Dame’s Faculty Board of Athletics since he did not play as a rookie in 2004 … one of three fifth-year seniors on the roster (also Justin Brown and Maurice Crum Jr.) … started 22 consecutive games at cornerback for the Irish and is the most experienced member of Notre Dame’s secondary … totaled 82 tackles in his career including 0.5 sack and 1.5 tackles for loss … leads the returning Irish players with four career interceptions and has added two passes broken up, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery … has one career touchdown after he returned an interception 27 yards at Michigan State in 2006 to cap furious rally ... ranked the 36thbest cornerback in the nation by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (SENIOR): Started all 12 games at cornerback … ranked 10th on the team with 34 tackles and added one interception … started the season opener for the first time when he opened at right cornerback vs. Georgia Tech, making six tackles ... recorded three solo tackles against Purdue … recorded first interception of the season vs. UCLA ... had three tackles (one solo/ two assist) at UCLA … had four tackles (two solo, two assist) vs. Boston College … made seven tackles (two solo, five assist) vs. USC … assisted on two tackles against Navy … recorded two tackles (one solo, one assist) vs. Air Force … had three solo tackles in the season finale at Stanford … logged 294:14 with 139 special teams appearances. 2006 (JUNIOR): Appeared in all 13 games for the Irish at defensive back ... started the last 10 games ... ranked ninth on the team with 40 tackles ... recorded 30 solo stops, 1.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 0.5 sacks ... finished second on the squad with three interceptions ... registered five tackles, four solo, against Michigan State in his first career start ... added two interceptions, including a game-winning 27-yard interception return for touchdown against the Spartans ... totaled a career-best 11 tackles, 10 solo, a forced fumble and fumble recovery against Purdue ... recorded six tackles and an interception against UCLA ... registered three tackles against both Air Force and USC ... named Master Coaches Survey Defensive Player of the Week following his effort versus Michigan State ... registered three tackles, including one for loss and half a sack against LSU in the Sugar Bowl ... logged 277:35 of playing time and made 216 special teams appearances 2005 2006 2007 Total 11:49 81:52 210:40 310:21 9-0 4 12-0 7 10-10 42 31-10 53 1 5 19 25 3 0-0 2 0.5-3 23 2.5-3 28 3.0-6 0 0 0 0-0 0.5-3 0-0 0.5-3 0 0 0 0 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 0 0 9 9 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 60 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE LAMBERT’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2006 Opponent TT UT AT TFL Sacks FF FR PBU Int. THIS IS NOTRE DAME Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *Stanford *UCLA *Navy *North Carolina *Air Force *Army *USC *LSU Total 2007 Opponent 2 1 2 5 11 0 6 4 0 3 0 3 3 40 1 1 1 4 10 0 4 3 0 2 0 3 1 30 1 0 1 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 10 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0.5-6 1.5-9 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0.5-6 0.5-6 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-27 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-27 ‘08 OUTLOOK TT UT AT TFL Sacks FF FR PBU Int. *Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *UCLA *Boston College *USC *Navy *Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 6 1 1 1 3 3 4 7 2 2 1 3 34 4 1 1 1 3 1 2 2 0 1 0 3 19 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 5 2 1 1 0 15 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-2 ‘08 PLAYERS 2005 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 12 games, primarily on special teams, to earn a monogram … made eight tackles (seven solos) and broke up one pass … made one tackle in each game vs. Pittsburgh, Michigan, Michigan State and Navy … broke up a pass vs. Washington … had two solo tackles in the win at Purdue … made two tackles (one solo) against USC, making a season-high 16 special teams appearances … logged 17:02 of playing time with 75 special teams appearances. 2004 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action as a rookie reserve cornerback for the Irish. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, Calif. … rated 85th on ESPN.com list of the nation’s top 100 prep players … also 140th on collegefootballnews.com list of the nation’s top 150 prospects (eighth among cornerbacks) … rated 28th on the Rivals.com Super West 60 team … a second-team pick as defensive back on California all-state team selected by CalHi Sports … was a first-team selection as defensive back on Los Angeles Times all-star team … played five positions in high school - tailback, defensive end, linebacker, safety and cornerback … made 87 tackles, three sacks and had one interception (returned 92 yards for a TD) as a senior in 2003 … also carried the ball 13 times for 133 yards and two TDs and had one receiving TD … made 66 tackles, including 11 sacks, as a junior in 2002, to go with 12 rushing attempts for 245 yards and two TDs … also was a track athlete who competed in the sprints, relays and high jump … has been clocked at 10.5 in the 100 meters … cousin of former St. Bonaventure School and former Florida State running back Lorenzo Booker … full name is Terrail Lamar Lambert … oldest of three children … born Dec. 1, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif. … son of Keetran Lambert ... graduated in May 2008 from the College of Arts and Letters with a degree in film, television and theatre ... earned a 3.222 grade-point average during the ‘08 spring semester ... enrolled in graduate studies program. LAMBERT’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES FUMBLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int *games started ‘08 COACHES KYLE MCCARTHY Safety Senior • 6-1 • 203 Birthdate: 9-30-86 Youngstown, Ohio (Cardinal Mooney) 28 ‘07 REVIEW McCarthy’s Career Highs: Tackles – 7 (vs. Navy, 2007) Interceptions – 1 (at Purdue, 2007) Passes Broken Up – 1 (vs. Duke, 2007) Forced Fumbles – 1 (vs. Duke, 2007) HISTORY & RECORDS 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total Did Not Play 7 17:02 12-0 8 277:35 13-10 40 30 294:14 12-12 34 19 588:5137-22 82 56 1 0-0 10 1.5-9 15 0-0 26 1.5-9 0 0 0 0 0-0 0.5-6 0-0 0.5-6 0 1 0 1 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 1 1 0 2 0-0 3-27 1-2 4-29 CAREER: Valuable member of team both in the secondary and on special teams … has appeared in all 25 games over the past two seasons and saw his role increase from 2006 to 2007 … made 177 special teams appearances in 2007 alone and enters the ’08 season as one of the most experienced returning special teams performers … has started one game in his Irish career and has registered 29 tackles at Notre Dame, adding one interception, one pass breakup and one forced fumble … will compete in training camp for the safety vacancy created with Tom Zbikowski’s departure. 2007 (JUNIOR): Saw his playing time nearly double as he became a reliable defender against the run … played in all 12 games and started first game of his career (vs. Navy) … recorded career highs in all categories, totaling 20 tackles and adding one interception, one forced fumble and one pass breakup … made three solo tackles at Purdue and intercepted first pass vs. Boilermakers at the end of the first half … tallied three tackles vs. USC … started vs. Navy and responded with career-high seven tackles … recorded one tackle, one pass breakup and one forced fumble in home finale vs. Duke … logged 80:26 of playing time and made 177 special teams appearances – third-most on the team (Travis Thomas, 243; Tom Zbikowski, 192). MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 61 McCARTHY’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT ST AT Sacks TFL QBH Int. PBU FF FR Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC *Navy Air Force Duke Stanford Total 2 1 1 0 3 1 1 3 7 0 1 0 20 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 2 3 0 1 0 11 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 9 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 *games started RAESHON MCNEIL Cornerback Junior • 6-0 • 190 Birthdate: 12-25-87 Cooleemee, N.C. (Davie County) 8 McNeil’s Career Highs: Tackles – 5 (at Michigan, 2007) Sacks – 1 (at Stanford, 2007) Tackles for Loss – 1 (at Stanford, 2007) Pass Breakups – 1 (three times, all in 2007) 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Saw action in all 13 games for the Irish on special teams ... recorded a total of nine tackles (six solo) ... logged 4:27 of playing time with 167 special teams appearances. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Did not see game action ... was named the look team’s player of the week for his performance at quarterback in practices leading up to the Navy game. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio ... as a senior, rushed 135 times for 1,273 yards and 14 TDs and completed 32 of 74 passes for 557 yards and five TDs at quarterback ... on defense in 2004, he had 70 tackles and five interceptions ... returned two interceptions for scores at defensive back in 2004, including a record 93-yard return in the state championship game ... made 13 punt returns for 240 yards and two TDs in 2004 ... was MVP of the 2004 state title game ... a 2004 all-state honoree at quarterback, he was an all-conference honoree at receiver in 2003 ... named the 2004 Tri-County Player of the Year ... helped Cardinal Mooney to Ohio State prep title in 2004 ... also played baseball, setting a school record with 20 stolen bases in 2004 ... as a pitcher, he posted a 3.74 earned-run average and a 7-1 record ... coached in football by P.J. Fecko ... earned five varsity letters at Cardinal Mooney (three in baseball, two in football) ... full name is Kyle Justin McCarthy ... one of four children ... son of John and Janet McCarthy ... younger brother, Dan, is a freshman on the Irish football team in ‘08... grandfather, Jack Mayo, attended Notre Dame from ‘43-’47 and was captain of the baseball team his final year ... older brother, Brian, also attended Notre Dame and graduated in ‘06 ... born Sept. 30, 1986, in Youngstown, Ohio ... enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business majoring in finance ... earned 3.133 grade-point average during `06 spring semester. McCARTHY’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int CAREER: Solid contributor to a talented returning group in the secondary … played primarily as a cornerback or nickelback but has also played free safety in some defensive formations … has appeared in 22 games during his career and started one contest … totaled 13 tackles at Notre Dame, including one sack, one tackle for loss and three pass breakups … quality special teams performer who has made 78 special teams appearances over the last two seasons … enters the fall in competition with Terrail Lambert and Gary Gray for playing time at cornerback. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Played in 11 games (did not play at Penn State) and started first game of his Irish career (at Purdue) … recorded nine tackles including one sack and one tackle for loss and also tallied three pass breakups … made 33 special teams appearances and logged 70:36 of playing time … recorded career-high five tackles, including four solo stops, at Michigan … started for the first time at Purdue and notched one tackle and one pass breakup … recorded his first career sack and tackle for loss on the same play at Stanford. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Promising young cornerback played in 11 games during rookie season, totaling four tackles while appearing on special teams 45 times ... logged 14:13 of playing time and made 45 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Davie County High School in Davie, N.C. ... rated 91st on list of top 100 prep players nationally by USA Today ... rated 41st on list of top 100 players nationally by Chicago Sun-Times ... had six interceptions and 42 tackles as senior in 2005 at Davie County High School in Mocksville, N.C. ... one of five defensive backs on 2005 North Carolina all-state team by Associated Press ... finished with 15 career interceptions ... caught 34 passes for 682 yards and 20.1-yard average and seven TDs as senior wide receiver ... also scored three times on kick returns in ‘05 — and six times in his career ... chosen for U.S. Army All-American Bowl — and ran a blocked field goal back 65 yards for a TD in that contest ... made 60 tackles to go with five interceptions as junior in 2004 ... born Dec. 25, 1987 ... high school coach was Doug Illing ... enrolled in College of Arts and Letters and is majoring in design … earned a 3.2 grade-point average for the fall ’07 semester and a 3.5 GPA in the ‘08 spring semester ... owns a cumulative GPA of 3.206. 2005 2006 2007 Total 4:27 80:26 Did Not Play 13-0 9 12-1 20 25-1 29 6 11 17 3 9 12 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 0-0 1-0 1-0 84:53 62 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE PADDY MULLEN Nose Tackle Junior • 6-3 • 300 Birthdate: 8-15-87 St. Louis, Mo. (DeSmet Jesuit) 93 THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK CAREER: Powerful defensive lineman will get an opportunity this year to show what he has learned from playing behind Trevor Laws and Dwight Stephenson Jr. in 2007 … appeared in three games during his Irish career (all in 2007) and recorded one tackle. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Saw first action in an Irish uniform, appearing in three games (Georgia Tech, Michigan and Navy) … played as a reserve defensive end and tallied one tackle in 8:11 of playing time including one special teams appearance … made his Notre Dame debut vs. Georgia Tech and recorded one assisted tackle. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Did not see game action in rookie season. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from DeSmet Jesuit High School in St. Louis, Mo. ... helped DeSmet to 2005 Missouri Class 6A state title with 48-31 win over Hazelwood Central ... caught nine passes for 172 yards and three TDs as senior tight end in ‘05 ... accounted for 27 tackles (20 solo), seven sacks and two fumble recoveries as defensive lineman ... also played much of ‘05 season as offensive lineman because of team injury problems ... could play either defensive tackle or tight end for Irish after excelling at tackle on both sides of the line in ‘05 ... had 27 tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven sacks and two fumble recoveries as junior defensive end on 10-1 team ... only offensive appearance as a junior came in season finale playoff game against Columbia Hickman ... lettered in basketball as sophomore ... born Aug. 15, 1987 ... son of Gregg and Mary Jo Mullen ... high school coach was Pat Mahoney ... enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters and is majoring in sociology. MULLEN’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT McNEIL’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBUInt ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES TFL QBH TFL QBH 2006 2007 Total 8:11 8:11 Did Not Play 3-0 1 0 3-0 1 0 1 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 2006 2007 Total 14:13 70:36 11-0 11-1 4 9 13 2 6 8 2 3 5 0-0 1-10 1-10 0 0 0 0-0 1-10 1-10 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 3 3 0-0 0-0 0-0 84:49 22-1 ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 63 KERRY NEAL Outside Linebacker Sophomore • 6-2 • 246 Birthdate: 8-30-88 Bunn, N.C. (Bunn) 56 Neal’s Career Highs: Tackles – 3 (five times in 2007) Sacks – 1 (twice in 2007) Tackles for Loss – 1 (twice in 2007) Fumble Recoveries – 1 (twice in 2007) CAREER: Very promising young player played in all 12 games during his first season and started five games at outside linebacker for the Irish … recorded 20 tackles with two sacks and two tackles for loss … added two fumble recoveries and three pass breakups … one of eight freshmen to start in 2007 and one of three freshmen to start on defense (also Brian Smith and Ian Williams) ... rated the No. 49 inside linebacker in the country by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Appeared in all 12 games, starting five contests (Purdue, UCLA, Boston College, Duke and Stanford) … totaled 20 tackles including two sacks, two tackles for loss and added two fumble recoveries and three pass break ups … recorded the first tackle of his Notre Dame career against Penn State … recorded his first multi-tackle game against Michigan State, notching two tackles, a sack, and a pass break up … was given his first start of the season against Purdue … started again the following week against UCLA … recovered his first fumble of career against the Bruins … saw meaningful minutes throughout the remainder of the season, recording multi-tackle games against Boston College, USC, Air Force, Duke and Stanford … made 21 special teams appearances and logged 146:07 of playing time. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated 26th prep player nationally on ESPN 150 listing ... listed as 22nd best defensive end nationally by CSTV ... first-team North Carolina Class 2A all-state pick as defensive lineman by NCPreps.com ... rated among top 10 players in North Carolina and among top 20 weakside defensive ends nationally by Rivals.com ... played both defensive end and outside linebacker as senior at Bunn High School in Bunn, N.C. ... recorded 132 overall tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, four interceptions and forced 12 fumbles as senior in 2006 ... returned two interceptions for touchdowns as senior and also played some tight end on offense ... played cornerback as sophomore, then weakside defensive end/outside linebacker/tight end as a junior ... had 118 tackles, 15 sacks, 15 passes broken up and two interceptions as junior in ’05 . . . caught 16 passes for 323 yards and six TDs as junior in ’05 ... named conference player of the year on defense as junior in ’05 ... rated 96th-best overall prospect in East on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... a starter at cornerback as a freshman in 2003 ... selected as the first 2006 Carolina Panthers Community Captain, based on his athletics and academic accomplishments as well as his work with special-needs students at Bunn High School and his mentoring of elementary students in the Bunn area ... played for North Carolina team in Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas against South Carolina prep stars ... forced one fumble that led to a field goal and recovered another in 23-16 North Carolina win in that contest ... made nine tackles and a sack to lead East team in MSL Sports’ East Meets West all-star game in Orlando, Fla., in January 2007 ... played for Bunn coach David Howle ... born Aug. 30, 1988 ... son of Ruby Doris … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters. NEAL’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int 2007 146:07 12-5 20 8 12 2.0-9 2 2.0-9 0 2-11 3 0-0 NEAL’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT ST AT Sacks TFL QBH Int. PBU FF FR Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State *Purdue *UCLA *Boston College USC Navy Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 0 1 0 2 0 3 2 3 0 3 3 3 20 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 8 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 3 2 2 12 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-8 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 2-9 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-11 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 2-11 * games started 64 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE ANDREW NUSS Offensive Guard Sophomore • 6-5 • 304 Birthdate: 12-7-88 Ashburn, Va. (Stone Bridge) 76 basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... helped team to 11-2 mark and Florida Class 2A title as junior in ’05, making 22 pancake blocks and recovering a fumble ... helped Lions rush for more than 2,200 yards in ’05 ... all-Broward County selection as junior on offensive line by Miami Herald ... played defensive tackle in ’04 as sophomore at North Miami Beach High School, then switched to offensive line as junior ... played for Team USA in 2007 NFL Global Junior Championship XI in Ft. Lauderdale against teams from Canada, Mexico, Panama, France and Japan as part of Super Bowl XLI festivities ... older sister is a sophomore at Florida ... played for Chaminade-Madonna Prep coach Mark Guandolo ... also played basketball at Chaminade-Madonna as senior and junior ... born in Boston – his family is originally from Nigeria ... born Sept. 24, 1988 ... full name is Chukwuemeka Chibuzor Nwankwo … son of Pius and Theresa Nwankwo ... enrolled in College of Arts and Letters. THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK CAREER: Entered Notre Dame as a player who could be used on either the offensive or defensive line for the Irish … began his freshman year on the defensive side of the ball before switching over to the offensive side … will compete in the fall for playing time on the offensive line. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Did not see playing time as a reserve offensive lineman in his first season. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Selected to play in the inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. with future teammate Golden Tate ... named to the all-Metro first-team offense by the Washington Post after helping the Bulldogs rush for over 3,000 yards as a senior ... ranked the second-best offensive lineman in Virginia and No. 9 player in the state by the Roanoke Times ... rated the ninth-best prospect in Virginia and 22nd-best offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com ... rated the 18th-best interior lineman in the country by Tom Lemming ... Scout.com lists him as the 52nd-best offensive tackle in the country and the 20thbest prospect in Virginia ... named to the 2006 all-Metro team by the Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C. ... rated 87th-best player in the East in the preseason by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... as a senior, blocked for a running back that shattered the school record with 1,744 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns ... high school started 10-0 before falling in the Group AAA Northern Region Division 5 championship this past season ... helped his high school reach the Group AAA Division 5 championship game as a junior ... played for coach Mickey Thompson at Stone Bridge ... son of Michael and Andrea Nuss ... born Dec. 7, 1988 … first-team all-state Associated Press … first-team all-state coaches poll … enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business. ERIC OLSEN Offensive Guard Junior • 6-5 • 303 Birthdate: 6-16-88 Staten Island, N.Y. (Brooklyn Poly Prep) 55 ‘08 PLAYERS CAREER: Talented offensive guard who has developed nicely over the past two seasons and will enter training camp as the starting left guard on the offensive line … through his first two seasons played in 19 games for the Irish with six starts and logged 222:00 of playing time … started the final six games of the 2007 season at right guard … one of five returning offensive linemen who have started at least five games in their Notre Dame careers … played primarily as a backup guard and on special teams in his first season and a half before ascending to the starting lineup ... rated the 44th-best offensive guard in the country by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in 11 games (did not play at Michigan) and started the final six contests at right guard … played as a backup guard and on special teams in five of the first six games of the season … garnered first start of Irish career vs. Boston College … finished the remainder of the season as the starting right guard for Notre Dame … registered 171:45 of playing time on the season and made 59 special teams appearances. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Young but powerful back up guard recorded 20:45 of playing time in eight games. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Brooklyn Poly Prep in Brooklyn, N.Y. … Gatorade Player of the Year for 2005 in New York ... played offensive tackle and defensive end at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, N.Y... . three-year starter who helped Poly Prep produce a 1,000-yard rusher in each of those seasons ... never allowed a sack in his high school career and accounted for 53 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on defense ... helped team to 5-3 mark as senior in ’05 ... selected his team’s top offensive player as junior in ’04 ... from same high school as former Irish center J.W. Jordan (19982001) and former running back Marcus Wilson (2001-04) ... a standout in lacrosse who scored 50 goals as junior in ’05 while leading Poly Prep to league title ... attended Notre Dame ’05 summer football camp ... born June 16, 1988 ... son of Andrew and Joanne Olsen ... high school coach was Craig Jacoby … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters and majoring in art studio. OLSEN’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-GS Time ‘08 COACHES EMEKA NWANKWO Defensive End Sophomore • 6-4 • 295 Birthdate: 9-24-88 Miramar, Fla. (ChaminadeMadonna Prep) 91 ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS CAREER: Did not play during rookie season but flashed signs during practice of being an impact defensive end down the road … gave the first-team offense a great look week in and week out during practice … expected to compete for playing time on the defensive line in the fall. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Did not see game time as a freshman defenseman. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: First-team Florida Class 2A allstate offensive lineman for 2006 by Florida Sports Writers Association ... named to all-Broward County first teams as offensive lineman by both Miami Herald and South Florida Sun-Sentinel ... credited with 60 pancake blocks and 70 knockdowns as senior in ’06 at Chaminade-Madonna College Prep in Hollywood, Fla. ... helped Lions to 10-3 record as senior, including semifinal appearance in Florida Class 2A state playoff semifinals ... rated 14th on list of top Florida prospects at end of ’06 by South Florida Sun-Sentinel ... Chaminade finished third in final FSWA Class 2A poll after 8-2 regular-season mark ... named to Super 11 2006 preseason team for Broward County by South Florida Sun-Sentinel ... rated 64th best prospect in Southeast on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... high school team was rated 19th nationally on 2006 preseason 2006 2007 Total 8-0 11-6 19-6 20:45 171:45 192:30 MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 65 ROBBY PARRIS Wide Receiver Junior • 6-4 • 210 Birthdate: 12-3-87 Olmsted Falls, Ohio (St. Ignatius) 82 PARRIS’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent Rec. Yards Avg. TD Long Georgia Tech Penn State *Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA *Boston College USC *Navy *Air Force Duke Stanford Total 3 1 1 0 7 3 4 3 2 5 0 0 29 30 35 7 0 93 13 94 15 25 49 0 0 361 10.0 35.0 7.0 0.0 13.3 4.3 23.5 5.0 12.5 9.8 0.0 0.0 12.4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 12 35 7 0 24 8 28 6 21 26 0 0 35 Parris` Career Highs: Receptions – 7 (at Purdue, 2007) Receiving Yards – 94 (vs. Boston College, 2007) Receiving Touchdowns – 1 (vs. Boston College, 2007) Longest Reception – 35 (at Penn State, 2007) CAREER: Talented wide receiver who enters the ’08 season with the second-most career receiving yards on the team … has gained 368 receiving yards on 30 career catches with one touchdown at Notre Dame … played in 18 games through his first two seasons and started four contests (all in 2007) … learned from Jeff Samardzija and Rhema McKnight as a freshman before stepping into a more prominent role on the offense as a sophomore … expected to compete this season with David Grimes, George West and Duval Kamara for playing time. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Ranked second on the team in receiving yards and third in receptions … established career highs with 29 catches for 361 yards (12.4 avg.) and one touchdown while appearing in all 12 contests and starting four games (Michigan, Boston College, Navy, Air Force) … led or tied for the team lead in receptions vs. Georgia Tech, Purdue and Boston College … saw first meaningful snaps of his Notre Dame career in the season opener vs. Georgia Tech ... recorded three receptions for 30 yards … recorded only one reception, the longest of the day at 35 yards vs. Penn State ... reception vs. the Nittany Lions was also longest in career ... started first career game for Notre Dame at Michigan and pulled in one reception for seven yards ... made a career-high seven catches for 93 yards, leading the Irish vs. Purdue ... had three receptions for 13 yards at UCLA ... led the Irish in receiving vs. Boston College... grabbed the first touchdown of his Irish career ...recorded a careerhigh 94 yards on four catches vs. the Eagles ... made three receptions for 15 yards vs. USC ... had two receptions for 25 yards including a long of 21 yards vs. Navy ... caught five passes for 49 yards vs. Air Force … logged 188:08 of playing time for the season with one special teams appearance. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Promising wide receiver played in six games and caught one pass for seven yards vs. Michigan … totaled 12:06 of playing time with three special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio … a second-team pick as end on 2005 Division I All-Ohio team named by Associated Press ... caught 32 passes for 675 yards and 12 TDs in six games as senior in ‘05 for St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio ... missed second half of ’05 season ... caught 10 passes for 240 yards and four TDs on a September 2005 trip to South Bend area where his St. Ignatius team defeated Penn ... caught 39 passes as junior in ‘04 for 900 yards and 13 TDs ... also competed in basketball and track ... high school teammate of fellow Irish junior John Ryan ... attended Notre Dame ’05 summer football camp ... born Dec. 3, 1987 ... high school coach was Chuck Kyle … son of Robert and Sue Parris ... enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in finance … earned a 3.267 grade-point average in ‘07 spring semester, a 3.20 GPA in ’07 fall semester and boasts a 3.186 cumulative average. PARRIS’ CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S Rec. Yards Avg. TD LP * games started STEVE PASKORZ Fullback Sophomore • 6-2 • 235 Birthdate: 8-5-88 Allison Park, Pa. (Hampton) 30 CAREER: Young fullback made the switch to offense during spring drills and could challenge Asaph Schwapp and Luke Schmidt for playing time this season ... did not see game action during first year while playing inside linebacker and learning from a host of players including Joe Brockington and Maurice Crum Jr. … expected to be a valuable special teams performer. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Did not see game action as a reserve linebacker in rookie year. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated the 29th-best prospect and No. 3 linebacker in Pennsylvania ... rated the 10th-best player in Pennsylvania and 29th-best player in the “athlete” category in the nation by Rivals.com ... rated the seventh-best inside linebacker by Tom Lemming ... Scout.com listed him as the No. 36 strong side linebacker in the nation and the 29th-best prospect in Pennsylvania ... missed much of his senior season with a hamstring injury ... named firstteam all-state by the Pennsylvania Associated Press in 2005 as an all-purpose player on the first-team defense – one of just four juniors on the 28-player first-team all-state roster ... also played running back in high school, becoming just the 35th player in Pennsylvania high school history to rush for at least 4,000 yards in his career ... rated the 20th-best running back nationally and 43rd-best player in the East for 2006 on preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... one of top 33 running backs nationally on 2006 preseason basis by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... rated the fifth-best prospect in the “athlete” category on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News ... played running back as a sophomore and finished with 2,187 yards including five 200-yard games and became only the sixth sophomore to make the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 team ... hampered by an ankle injury as a junior and rushed for 1,291 yards on 160 carries ... played for coach Greg Mihalik at Hampton ... started as an outfielder on the varsity baseball team for four years and played on the varsity basketball team for four years ... former national champion of the Punt, Pass and Kick competition ... born Aug. 5, 1988 … son of Stephen and Lisa Paskorz ... enrolled in Mendoza College of Business. 2006 2007 Total 12:06 188:08 200:14 6-0 12-4 18-4 1 29 30 7 361 368 7.0 12.4 12.3 0 1 1 7 35 35 66 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE STEVE QUINN Inside Linebacker Senior • 6-2 • 225 Birthdate: 5-14-86 Cherry Hill, N.J. (St. Joseph’s Prep, Philadelphia, Pa.) 48 returned 18 punts for 195 yards … on defense in ’04, he made 74 tackles (44 solos), including 14 for losses, with six sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, recovered two fumbles and broke up 20 passes … for his career, he had 78 receptions for 1,649 yards (21.1 avg.) and 17 TDs … career defensive totals: 211 tackles (123 solos) including 41 tackles for loss, 24 sacks, 40 pass breakups, seven fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles and four interceptions … led St. Joseph’s Prep to a 38-3 record in his three seasons on the varsity, including undefeated seasons in 2002 (130) and 2003 (12-0) … coached by Gil Brooks … full name is Stephen Michael Quinn … one of three children … born May 14, 1986, in Philadelphia, Pa. … son of John and Patricia Quinn ... enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters, majoring in sociology. QUINN’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT FUMBLES TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int THIS IS NOTRE DAME 2005 2006 2007 CAREER: Three-year monogram winner has played primarily on special teams but also as a reserve linebacker … has played in 34 games for the Irish, recording 17 tackles including 10 solo tackles … made 357 special teams appearances in his career … competing this fall for playing time at inside linebacker. 2007 (JUNIOR): Played in all 12 games as reserve linebacker and also on special teams … recorded five tackles with one tackle for loss … registered 2:30 of playing time as a junior including 107 special teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Played in 12 games solely on special teams … made eight tackles (five solos) … blocked a punt to set up a touchdown in the regular season finale at USC ... made 142 appearances on special teams. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Played in 10 games as a reserve linebacker and on special teams to earn a monogram … made four tackles (two solos) … made one solo tackle versus Purdue … made one tackle in the win over Navy … made one tackle in the win over Syracuse … had a tackle vs. Ohio State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl … logged 1:00 of playing time with 108 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, Pa. … a three-year starter at both receiver and linebacker … 2004 Philadelphia Catholic League Player of the Year … a member of the 2004 Pennsylvania Big 33 Team … a finalist for the Maxwell Football Club’s 2004 Player of the Year honor … named all-state at linebacker in 2004 and all-city, all-Southeastern Pennsylvania and all-area at receiver … named conference and team MVP in 2004 … as a senior in 2004, he caught 32 passes for 599 yards and four TDs and Total 1:00 0:00 2:30 3:30 10-0 12-0 12-0 34-0 4 8 5 17 2 5 3 10 2 3 2 7 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 ‘08 OUTLOOK MIKE RAGONE Tight End Sophomore • 6-5 • 251 Birthdate: 2-18-88 Camden, N.J. (Camden Catholic) 83 ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS CAREER: Gifted tight end enters training camp with an opportunity to expand his role in the offense while competing to replace John Carlson at tight end … fastest tight end on the Irish roster will also utilize his background as a top-rate high school wrestler to benefit his blocking skills … played in 11 games during rookie season and made one catch for seven yards … used primarily as a backup tight end behind Carlson and Will Yeatman during freshman year … gained playing time on various special teams units and logged 113 appearances for the year ... ranked the No. 22 tight end in the nation by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Saw action in 11 games as a freshman on special teams and as a reserve tight end (did not play vs. Georgia Tech) … played in every game except for season opener vs. Georgia Tech … made 113 special teams appearances and recorded six tackles on the unit … registered the first catch of his career for seven yards vs. Navy … logged 13:34 of playing time. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Selected for U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl in San Antonio but did not play ... sat out his senior year recovering from an offseason knee injury ... … rated the No. 3 tight end in the country, third-best player in New Jersey and 83rd-best prospect in the nation by Rivals.com ... named the No. 2 tight end in the nation and 33rdbest prospect by CSTV/Tom Lemming ... also the top heavyweight wrestler in the East ... won the 2005 Beast of the East wrestling tournament competing as a heavyweight ... rated the 55th-best prospect in the nation and No. 2 tight end in this year’s class on the ESPN 150 list ... listed as one of six tight ends on the National 100 list by Fort Wayne Star-Telegram ... named to the Scout.com National 100 list where he was ranked as the second-best tight end in the nation, the fourth-best player in New Jersey and the No. 56 prospect in the country ... selected a second-team All-American by Scout.com ... rated 36th-best prospect nationally – and No. 2 among tight ends, ninth in the East – on preseason basis for 2006 by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... one of top five tight ends nationally on 2006 preseason basis by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... named firstteam all-South Jersey by the Philadelphia Inquirer as a junior after catching 35 passes for 720 yards and nine touchdowns ... six of his TD receptions went for 60 yards or longer, and he also scored on an 80-yard kickoff return ... played for coach Ricky Brown at Camden Catholic ... his father, Michael, played football at Temple University ... born Feb. 18, 1988 … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business. RAGONE’S CAREER STATISTICS SPECIAL TEAMS TACKLES FUMBLES Year G-S TT UT AT FF FR APPEARANCES MEDIA 2007 11-0 6 Time 0 No. 6 Yards 0-0 Avg. 0 TD 113 LP RECEIVING Year G-S 2007 11-0 13:34 1 7 7.0 0 7 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 67 MORRICE RICHARDSON Defensive End Junior • 6-2 • 255 Birthdate: 1-27-88 College Park, Ga. (Westlake) 53 MATT ROMINE Offensive Tackle Sophomore • 6-5 • 292 Birthdate: 7-19-88 Tulsa, Okla. (Union) 70 CAREER: Speedy pass rusher who has played in 18 games through the first two seasons, primarily as an edge rusher in passing situations … logged 64:33 of playing time and recorded seven tackles including one sack and 1.5 tackles for loss … expected to compete at defensive end in the fall with classmate John Ryan. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Continued to develop as a pass rushing threat for the Irish … saw action in nine games for Notre Dame as a sophomore (all but USC, UCLA and Air Force) … registered his first tackle of career in the season opener vs. Georgia Tech … recorded the first sack of his career the following week vs. Penn State … had his first multi-tackle game against Purdue, finishing with three tackles … ended his sophomore campaign with seven tackles and a sack in 53:11 of playing time … used sparingly on special teams, making 10 appearances. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Played in nine games as a third-down defensive end in passing situations … totaled 11:22 of playing time and made 19 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Westlake High School in Atlanta, Ga. … Gatorade Player of the Year for 2005 in Georgia ... defensive player of the year and first-team defensive lineman on ’05 Georgia Class AAA all-state team by Atlanta JournalConstitution ... one of four outside linebackers/defensive ends on Journal-Constitution Best of the Rest in Georgia team ... helped Westlake High School in Atlanta, Ga., to 8-3 mark as senior in ’05 and second round of state playoffs, making 85 tackles and 12 sacks ... credited with 18 tackles in second game of senior season ... made 85 tackles and three sacks as junior in 2004 ... his high school placed more players on ’05 NFL opening-day rosters (six) than any other high school in the country ... born Jan. 27, 1988 ... son of Morrice and Magalene Richardson ... high school coach was Dallas Allen … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in accounting … earned a 3.083 grade-point average in ‘07 spring semester. RICHARDSON’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int CAREER: Former high school All-American saw action in two games as a reserve offensive tackle before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of his freshman season … enters training camp with hopes of challenging for playing time at offensive tackle. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Talented young tackle who saw limited time as a reserve lineman … played in season opener vs. Georgia Tech and also at Michigan as a backup offensive tackle … notched 11:17 of playing time on the season. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio ... one of four players voted as captain of the West team for the All-American Bowl ... named a second-team prep All-American for 2006 at offensive tackle by USA Today ... chosen firstteam all-state by The Daily Oklahoman ... rated the 55th-best prospect in the country and secondbest player in Oklahoma by Rivals.com ... rated the 10th-best offensive tackle in the nation by Tom Lemming ... Scout.com lists him as the 12th-best offensive guard in the country and number-three player in Oklahoma ... rated as the 85th-best player on the ESPN 150 list ... helped his high school to a 13-1 record as a junior and win its second-straight state championship ... rated eighth-best offensive lineman in the Southwest and 49th-ranked player in the Southwest in the 2006 preseason by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... one of top 29 offensive linemen nationally on 2006 preseason basis by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... played for coach Kevin Wright at Union High School. ... son of Mark and Sherry Romine ... born July 19, 1988 … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business. ROMINE’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-S Time 2007 2-0 11:17 2006 2007 Total 11:22 53:11 64:33 9-0 9-0 18-0 0 7 7 0 4 4 0 3 3 0-0 1.5-13 1.5-13 0 1 1 0-0 1-13 1-13 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 JOHN RICHARDSON’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT ST AT Sacks TFL QBH RYAN Int. PBU FF FR Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC Navy Air Force Duke Stanford Total 1 1 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0-0 1-13 0-0 0-0 0-0 Did Not Play 0-0 Did Not Play 0-0 Did Not Play 0-0 0-0 1-13 0 1 0 0 0 .5 0 0 0 1.5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Outside Linebacker Junior • 6-5 • 264 Birthdate: 5-7-88 Westlake, Ohio (St. Ignatius) 90 Ryan’s Career Highs: Tackles – 7 (at Michigan, 2007) Tackles for Loss – 2 (at Purdue, 2007) Sacks – 1 (twice in 2007) CAREER: One of Notre Dame’s more versatile defensive players who has appeared in 22 games through his first two seasons as both a defensive end and an outside linebacker … started 10 contests (all as a sophomore) with eight starts coming at the outside linebacker position and two starts as a defensive end … missed spring drills while recovering from offseason surgery and will open training camp as a defensive end ... accumulated 43 tackles with 2.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and one forced fumble in 293:46 of game action … also a valuable special teams player as he has logged 144 special teams appearances for the Irish ... rated the No. 39 outside linebacker by Phil Steele for ‘08. 68 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE junior in 2004 ... also played basketball ... from same high school as fellow junior Robby Parris ... attended Notre Dame football camp in summer of 2005 ... born May 7, 1988 ... son of Kevin and Carol Ryan ... high school coach was Chuck Kyle … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in finance … earned a 3.00 grade-point average in ’07 fall semester, a 3.021 GPA in the ‘08 spring semester and owns a 3.033 cumulative GPA. RYAN’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int THIS IS NOTRE DAME 2006 2007 36:31 10-0 4 257:15 12-10 39 2 20 22 2 19 21 1-2 5-30 6-32 0 2 2 0-0 2.5-23 2.5-23 0 1 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Total 293:4622-10 43 RYAN’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT ST AT Sacks TFL QBH Int. PBU FF FR *Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue *UCLA *Boston College *USC *Navy *Air Force Duke Stanford Total 3 4 7 0 6 2 4 4 0 5 1 3 39 2 0 6 0 6 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 20 1 4 1 0 0 1 3 2 0 3 1 3 19 0-0 .5-3 0-0 0-0 1-11 1-9 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2.5-23 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 ‘08 OUTLOOK ‘08 PLAYERS * games started LUKE SCHMIDT Fullback/Tight End Junior • 6-3 • 246 Birthdate: 4-22-87 Jasper, Ind. (Jasper) 32 ‘08 COACHES ‘07 REVIEW 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Adapted well to the 3-4 personnel defense as his versatility allowed the Irish to utilize multiple defensive fronts with him on the field … played in all 12 games and started the first 10 contests of the season … started as a defensive end vs. Purdue and Boston College and as an outside linebacker in the other eight games … recorded career highs in every statistical category … notched 39 tackles with 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and one forced fumble … ranked ninth on the team in tackles and third on the squad in tackles for loss … started for the first time in his Notre Dame career vs. Georgia Tech ... recorded three tackles vs. the Yellow Jackets … made second career start with the Irish, rounding up four assisted tackles vs Penn State ... recorded seven tackles (six solo, one assist) vs. Michigan ... made six solo tackles vs. Purdue ... recorded two tackles for a loss of 12 yards ... recorded first unassisted sack of the season for a loss of 11 yards vs. the Boilermakers ... recorded one sack for a loss of nine yards vs. UCLA ... had one forced fumble that set up a 34 yard fumble return by teammate Maurice Crum for an Irish touchdown vs. the Bruins ... made four tackles vs. Boston College ... had four tackles (two solo, two assist) vs. USC ... made five tackles (two solo, three assist) vs. Air Force ... assisted on one tackle vs. Duke ... credited with three stops at Stanford … logged 257:15 of playing time and made 137 special teams appearances. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Played behind Victor Abiamiri and Chris Frome at defensive end ... saw action in 10 games … tallied four tackles, two solos and one tackle for a loss … logged 36:31 of playing time with seven special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio … second-team pick as defensive lineman on 2005 Division I All-Ohio team by Associated Press ... named to first-team all-Ohio defense by Ohio News Network/Ohio High ... made 31 solo tackles, 18 assists, six sacks and 14 hurries in eight games as senior in ‘05 for St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio ... caught 19 passes for 174 yards and three TDs from tight end slot ... rated 19th among defensive linemen on ’05 preseason list of top players nationally by The Sporting News ... had 55 tackles, 10 sacks, three caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries as CAREER: Earned first playing time of his Notre Dame career in 2007 and enters training camp with hopes of challenging Asaph Schwapp at fullback … split time in the spring between fullback and tight end ... appeared in 11 games for the Irish in ‘07 and totaled six yards on two rushes and caught three passes for 16 yards … also very useful on special teams where he has logged 41 appearances … tough, hard-nosed player who also presents a receiving option out of the fullback position. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Saw first minutes of career during his sophomore campaign … appeared in every game except at Penn State … totaled two carries for six yards and gained 16 yards on three catches during the season … recorded his first reception vs. Michigan, ending the day with two catches for 11 yards … later in the season registered his first two rushes of his career vs. USC … tallied 14:17 of playing time on the year and made 41 special teams appearances. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Tall and powerful running back that did not play as a rookie. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Jasper High School in Jasper, Ind. … Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana for 2005 ... rated 101st on list of top 150 players nationally by CollegeFootballNews.com ... honorable mention pick on Detroit FreePress Best in the Midwest team ... rushed for 2,239 yards and 32 TDs on 313 carries as senior in ’05 for second consecutive 2,000-yard rushing season at Jasper High School team in Jasper, Ind ... rated top running back in Indiana in 2005 and one of 10 finalists for Indiana Mr. Football Award as Indianapolis Star Position Award winner at running back ... eventually finished as runnerup in Mr. Football voting ... named to Indiana Top 50 all-state team as one of seven running backs by Indiana Football Coaches Association ... helped Jasper to Indiana Class 4A state playoff semifinal ... listed 97th on ’05 preseason list of top players in the country (and 15th among running backs) by The Sporting News ... one of 14 running backs on ’05 national preseason top 100 list by CBS SportsLine.com ... Indiana Class 4A all-state selection as junior in ’04 ... ranked second in the state in rushing as junior with 2,592 yards on 328 carries ... scored 41 TDs as junior ... averaged 160 HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 69 yards per game on 26 attempts over freshman and sophomore years combined ... attended Notre Dame football camp in summer of 2005 ... born April 22, 1987 ... son of Mark and Kathy Schmidt ... high school coach was Tony Ahrens … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in finance … earned a 3.133 grade-point average in ’07 fall semester, a 3.154 GPG in the ‘08 spring semester and owns a 3.057 cumulative GPA. SCHMIDT’S CAREER STATISTICS RUSHING Year Time G-S Att. Yards Avg. TD RECEIVING No. Yards Avg. TD LP LP 2006 2007 Total 14:17 14:17 11-0 Did Not Play 2 6 2 6 3.0 3.0 0 0 5 5 3 3 16 16 5.3 5.3 0 0 10 10 11-0 ASAPH SCHWAPP Fullback Senior • 6-0 • 257 Birthdate: 1-26-87 Hartford, Conn. (Weaver) 44 Schwapp’s Career Highs: Rushes – 8 (vs. BYU, 2005) Rushing Yards – 27 (vs. BYU, 2005) Longest Rush – 9 (vs. BYU, 2005) Receptions – 2 (twice; vs. Navy, 2005; vs. Boston College, 2007) Receiving Yards – 22 (vs. Boston College, 2007) Longest Reception – 15 (vs. Boston College, 2007) CAREER: Most experienced fullback on Irish roster … possibly the strongest player on the team ... enters his senior year having started nine of the last 14 games over the last two seasons … played in 26 games in his Notre Dame career and made 10 starts … gained 96 yards on 43 career carries and caught six passes for 49 yards … he’s one of nine returning starters to the offense and will compete with Luke Schmidt for the playing time at fullback ... ranked the eighth-best fullback in the country by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (JUNIOR): Played in every game and started career-high seven contests … started vs. Georgia Tech, Penn State, Michigan State, Purdue, UCLA, USC and Stanford … served as first-team fullback in the other five games … gained 14 yards on 12 carries for the season and caught three passes for 27 yards … made first appearance for the Irish vs. Georgia Tech since injuring his knee vs. Penn State in September of 2006 … started at fullback for the Irish in second game of the season vs. Penn State ... recorded his first catch of the season for five yards vs. Purdue ... had one rush for two yards vs. UCLA ... had two receptions for 22 yards vs. Boston College ... recorded one rush for four yards vs. Navy … logged 113:58 of playing time with 67 special teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Started each of the first two games for the Irish before suffering a season-ending knee injury vs. Penn State ... rushed for 15 yards on four carries before the injury ... logged 20:51 of playing time and made five special-teams appearances. 2005 (FRESHMAN): A steady contributor at fullback and on special teams in his freshman season … played in all 12 games at fullback and on special teams … notched his first career start for the Irish vs. USC … rushed 27 times for 67 yards (2.5-yard average) and had three receptions for 22 yards on the season … was a key blocking back for halfback Darius Walker, particularly in shortyardage situations … caught one pass for one yard vs. USC … rushed for 27 yards on eight carries vs. BYU … rushed for 13 yards on three carries and caught two passes for 21 yards in the win over Navy … rushed for 10 yards on two carries in the win over Stanford … logged 111:35 of playing time with 32 special-teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Weaver High School in Hartford, Conn. … earned first-team all-state honors from Hartford Courant … averaged five yards per carry while rushing for 1,110 yards and played inside linebacker … named Gatorade Player of the Year in Connecticut for 2004 … as a junior, he rushed 110 times for 1,313 yards and 13 TDs and caught 10 passes for 110 yards and one score … also made 74 tackles, eight sacks and five interceptions … has been timed at 24.0 in the 200 meters and has thrown the shot 53 feet … attended Notre Dame football camp in the summer of 2004 … rated the nation’s number-21 fullback by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report … coached by Rob Fleeting … born Jan. 26, 1987, in Hartford, Conn. … full name is Asaph Daniel Schwapp … has two brothers and one sister … enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business and majoring in finance … earned 3.0 grade-point average in ‘05 fall semester. SCHWAPP’S CAREER STATISTICS RUSHING Year Time G-S Att. Yards Avg. TD LP RECEIVING No. Yards Avg. TD LP 2005 2006 2007 Total 111:35 20:51 113:58 246:24 12-1 2-2 12-7 26-10 27 4 12 43 67 15 14 96 2.5 3.8 1.2 2.2 0 0 0 0 9 6 4 9 3 0 3 6 22 0 27 49 7.3 0.0 9.0 8.2 0 0 0 0 12 0 15 15 70 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE EVAN SHARPLEY Quarterback Senior • 6-2 • 215 Birthdate: 11-4-86 Marshall, Mich. (Marshall) 13 THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK Sharpley’s Career Highs: Pass Completions – 17 (twice in 2007) Pass Attempts – 33 (vs. USC, 2007) Passing Yards – 208 (at Purdue, 2007) Touchdown Passes – 2 (twice in 2007) Completion Percentage – 76.9 (vs. Georgia Tech, 2007) Efficiency – 146.4 (at Purdue, 2007) Longest Completion – 43 (at Purdue, 2007) CAREER: Veteran quarterback who has been part of Charlie Weis` offensive system since the 2005 season … appeared in 16 games during his career but did not play his first meaningful minutes until ’07 … started two of the eight contests he appeared in as a junior … completed 78 of 142 career passes (.549) for 743 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions … owns a career passing efficiency rating of 112.3 and has rushed 40 times for -95 yards … studied behind Brady Quinn for his first two years in the program … also a member of the Irish baseball team where he plays first base and serves as a designated hitter ... missed most of spring drills while playing for Irish baseball team ... led baseball team in ‘08 with 13 home runs and .691 slugging percentage and recorded a .326 batting average while driving in 40 runs ... played in the summer of ‘08 for the Battle Creek (Mich.) Bombers of the Northwoods League and tallied 11 RBI in first 14 games, tops on the club. 2007 (JUNIOR): Received his first meaningful snaps while appearing in eight contests and starting the first two games of his career … entered as a backup quarterback in each of the first five games and also played vs. Boston College, USC and Navy … started vs. the Trojans and Midshipmen … connected on 77 of 140 pass attempts (.550) for 736 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions … posted an efficiency rating of 106.7 for the season … entered vs. Georgia Tech with 2:44 remaining in the first half and guided the Irish through the next four possessions ... completed 10 of 13 passes for 92 yards including a long completion of 20 yards to George West … did not see action as quarterback in the second game of the season vs. Penn State ... did enter the game as a holder vs. the Nittany Lions ... completed two of five passes for 11 yards after entering the game in the fourth quarter vs. Michigan ... after entering the game in the fourth quarter, completed four of seven pass attempts for 33 yards vs. Michigan State ... came in during the second half for the Irish, connecting on 16 of 26 passes vs. Purdue ... recorded a career-high 208 yards passing and two touchdown passes vs. Boilers ... connected with Golden Tate for a gamelong 43-yard pass ... provided a spark for the Irish upon entering the game in the third quarter vs. Boston College ... led the Irish on a 79-yard scoring drive in which he went four for seven for 64 yards and a TD vs. the Eagles ... made first career start with the Irish vs. USC ... was 17 of 33 for 117 yards and a long pass of 22 yards vs. the Trojans ... was 17 for 27 in second career start vs. Navy ... threw for 140 yards and two TDs against the Midshipmen ... logged 107:52 of playing time. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Saw very limited action as the backup for senior All-American Brady Quinn ... attempted just two passes all season, completing one for seven yards ... saw action vs. Penn State, Michigan, Stanford, Navy, North Carolina, Air Force, Army and LSU ... logged 20:44 of playing time ... played in 14 games for the Notre Dame baseball team, starting six contests ... played first base and designated hitter ... recorded 2007 game-winning double against Webber International. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Did not see game action as a rookie quarterback in 2005. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Marshall (Mich.) High School … as a senior in 2004, he completed 91 of 188 passes for 1,389 yards and 16 TDs, rushed for 323 yards and five TDs and made four interceptions at free safety … Michigan Division 4 first-team all-state quarterback by Detroit Free-Press … helped lead Marshall to the state playoffs in 2004 before falling in the Region 3, District 1 semifinal … top performances in 2004 included a 15-for-26 passing outing for 252 yards and four TDs versus Stevensville-Lakeshore and a 22-for-37 passing day for 301 yards and four TDs … as a junior in 2003, he connected on 145 of 285 passes for 1,942 yards and 19 TDs … as a sophomore in 2002, he was 126 of 280 passing for 1,840 yards and 26 TDs … twice named to the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES Association “Dream Team” … attended Notre Dame football camp in the summer of 2004 … rated the nation’s number-17 quarterback by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report … earned 11 varsity letters at Marshall (four in football, four in baseball and three in basketball) … was a shooting guard in basketball and a shortstop/pitcher in baseball … selected to play in the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl (did not participate due to Michigan high school rules) … ranks among all-time Michigan prep career passing leaders for pass completions (11th - 372), pass attempts (sixth 753), passing yards (11th - 5,216) and TD passes (fifth – 61) … only the 10th Michigan high school quarterback to pass for more than 5,000 yards and 50 TDs in a career … coached in football by Rich Hulkow … full name is Evan Thomas Sharpley … one of three children … born Nov. 4, 1986, in Pontiac, Mich. … son of Thomas and Nancy Sharpley ... brother Bryan currently plays baseball for Notre Dame … father Tom played baseball at Spring Arbor University … great uncle Jim Ninowski, was a quarterback at Michigan State who eventually played in the NFL for Cleveland, Detroit, New Orleans and Washington … enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters, majoring in history … earned 3.533 grade-point average in ‘06 spring semester and a 3.556 in ’07 fall semester … boasts a 3.184 cumulative average. SHRAPLEY’S CAREER STATISTICS CAREER PASSING STATISTICS Year G-GS C-A-I Pct. ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS Yards TD 2005 2006 2007 Total 8-0 8-2 16-2 Did Not Play 50.0 1-2-0 77-140-3 55.0 78-142-3 55.0 7 736 743 0 5 5 CAREER RUSHING STATS Year Att Yards Avg. TD 2005 2006 2007 Total 2 38 40 Did Not Play 0 -95 -95 0.0 -2.5 -2.4 0 0 0 MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 71 SHARPLEY’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 PASSING Opponent Comp. Att. Pct. Yards TD Int. RUSHING Att. Yards TD Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC Navy Air Force Duke Stanford Total 10 0 2 4 16 11 17 17 76.9 0.0 40.0 57.1 61.5 Did Not Play 29 37.9 33 51.5 27 63.0 Ddi Not Play Did Not Play Ddi Not Play 140 55.0 13 0 5 7 26 92 0 11 33 205 135 117 140 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 10 0 0 1 5 4 8 10 -58 0 0 -2 -7 0 -31 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 77 736 5 3 38 -95 0 *games started BRIAN SMITH Inside Linebacker Sophomore • 6-3 • 245 Birthdate: 1-8-89 Overland Park, Kan. (St. Thomas Aquinas) 58 Smith’s Career Highs: Tackles – 5 (vs. Navy, 2007) Tackles for Loss – 1 (three times in 2007) Sacks – 1 (at UCLA, 2007) Interceptions – 1 (vs. Boston College, 2007) Forced Fumbles – 1 (vs. Georgia Tech, 2007) Touchdowns – 1 (vs. Boston College, 2007) CAREER: Bright, young talent made tremendous impact as a freshman and worked his way into the starting lineup by season’s end … one of three freshmen who started on the defense and one of eight freshmen who started during the ’07 campaign … appeared in 11 games and started the final three contests at outside linebacker … totaled 25 tackles including 1.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble … intercepted Boston College’s Matt Ryan and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Enjoyed strong start to his Notre Dame career as he appeared in 11 contests (did not play vs. Georgia Tech) and earned increased playing time throughout the season … started the final three games at outside linebacker … totaled 25 tackles with 1.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, one interception (returned 25 yards for a touchdown) and forced one fumble … made an immediate impact for the Irish as a freshman … gained the first playing time of his career vs. Michigan, recording two tackles … registered his first interception in an Irish uniform vs. Boston College … returned the interception 25 yards for a touchdown … set his season high in tackles vs. Navy registering five tackles … started the final three games of the season at outside linebacker vs. Air Force, Duke and Stanford … logged 143:31 of playing time and made 36 special-teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated the No. 13 inside linebacker in the country and second-best prospect in Kansas by Rivals.com ... rated the number-17 outside linebacker in the nation by Tom Lemming ... Scout.com rated him the third-best player in Kansas and the 30th-best middle linebacker in the country ... one of 11 Notre Dame signees named to the ESPN 150 list ... rated the number-four inside linebacker by ESPN ... credited with 126 tackles and nine sacks during senior season and earned all-metro honors from the Kansas City Star ... helped lead his high school to the state semifinals for the second-straight season before falling to the eventual state champions ... won first two playoff games in senior year by a combined score of 110-8 ... recorded 100 tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception he returned for a touchdown during junior year ... played for coach Kevin Kopecky at Saint Thomas Aquinas ... born Jan. 8, 1989 ... son of Chris and Billie Smith ... father Chris played fullback at Notre Dame from 1981-84 and is currently on the board of directors of the Notre Dame Monogram Club … full name is Brian C. Smith … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters. SMITH’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int 2007 143:31 11-3 25 11 14 4-16 1 1.5-7 1 0-0 0 1-25 SMITH’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT ST AT Sacks TFL QBH Int. PBU FF FR Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC Navy *Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 0 2 3 2 1 2 0 5 3 3 4 25 Did Not Play 0 0 0-0 1 1 0-0 0 3 0-0 2 0 0-0 1 0 1-6 0-0 1 1 0 0 0-0 1 4 0-0 3 0 0-0 2 1 0-0 .5-1 4 0 11 14 1.5-7 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 .5 0 1 .5 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-25 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 * games started 72 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE HARRISON SMITH Safety Sophomore • 6-2 • 212 Birthdate: 1-2-89 Knoxville, Tenn. (Knoxville Catholic) 22 Smith’s Career Highs: Tackles – 6 (vs. Navy, 2007) SCOTT SMITH Outside Linebacker Senior • 6-3 • 235 Birthdate: 7-16-86 Highland Park, Ill. (Highland Park) 41 THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK CAREER: Did not see game action during rookie season while learning from All-American Tom Zbikowski … will compete in the fall to replace Zbikowski … tremendous athlete in high school should be able to contribute to the defense and/or special teams this year. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Did not see the field as a reserve safety his freshman season … helped prepare the first-team offense during the season by playing on the look team in practice. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Named to Super Southern 100 team for 2006 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of nine safeties ... Gatorade player of the year in Tennessee for 2006 ... rated 89th best prospect nationally by CSTV – and sixth nationally among safeties ... listed as one of top 250 players nationally by Rivals.com, including seventh among Tennessee prospects and among top 25 nationally in athlete category ... 2006 American General Tennessee Mr. Football Back of the Year in Class 3A ... gained 1,340 yards rushing to go with 19 touchdowns as senior in 2006 at Knoxville Catholic High School in Knoxville, Tenn. ... caught 23 passes for 453 yards and six TDs in ’06 for Fighting Irish ... also made 61 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and caused two fumbles on defense ... averaged 14 yards per punt return as senior for team that finished 12-1 after unbeaten regular season and Tennessee Class 3A quarterfinal loss ... helped ’06 Knoxville Catholic team average 37 points per game ... named 2006 Tennessee Class 3A all-state defensive back by Tennessee Sports Writers Association and by Tennessee Football Coaches Association ... named East Tennessee High School Football Player of the Year for ’06 by the Lawrenceburg (Tenn.) Quarterback Club ... named to Nashville Tennessean Dream Team for ’06 as safety ... rushed for 1,312 yards and had 446 receiving yards (32 catches) with 23 combined TDs as junior in 2005 on Knoxville Catholic team that ended up 11-2 ... intercepted five passes, returning two for TDs, forced three fumbles, recovered two fumbles in ’05 and also made 87 tackles (11 for loss) at safety slot ... earned Tennessee Class 3A first-team all-state honors as junior from Tennessee Sports Writers Association ... one of top 33 running backs on 2006 preseason basis by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... rated 46th best overall prospect in Southeast on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... helped Knoxville Catholic to unbeaten regular season as sophomore in 2004 and final 10-1 record ... made four tackles for West squad in MSL Events’ East Meets West all-star game in January 2007 in Orlando ... also played basketball ... played for coach Mark Pemberton at Knoxville Catholic ... born Feb. 2, 1989 ... full name is Harrison J. Smith … parents are Steven and Susan Smith … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business … earned a 3.333 grade-point average during ’07 fall semester and boasts a 3.273 cumulative GPA. CAREER: Talented and intelligent linebacker who played both inside and outside as a junior … his versatility has made him a valuable commodity on the defense helping him see action in 20 games at Notre Dame … important piece of the special teams unit for the Irish and has logged 115 career special-teams appearances … totaled 21 tackles in 39:03 of playing time in his Notre Dame career … creates great depth at the linebacker slots heading into the season. 2007 (JUNIOR): Played in all 12 games for the Irish on special teams and as a reserve linebacker … tallied 91 special-teams appearances but also earned playing time at both inside and outside linebacker … ended the season with career-best 18 tackles (seven solo) … recorded four tackles on opening day vs. Georgia Tech … had a career high in tackles vs. Navy, recording six tackles … registered 33:06 of playing time on the year and made 91 special-teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Did not see any game action. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Played in eight games, primarily on special teams … a reserve middle linebacker behind starter Corey Mays … made three tackles (all solos) on the season … made a crucial tackle of Steve Breaston on a reverse vs. Michigan, his first tackle for the Irish … also had solo stops vs. Michigan State and Washington … saw action at linebacker for one series and made eight special teams appearances vs. BYU … logged 5:57 of playing time with 24 specialteams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Highland Park (Ill.) High School … as a senior in 2004, he made 143 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions at inside linebacker … made a school-record 23 tackles versus Vernon Hills in 2004 … also had an 18-tackle outing versus Cary Grove in 2003 … a unanimous pick as conference defensive player of the year in 2004 … selected to the Champaign News-Gazette all-state team … an Illinois Class 7A all-state pick in 2004 … rated the nation’s number-19 inside linebacker by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report … member of the Chicago Sun-Times area top 100 … a threeyear starter who was an all-league and all-area pick as a junior in 2003 … had 100 tackles, two sacks and four interceptions as a junior in 2003 … made 78 tackles and one sack as a sophomore in 2002 … also had seven catches for 72 yards at tight end in 2002 … set a school career record for tackles with 321, along with six interceptions and seven quarterback sacks … had a career total of 28 receptions for 386 yards and four TDs at tight end … set a school single-season tackles mark with 143 in 2004 … a two-time team captain … helped lead Highland Park to consecutive state playoff berths in 2003 and 2004, only the second time in school history that happened … for his career, he averaged 12.9 points and 8.8 rebounds in basketball at power forward … set school career records for deflections (143), blocked shots (101) and rebounds (709) … attended Notre Dame football camp in the summer of 2004 … coached by Kurt Weinberg … full name is Scott Andrew Smith … one of two children … born July 16, 1986, in Phoenix, Ariz. … son of Robert and Debora Smith ... enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business, double majoring in management-consulting and sociology … earned 3.4 grade-point average in ‘06 spring semester, 3.854 in ‘07 spring semester, 3.933 in ’07 fall semester, 3.849 in ‘08 spring semester and boasts 3.592 cumulative average … is a member of the Dean’s List. ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 73 S. SMITH’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int 2005 2006 2007 Total 5:57 33:06 39:03 8-0 3 3 Did Not Play 12-0 18 7 20-0 21 10 0 11 11 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 S. SMITH’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT ST AT Sacks TFL QBH Int. PBU FF FR Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC Navy Air Force Duke Stanford Total 4 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 6 1 3 0 18 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 7 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 1 2 0 11 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 TORYAN SMITH Inside Linebacker Junior • 6-1 • 244 Birthdate: 9-14-87 Rome, Ga. (Rome) 49 T. SMITH’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH Sacks FF FR PBU Int Smith’s Career Highs: Tackles – 4 (vs. Michigan State, 2007) Tackles for Loss – 1 (at UCLA, 2007) CAREER: Strong and hard-hitting inside linebacker has served as a backup to Joe Brockington and Maurice Crum Jr. the last two years but will get a chance in training camp to compete for a starting spot … played in 20 games during the past two seasons with two starts (both in 2007) and recorded 23 tackles and 0.5 sack in 102:44 of playing time. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Appeared in 11 games (did not play vs. Navy) and started the first two games of his Irish career (at Penn State and at UCLA) … served as top backup to Joe Brockington and Maurice Crum Jr. for much of the year … registered 14 tackles on the season with 0.5 tackle for loss … split time vs. Georgia Tech with Joe Brockington at inside linebacker ... finished with one assisted tackle … had four tackles (two solo, two assist) vs. Michigan State … recorded three tackles (two solo, one assist) vs. UCLA ... made one tackle for a loss of two yards vs. the Bruins … had three assisted tackles vs. Boston College … logged 77:37 of playing time with 23 special-teams appearances. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Powerful and instinctive linebacker who played in nine games as a freshman on both special teams and as a reserve linebacker … recorded nine tackles, including six solos, and logged 25:07 minutes and four special-teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Rome High School in Rome, Ga. … second-team linebacker on USA Today prep All-America team for 2005 ... first-team linebacker on Atlanta Journal-Constitution Georgia Class AAAA all-state team ... one of 12 linebackers on Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team ... had 117 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and three interceptions as senior in ’05 ... made 112 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three interceptions as junior in 2004 ... father Charles (a current assistant football coach at Rome High School) played football at Georgia for former Irish assistant coach Bill Lewis, then a Bulldog assistant ... born Sept. 14, 1987 ... son of Charles and Regina Smith ... high school coach was Sid Fritts … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters, majoring in sociology. 2006 2007 Total 25:07 77:37 102:44 9-0 11-2 20-2 9 14 23 6 5 11 3 9 12 0-0 0.5-1 0.5-1 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 T. SMITH’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT ST AT Sacks TFL QBH Int. PBU FF FR Georgia Tech *Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue *UCLA Boston College USC Navy Air Force Duke Stanford Total 1 2 0 4 0 3 3 0 0 0 1 14 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 0 2 0 1 3 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 0.5 0-0 0 0-0 0 Did Not Play 0 0-0 0 0 0-0 0 1 0-0 0 0-0 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 9 *games started 74 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE CHRIS STEWART Offensive Guard Junior • 6-5 • 337 Birthdate: 9-12-87 Spring, Texas (Klein) 59 GOLDEN TATE Wide Receiver Sophomore • 5-11 • 195 Birthdate: 8-2-88 Hendersonville, Tenn. (Hendersonville) 23 THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK CAREER: Physically-imposing player appears to have found a home on the offensive line after also trying defense in 2007 … entered Notre Dame as an offensive lineman but moved to nose tackle during ’07 spring practices … returned to the offensive line prior to the season and appeared in the first six games of his Irish career … former high school All-American appeared at guard and tackle and finished the ’07 season as the backup right tackle … opens training camp as the starter at right guard ... rated the No. 57 offensive guard in the country by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Started spring practices as a nose tackle but moved back to the offensive line prior to the start of the season … did not play in the first six games but played in each of the last six games on special teams and as a reserve offensive lineman … earned playing time as a guard and tackle and finished the season as the backup right tackle … registered 46:44 of playing time and made 25 special teams appearances. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Strong freshman guard who did not play as rookie but was a valuable member of the show team. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Klein High School in Klein, Texas … second-team offensive lineman on USA Today prep All-America squad for 2005 ... selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl prep all-star game ... played for Klein High School in Klein, Texas ... rated 33rd on list of top 100 players in Texas by Dallas Morning News ... secondteam Texas Class 5A all-state pick in ’05 by Texas Sportswriters Association, after 102 pancake blocks ... 57 pancake blocks and only two sacks allowed as junior in ’04 ... all-area pick as sophomore and junior ... also plays basketball … brother played basketball at Texas Southern as 6-11, 320-pound starting center … mother Lusia was member of United States silver medal-winning basketball team at 1976 Summer Olympic Games ... enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2006 ... born Sept. 12, 1987 ... son of George and Sandra Stewart ... high school coach was Stan Labay … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters, majoring in history … earned a 3.533 gradepoint average in ‘06 fall semester, a 3.583 in ’07 fall semester and boasts a 3.50 cumulative average. STEWART’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-S Time Tate’s Career Highs: Receptions – 3 (at Purdue, 2007) Receiving Yards – 104 (at Purdue, 2007) Receiving Touchdowns – 1 (at Purdue, 2007) Longest Reception – 43 (at Purdue, 2007) CAREER: Explosive wide receiver who benefited the Irish offense as a rookie, giving them a true deep threat and also the special teams as a kickoff returner … caught six passes for 131 yards (21.8 avg.) with one touchdown and averaged 21.7 yards on 15 kick returns … four of the six receptions were for over 20 yards (43, 36, 25 and 22) … still perfecting his play as wide receiver after playing primarily running back in high school … split time in the spring as he also plays centerfield for the Irish baseball team. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Played in all 12 games and was one of eight freshmen who started for Notre Dame … started at wide receiver vs. UCLA and USC … registered six receptions for 131 yards (21.8 avg.) with one touchdown and averaged 21.7 yards on 15 kick returns … recorded one kickoff return for 20 yards vs. Georgia Tech … brought back a kickoff 34 yards vs. Penn State... had five kickoff returns for the Irish, bringing in 133 yards vs. Michigan ... recorded long return of 40 yards, a career high ... recorded four rushing yards vs. the Wolverines ... recorded three kickoff returns for 62 yards vs. Michigan State ... had breakout game vs. Purdue ... recorded a team game high 104 yards on three catches ... made long catch of the day on a pass from Evan Sharpley for 43 yards ... caught 25-yard pass from Sharpley for an Irish touchdown ... recorded one kickoff for 14 yards vs. the Boilermakers ... made first career start (becoming the fourth freshman ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES ‘07 REVIEW 2006 2007 Total Did Not Play 6-0 46:44 6-0 46:44 HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 75 to start in 2007) at UCLA ... had one kickoff return for 18 yards vs. Boston College... made one reception vs. USC for 22 yards ... recorded one kickoff return for 16 yards vs. Navy … logged 28:51 of playing time and 97 special-teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: USA Today second-team prep AllAmerica pick for 2006 on defense as athlete ... rated 11th prep player nationally on ESPN 150 listing ... selected to Super Southern 100 team for 2006 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of 11 wide receivers ... one of 11 players from Tennessee selected to All-Southern team by Orlando Sentinel ... rated one of top 250 players nationally by Rivals.com, including second among Tennessee prospects and seventh nationally among players in athlete category ... American General Tennessee Mr. Football Back of the Year selection in Division II A/AA class as both junior and senior in ‘05 and `06 ... named Charles Greenhill Award winner as top prep player in Tennessee and Middle Tennessee High School Football Player of the Year for ‘06, both by Lawrenceburg (Tenn.) Quarterback Club ... Tennessee Division II first-team all-state pick in 2006 as athlete by Tennessee Sports Writers Association and also by Tennessee Football Coaches Association ... named Sumner County (Tenn.) Offensive Player of the Year for ‘06 ... drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 42nd round of the 2007 MLB Draft ... rated 79th best prospect nationally by CSTV - and 17th among running backs ... rushed 140 times for 1,413 yards and 23 touchdowns as senior in ‘06 at Pope John Paul II High School in Hendersonville, Tenn., along with 28 receptions for 510 yards and six TDs ... also had three interceptions on defense, returned a kickoff for a TD and was the Knights’ punter (he had a long of 62 yards among his 19 kicks) for team that finished 7-3 in `06 ... lined up at quarterback and completed a pass to his brother Wesley in a November 2006 John Paul II one-point playoff loss ... rushed for 1,041 yards on 137 carries and 14 TDs and had 812 receiving yards on 38 catches with 11 more TDs as junior in 2005 ... returned 17 punts for 231 yards and 19 kickoffs for 426 yards in ‘05 ... returned three kicks for TDs as junior ... named to Nashville Tennessean Dream Team for ‘06 as special teams athlete ... named to Nashville Tennessean All-Midstate team for ‘06 as an athlete —- and was Midstate Player of the Year by The Tennessean ... Tennessee Sports Writers Association all-state pick as junior ... rated one of top 33 running backs on 2006 preseason basis by CBS Sportsline.com College Football Preview ... rated fourth among prospects nationally in “athlete” category on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News ... rated 38th best overall prospect in Southeast on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... joined fellow Irish classmate Andrew Nuss in helping East to 28-14 win in inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl all-star game Jan. 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. ... has run 4.4 in 40 ... also a standout centerfielder for the Notre Dame baseball team ... played for Pope John Paul II coach Jeff Brothers ... father Golden Tate, Jr., played wide receiver at Tennessee State and was fifth-round pick of Indianapolis Colts in 1984 NFL draft as 120th overall selection ... born Aug. 2, 1988 ... full name is Golden H. Tate III ... enrolled in College of Arts and Letters. TATE’S CAREER STATISTICS RECEIVING Year Time G-S No. Yds Avg. TD LP RUSHING Att. Yds Avg. TD LP MICHAEL TURKOVICH Offensive Tackle/Guard Senior • 6-6 • 305 Birthdate: 11-27-86 Bedford, Pa. (Valley Forge Military Academy) 77 CAREER: Enters 2008 as one of three returning offensive linemen who started all 12 games for the Irish in 2007 … played on special teams and as a reserve offensive lineman his first two years but took control of the left guard position during ’07 spring drills and never relinquished his spot … has played in 28 games for Notre Dame and will compete for a starting spot at both guard positions while being a top reserve at tackle ... rated the No. 46 offensive guard in the nation by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (JUNIOR): Emerged as a candidate to start at left guard during spring drills and training camp and never gave up that spot … started all 12 games for the Irish, one of four members of the offense to do so … helped open up holes for James Aldridge and Robert Hughes as each eclipsed 100 rushing yards in a game twice … started for the first time in his Notre Dame career when he opened at left guard vs. Georgia Tech ... saw first meaningful snaps on the offensive line in his career at Notre Dame vs. the Yellow Jackets … helped Hughes rush for over 100 yards in consecutive games vs. Duke and at Stanford … logged 303:57 of playing time and made 37 special-teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Recovered from a neck injury in the preseason to play in nine regular-season games (all but Michigan State, Stanford and UCLA) ... logged 23:03 of playing time. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Worked into the playing rotation as a reserve offensive tackle … played in seven games (Pittsburgh, Washington, Purdue, BYU, Tennessee, Navy and Ohio State) … played 6:37 vs. Purdue, his longest appearance … logged 23:45 of playing time with three special teams appearances. 2007 28:51 12-2 6 131 21.8 1 43 Lg 1 4 4.0 0 4 KICKOFF RETURN STATISTICS Year No Yds Avg 2007 15 326 21.7 40 Returns Yds. Avg. TATE’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Receiving Opponent No. Yds. Avg. TD LP No. LP Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue *UCLA Boston College *USC Navy Air Force Duke Stanford Total 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 104 0 0 22 0 0 0 5 131 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 34.7 0.0 0.0 22.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 21.8 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 43 0 0 22 0 0 0 5 43 1 1 5 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 15 20 34 133 62 14 0 18 0 16 0 0 29 326 20.0 34.0 26.6 20.7 14.0 0.0 18.0 0.0 16.0 0.0 0.0 14.5 21.7 20 34 40 27 14 0 18 0 16 0 0 16 40 * games started 76 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pa. … a starter on both sides of the football, playing tackle on offense and defense … also saw action at tight end, defensive end and long snapper … a member of the 2004 Pennsylvania Big 33 team … as a senior, led the team with 18 pancake blocks on offense and made 13 sacks on defense … did not allow a sack while leading an offensive line that produced 185 rushing yards per game and 23 rushing TDs … helped Valley Forge to a 6-3 record in 2004 … graded close to 90 percent at offensive tackle in 2004 … was an excellent run stopper at defensive tackle … rated the number-21 player in the East by Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report … also started on Valley Forge’s basketball team, playing center and forward … was a pitcher, first baseman and outfielder for the baseball team … was awarded the General Alfred Sanelii Award as the Outstanding Academy Athlete at Valley Forge for the 2003-04 school year … earned the Anthony Wayne Legion Award as one of the academy’s top cadets … coached by Jim Burner … full name is Michael Alan Turkovich … one of three children … born Nov. 27, 1986, in Johnstown, Pa. … son of Robert and Susan Turkovich ... brother Bobby played football at Holy Cross … father Robert played college football at Washington & Jefferson … enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management-consulting … earned a 3.475 grade-point average during the ’07 fall semester. TURKOVICH’S CAREER STATISTICS Year Time G-S BRANDON WALKER Kicker Sophomore • 6-3 • 202 Birthdate: 9-27-88 Findlay, Ohio. (Findlay) 14 THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK 2005 2006 2007 Total 23:45 23:03 303:57 360:45 7-0 9-0 12-12 28-12 Walker’s Career Highs: Field Goals Made – 2 (at UCLA, 2007) Field Goals Attempted – 2 (twice in 2007) Longest Field Goal Made – 48 (at UCLA, 2007) PATs Made – 5 (vs. Navy, 2007) PATs Attempted – 5 (vs. Navy, 2007) CAREER: Notre Dame’s first left-footed kicker since Harry Oliver in 1981 … served most of his freshman year as the placekicker and added kickoff duties at the end of the season … converted four of first five field goals in his career and finished the season making six of 12 field-goal attempts … made 22 of 23 extra points … paced the ’07 Irish with 40 points on the season. ‘08 PLAYERS KALLEN WADE Outside Linebacker Junior • 6-5 • 255 Birthdate: 4-3-88 Cincinnati, Ohio (Withrow) 97 ‘08 COACHES CAREER: Moved to outside linebacker last spring and will compete this fall at the Will linebacker spot with Kerry Neal ... has transformed his body through his first two years while learning at defensive end behind Victor Abiamiri, Chris Frome and Trevor Laws … played in two games for the Irish (both in 2007) and logged 2:06 of playing time. ‘07 REVIEW 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Recorded his first field time in an Irish uniform, playing vs. Georgia Tech and Duke as a backup defensive end … logged 2:06 of playing time on the campaign and made one special-teams appearance. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Did not play as a rookie defensive end. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Withrow High School in Cincinnati, Ohio … rated 134th on list of top 150 players nationally by CollegeFootballNews.com ... honorable mention pick on Detroit Free-Press Best in the Midwest team ... made 23 solo tackles, 19 assists and four sacks as senior in 2005 for Withrow High School team in Cincinnati, Ohio, that finished 6-4, while playing mostly at defensive tackle ... had 43 tackles and 13 sacks as junior in 2004 ... started his football career as a safety, but moved to defensive end by his junior year ... participated in the National Football Foundation’s “Play It Smart” program, designed to apply life skills learned on the field to the classroom and the community … born April 3, 1988 ... high school coach was Doc Gamble … enrolled in College of Arts and Letters, double majoring in psychology and computer applications ... earned a 3.333 grade-point average in the ‘08 spring semester. WADE’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int HISTORY & RECORDS TFL QBH 2006 2007 Total 2:06 2:06 2-0 2-0 Did Not Play 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0-0 0-0 MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 77 2007 (FRESHMAN): Played in 11 games during first season (did not play at Michigan) and served as the primary placekicker … made six of 12 field goals, including a long of 48 yards … converted 22 of 23 extra points and finished the season with a team-high 40 points … first left-footed field-goal kicker for Notre Dame since Harry Oliver in ‘81 … averaged 56.4 yards on 13 kickoffs … one of nine freshmen to pick up their first career action for the Irish in the season opener vs. Georgia Tech ... connected on his only field-goal attempt of the afternoon (24 yards) ... connected his only field-goal attempt (22 yards) vs. Penn State … also connected on first PAT of the season vs. Nittany Lions... kicked an Irish career-long field goal of 48 yards in third quarter vs. UCLA ... connected on a 28-yard field goal vs. Navy ... also made five PATs vs. the Midshipmen ... made a 28-yard field goal and was three for three on PATs vs. Air Force ... made four of four PATs vs. Duke. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated as the fifth-best punter in the nation by Scout.com ... received special mention all-state by the Toledo Blade as a punter following senior season ... named to the all-Northwest (Ohio) district first team as a kicker ... attempted only six field goals as a senior, making three including a 43-yarder, and converted 33 of 34 PATs in 2006 ... connected on 10 of 14 field goals as a junior, including a school-record 50-yarder in the 2005 playoffs ... played for coach Mark Ritzler at Findlay ... attended the same high school as Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ... full name is Brandon J. Walker ... born Sept. 27, 1988 ... son of Jim and Tina Walker ... enrolled in Mendoza College of Business. WALKER’S CAREER KICKING STATISTICS FIELD GOALS EXTRA POINTS KICKOFFS Year G-S M-A Pct. LG M-A Pct. No. Yds. Avg. TB 36 of 88 passes for 745 yards and two TDs … participated in the Texas/Louisiana Bayou Bowl all-star game … member of the Dallas Morning News Texas Top 100 in 2005 … as a junior, he played safety and quarterback … capped a comeback win for Austin versus Fort Bend Willowridge in 2004 with a last-second TD catch … recorded 66 tackles during his junior season with two interceptions … named team defensive MVP and top defensive back in 2004 … attended Notre Dame football camp in the summer of 2004 … coached by Tom Stuart in football … also participated in basketball and track and field … member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes … born April 13, 1987, in Natchez, Miss. … older of two children … full name is Kevin Christopher Washington … son of Keith and Betty Washington ... enrolled in the College of Arts and Letters, double majoring in film, television and theatre and sociology. WASHINGTON’S CAREER STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int 2005 2006 2007 Total 2:30 2:30 Did Not Play Did Not Play 4-0 2 1 4-0 2 1 1 1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0-0 0-0 2007 11-0 6-12 .500 48 22-23 .957 13 733 56.4 0 DAN WENGER WALKER’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent FGA-FGM Lg. PATs Total Points Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC Navy Air Force Duke Stanford Total 1-1 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-1 2-2 0-1 0-1 1-2 1-1 0-1 0-1 6-12 24 22 0 0 0 48 0 0 26 28 0 0 48 0-0 1-1 0-0 2-2 0-1 2-2 2-2 0-0 5-5 3-3 4-4 3-3 22-23 3 4 0 2 0 8 2 0 8 6 4 3 40 Center Junior • 6-4 • 302 Birthdate: 3-16-88 Coral Springs, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas) 51 CAREER: Talented and intelligent player who enters training camp as the projected starting center following the graduation of veteran John Sullivan… started the final two games of the ’07 season at center after starting the first three games of his sophomore year at right guard … played in eight games, starting five contests, for the Irish and is one of five returning offensive linemen who started at least five games in 2007 … played primarily as center or right guard but displayed his versatility by making 14 special teams appearances ... rated the No. 40 center in the country by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Made Notre Dame debut and wound up playing in eight games and starting five contests … started each of the first three games at right guard (Georgia Tech, Penn State and Michigan) and played in the last five contests including starting at center vs. Duke and at Stanford … did not play in games four through seven … played for the first time in his Notre Dame career when he started at right guard vs. Georgia Tech ... lined up next to his high school teammate, tackle Sam Young … made second appearance for the Irish in his career, starting at right guard vs. Penn State ... made third career start at Michigan ... missed Michigan State game due to injury ... did not see playing time vs. Purdue ... was brought in during the second half for a couple downs at the center position after John Sullivan was hit hard vs. Air Force ... made first career start at center for the Irish vs. Duke and helped the Irish record 414 total yards of offense and 220 rushing yards, both the second most in ’07 … started at center at Stanford and helped Robert Hughes eclipse 100 yards rushing for the second consecutive game … logged 154:35 of playing time with 14 special-teams appearances. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Promising center who was hampered by injury most of the year .. named show team player of the week on at least one occasion after providing a good look for the firstteam defense ... did not see any game action as a rookie lineman. KEVIN WASHINGTON Inside Linebacker Senior • 6-1 • 250 Birthdate: 4-13-87 Sugar Land, Texas (Ft. Bend Austin) 42 CAREER: Irish reserve linebacker has helped the team in practices and on special teams … appeared in four games in his career and totaled two tackles … used more on special teams during junior season when he made 21 appearances … provides versatility as an inside or outside linebacker. 2007 (JUNIOR): Recorded his first playing time for the Irish … notched two tackles (one solo, one assisted) on the year … registered 2:30 of playing time in four games during the season and made 21 special teams appearances. 2006 (SOPHOMORE): Did not see game action as a second-year linebacker. 2005 (FRESHMAN): Did not see game action as a rookie linebacker. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Austin High School in Sugar Land, Texas … totaled 81 tackles and four interceptions in his junior and senior seasons combined … rushed 102 times for 521 yards and four TDs as a senior quarterback and completed HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. ... rated 136th on list of top 150 players nationally by CollegeFootballNews.com ... a first-team offensive lineman on Florida Class 5A all-state team selected by Florida Sports Writers Association ... on list of next 20 players after first 20 that made 2005 Best of the South team by Tampa Tribune ... helped St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., average 41.3 points and 337.7 yards per game as senior in 2005 ... helped St. Thomas Aquinas to Florida Class 5A state title game in ‘05 on squad rated 10th in USA Today Super 25 final listing of top prep teams nationally ... selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl prep all-star game ... selected for CaliFlorida Bowl all-star game ... first-team offensive lineman on South Florida Sun-Sentinel all-county team ... helped St. Thomas Aquinas roll up 4,606 total yards in ‘05 ... one of 19 offensive linemen on `05 national preseason top 100 list by CBS SportsLine.com ... prep teammate and classmate of fellow junior Sam Young ... first St. Thomas Aquinas player to head for Notre Dame since receiver Bobby Brown signed in 1995 ... born March 16, 1988 ... son of Ed and Debbie Wenger ... high school coach was George Smith ... enrolled in College of Arts and Letters, majoring in sociology. 78 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE GEORGE WEST Wide Receiver Junior • 5-10 • 196 Birthdate: 8-27-88 Spencer, Okla. (Northeast) 19 THIS IS NOTRE DAME ‘08 OUTLOOK West’s Career Highs: Receptions – 4 (twice in 2007) Receiving Yards – 37 (at Purdue, 2007) Longest Reception – 20 (vs. Georgia Tech, 2007) Rushing Touchdown – 1 (vs. Purdue, 2006) Longest Rush – 11 (vs. Purdue, 2006) CAREER: Joins David Grimes as returning starter for Notre Dame in 2008 at receiver slot … quick and shifty wide receiver is one of two juniors who has appeared in every game through his first two seasons (also offensive tackle Sam Young) … started seven of the 25 games in which he’s appeared and recorded 23 receptions for 186 yards and rushed once for 11 yards … has also been used as a returner on special teams where he’s averaged 21.0 yards on 13 kick returns and gained 20 yards on four punt returns … enters the ’08 season as the second-most experienced wide receiver on the roster and one of nine returning starters on offense. ‘08 PLAYERS ‘08 COACHES WENGER’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-S Time 2006 2007 Total Did Not Play 8-5 154:35 8-5 154:35 ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 79 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Started his first game for the Irish vs. Georgia Tech ... had 29 yards receiving on two catches including a long reception of 20 yards vs. Tech … caught two passes for nine yards vs. Penn State ... made second career start for the Irish vs. the Nittany Lions ... recorded two receptions for a team high 23 yards vs. Michigan ... led Irish with 25 receiving yards on three catches vs. Michigan State ... made four receptions for 37 yards vs. Purdue ... recorded one reception for six yards vs. USC ... led the Irish in receptions with four catches for 24 yards and had his first kick return of the year for 22 yards vs. Duke … logged 18:52 of playing time with seven special teams appearances. 2006 (FRESHMAN): One of two freshmen to play in all 13 games … took only rush 11 yards on an end-around for a touchdown vs. Purdue … caught two passes for 14 yards, returned four punts for 20 yards and gained 251 yards on 12 kickoff returns … logged 18:52 of playing time and made 74 special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Northeast Academy in Oklahoma City, Okla. … Oklahoma Class 4A all-state pick as wide receiver in 2005 ... one of 10 players on Oklahoma Blue Chip list for ’05 by Daily Oklahoman ... first-team Oklahoma all-state selection as defensive back by OKPrepXtra.com ... caught 28 passes for 466 yards and five TDs in 2005, rushed 14 times for 97 yards and two TDs ... scored seven times on special teams, four on punt returns and three on kickoff returns – and was regarded as one of top kick returners in country ... made 44 tackles and four interceptions on defense in ’05 for Northeast Academy in Oklahoma City, Okla. ... caught 45 passes as junior in ‘04 for 809 yards and 10 TDs ... also picked off nine passes to go with 34 tackles as junior defensive back ... three-year starter on both sides of the ball ... selected for Oklahoma Coaches’ All-Star game ... enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2006 … born Aug. 27, 1988 ... son of George and Theresa West ... high school coach was Ron Kroeger … enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in finance … earned a 3.067 grade-point average in ’07 fall semester. WEST’S CAREER OFFENSIVE STATISTICS RECEIVING Year Time G-S Rec. Yds Avg. TD LP RUSHING Att. Yds Avg. TD LP IAN WILLIAMS Nose Tackle Sophomore • 6-2 • 310 Birthdate: 8-31-89 Altamonte Springs, Fla. (Lyman) 95 Williams’ Career Highs: Tackles – 11 (vs. Navy, 2007) Tackles for Loss – 1 (vs. Air Force, 2007) CAREER: Stout, talented and productive nose tackle who enters training camp as a legitimate option to start at nose tackle this year … recorded 45 tackles in first season, the third-most tackles by a freshman defensive lineman in Notre Dame annals (Ross Browner, 68 in ’73; Steve Niehaus, 47 in ’72) … appeared in 12 games during rookie campaign and started the final two games … one of just four freshmen who played in every game and one of eight rookies to start during their first seasons ... ranked the No. 58 defensive tackle in the nation by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (FRESHMAN): Appeared in all 12 games – one of just four freshmen to do that – and started the final two games of the season (Duke and Stanford) … ranked sixth on the team and second on the defensive line in tackles though he came off of the bench most of the year … totaled 45 tackles with 19 solo stops and 1.5 tackles for loss … recorded the third most tackles by a freshman defensive lineman in school history (Ross Browner, 68 in ’73; Steve Niehaus, 47 in ’72) … made his Irish debut vs. Georgia Tech and recorded three tackles … notched three tackles and 0.5 tackle for loss at Penn State … tallied season-best four solo tackles at Michigan … registered three tackles vs. Boston College … established career best with 11 tackles vs. Navy … recorded six tackles including one tackle for loss vs. Air Force … made his first career start vs. Duke and tallied three tackles 2006 2007 Total 18:52 139:57 158:49 13-0 12-7 25-7 2 21 23 14 172 186 7.0 8.2 8.1 0 0 0 20 20 1 0 1 11 0 11 11.0 0 0.0 0 11.0 0 11 0 11 WEST’S CAREER RETURN STATISTICS KICKOFFS PUNTS Year No. Yds. Avg. TD LP No. Yds. Avg. TD LP 2006 2007 Total 12 1 13 251 26.0 22 22.0 273 21.0 0 0 0 33 22 33 4 0 4 20 0 20 5.0 0.0 5.0 0 0 0 10 0 10 WEST’S GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent Rec. Yds. Avg. TD LP *Georgia Tech *Penn State *Michigan *Michigan State *Purdue UCLA *Boston College USC *Navy Air Force Duke Stanford Total 2 2 2 3 4 0 1 1 0 1 4 1 21 29 9 23 25 37 0 3 6 0 5 24 11 172 14.5 4.5 11.5 8.3 9.3 0.0 3.0 6.0 0.0 5.0 6.0 11.0 8.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 5 14 14 15 0 3 6 0 5 8 11 20 * games started 80 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE … started at Stanford and was credited with six tackles … logged 125:25 of playing time and made 22 special-teams appearances. THIS IS NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated 120th prep player nationally on ESPN 150 listing ... named to Florida Class 5A first-team all-state unit for 2006 as offensive lineman, as selected by Florida Sports Writers Association ... all-Central Florida first team as defensive lineman by Orlando Sentinel ... also a first-team defensive lineman on all-Seminole County team selected by the Sentinel ... rated 30th on list of top 50 Florida prospects at end of ‘06 by South Florida Sun-Sentinel ... listed 20th nationally among defensive tackles by CSTV ... had more than 40 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks as senior interior defensive lineman at Lyman High School in Longwood, Fla. ... three-year starter at that spot ... made 83 tackles as junior in ‘05, 23 tackles for loss, 12 hurries, four forced fumbles, two sacks, four fumble recoveries and four passes broken up ... helped Greyhounds to 8-3 mark in ‘05 and third straight district title as Lyman defeated Melbourne for first Florida playoff win in school history ... first-team Florida Class 5A all-state pick by FSWA as junior on defensive line in 2005 ... rated 95th best Southeast prospect on 2006 preseason basis by The Sporting News SchoolSports ... helped North team to 16-3 victory in December 2006 Florida North-South all-star game ... also competed in track ... played for Lyman coach Bill Caughell ... born Aug. 31, 1989 ... son of Natalie Williams ... enrolled in Mendoza College of Business. WILLIAMS’ CAREER DEFENSIVE STATISTICS TACKLES Year Time G-S TT UT AT TFL QBH FUMBLES Sacks FF FR PBU Int ‘08 OUTLOOK 2007 125:25 12-2 45 19 26 1.5-3 0 0-0 0 0-0 0 0-0 WILLIAMS’ GAME-BY-GAME STATISTICS 2007 Opponent TT ST AT Sacks TFL QBH Int. PBU FF FR ‘08 PLAYERS Georgia Tech Penn State Michigan Michigan State Purdue UCLA Boston College USC Navy Air Force *Duke *Stanford Total 3 3 4 4 1 1 3 0 11 6 3 6 45 2 1 4 1 0 1 3 0 2 2 0 3 19 1 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 9 4 3 3 26 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 .5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 ‘08 COACHES * games started WILL YEATMAN Tight End Junior • 6-6 • 265 Birthdate: 4-10-88 San Diego, Calif. (Rancho Bernardo) 84 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 12 games, starting three games (at UCLA, vs. Air Force, vs. Duke) as a second tight end … totaled six receptions for 37 yards with a long reception of 10 yards … caught first pass of collegiate career against Georgia Tech for a season long of 10 yards … grabbed one pass for six yards at Penn State … made first start of his career in Notre Dame’s win at UCLA … recorded one reception for seven yards vs. Boston College … established career-bests with three catches for 14 yards vs. USC … started as the second tight end against Air Force and Duke. 2006 (FRESHMAN): Solid freshman player who showed tremendous potential as a rookie as he appeared in 13 games ... did not record a reception as he was generally used as a blocking tight end ... recorded 29:11 of playing time. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, Calif. ... named to the U.S. Lacrosse All-America team as a junior and senior in high school ... set career records at his high school for most points, goals and assists in lacrosse ... made 36 catches for 527 yards and seven TDs as a senior in '05 as Rancho Bernardo finished 8-3 ... made 26 receptions for 340 yards and four TDs as a junior in '04 while helping Rancho Bernardo to a 9-3 record ... rated 38th on list of top tight ends by Scout.com ... rated 39th on list of top tight ends by Rivals.com ... rated 79th on the Rivals.com California Top 100 Prospects ... born April 10, 1988 ... high school coach was Ron Hamamoto ... enrolled in College of Arts and Letters, majoring in history. RECEIVING Year G-S Time No. Yards Avg. TD LP ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS YEATMAN’S CAREER HIGHS: Receptions – 3 (vs. USC, 2007) Receiving Yards – 14 (vs. USC, 2007) Longest Reception – 10 (vs. Georgia Tech, 2007) CAREER: The most experienced and veteran returning tight end will compete for the starting tight end spot in hopes of continuing recent success forged by Anthony Fasano and John Carlson … played in all 25 games of his career and has been a strong blocker on the line of scrimmage for the Irish … recorded six career receptions (all in 2007) for 37 yards … also a member of the Notre Dame lacrosse team as he paced the 2007 squad with 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists), ranking first in assists and fourth in goals … named Great Western Lacrosse League Newcomer of the Year in ‘07 and earned first-team all-GWLL accolades ... selected ‘07 LaxPower National Rookie of the Year and also earned honorable mention All-America honors from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. 2006 2007 Total 13-0 12-3 25-3 29:11 99:31 128:42 0 6 6 0 37 37 0.0 6.2 6.2 0 0 0 0 10 10 MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 81 SAM YOUNG Offensive Tackle Junior • 6-8 • 330 Birthdate: 6-24-87 Coral Springs, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas) 74 2006 (FRESHMAN): Started all 13 games at right offensive tackle for Notre Dame ... was the first freshman Irish player to start the season opener on the offensive line since freshmen regained their eligibility in 1972 … named a first-team freshman All-American by The Sporting News and Rivals.com … helped open holes all season for Darius Walker as he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and provided protection for Brady Quinn as he surpassed 3,000 passing yards again … logged 289:17 of playing time with six special teams appearances. HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. … first-team offensive lineman on USA Today prep All-America squad ... rated top lineman and one of 16 candidates for Parade All-America High School Player of the Year award ... one of 18 linemen on Parade prep all-star team ... rated 10th on list of top 100 prep players nationally by USA Today and Chicago Sun-Times ... rated ninth on list of top 150 players nationally by CollegeFootballNews.com ... rated 23rd on list of top 100 players in the nation by Dallas Morning News ... Gatorade Player of the Year for 2005 in Florida ... first-team All-America offensive lineman by CSTV ... rated fourth overall as one of six offensive linemen on Atlanta JournalConstitution National Top 25 team ... rated fourth player overall (of 20) on 2005 Best of the South team by Tampa Tribune ... selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl prep all-star game ... selected for CaliFlorida Bowl all-star game ... a first-team offensive lineman on Florida Class 5A all-state team as junior in 2004 and again as senior in 2005 ... named South Florida Sun-Sentinel Class 6A-5A-4A player of the year ... helped St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., gain 4,606 total offense yards as well as 3,040 regular-season rushing yards during ’05 season, as squad finished 10th on USA Today Super 25 list of top prep teams nationally ... didn’t permit a sack either of his junior or senior seasons while helping team to Florida Class 5A state semifinal each of those years ... rated 14th on preseason list of top players in the country (and second among offensive linemen) by The Sporting News ... one of 50 players and eight offensive linemen on preseason prep All-America team by Street & Smith’s ... one of 19 offensive linemen on ’05 national preseason top 100 by CBS SportsLine.com ... high school teammate of fellow junior Dan Wenger ... born June 24, 1987 … son of Tom and Kathy Young ... high school coach was George Smith … enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business, double majoring in management-entrepreneurship and history. CAREER: Notre Dame’s most experienced returning offensive lineman … continues to be a force on the Irish offensive line ... has started all 25 games of his Irish career ... started his first 15 games of his career at right offensive tackle for the Irish before moving to left tackle where he has started the last 10 games ... became the first Notre Dame offensive lineman to start the season opener as a freshman since 1972 and is the only Irish offensive lineman to start every game in his first two seasons … veteran leader of the offensive line and enters the ’08 season with the most career games started of any offensive player ...named to the ‘08 Outland Trophy Watch List (top interior lineman) ... chosen a third-team preseason All-American by Phil Steele ... tabbed the sixth-best offensive tackle in the nation by Phil Steele for ‘08. 2007 (SOPHOMORE): Started all 12 games for the Irish to push his consecutive games started streak to 25 … opened the season at right tackle and moved to left tackle after the third game and started there the final 10 contests … helped block for James Aldridge as he gained over 100 rushing yards vs. Michigan State and Navy … opened up holes for Robert Hughes as he rushed for over 100 yards in the final two contests vs. Duke and at Stanford … logged 310:08 of playing time and made 36 special-teams appearances. YOUNG’S CAREER STATISTICS Year G-S Time 2006 2007 Total 13-13 12-12 25-25 289:17 310:08 599:25 82 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 2008 Notre Dame Signees 12 ROBERT BLANTON CB • 6-1 • 180 Matthews, N.C. (Butler) THIS IS NOTRE DAME 75 LANE CLELLAND OT • 6-5 • 281 Owings Mills, Md. (McDonogh School) Selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio where he played both cornerback and safety … one of 11 players from state of North Carolina selected to All-Southern team by Orlando Sentinel … named to Super Southern 100 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of 10 cornerbacks … rated 92nd nationally by CSTV/Tom Lemming and 13th among defensive backs … considered by Rivals.com the top cover safety in nation, 22nd-best safety in country and seventh-best prospect in North Carolina … rated by Scout.com as 15th-best cornerback in country and third-best player in North Carolina … named first-team all-state in 2006 and 2007 by North Carolina Associated Press and by Charlotte Observer … named 2007 Defensive Player of the Year by Charlotte Observer … played in North-South Carolina Shrine Bowl … tallied 94 tackles, five interceptions and six blocked kicks in 2007 as senior … also gained 252 yards on 16 receptions … helped the Bulldogs reach second round of Class 4AA playoffs … as a junior, totaled 147 tackles, 12 pass breakups and seven interceptions in 15 games … caught four passes for 86 yards as a junior … named second-team all-state as a sophomore after recording 126 tackles, six interceptions, 10 pass breakups, forced six fumbles and blocked six kicks … recognized as Carolina Panthers Community Captain for his outstanding performance in classroom and in community … member of Butler honor roll and a first lieutenant in Butler’s JROTC program … received JROTC Scholastic Award … served as a coach for an 11-12year-old football team at Youth Football Club of Mint Hill … spokesperson for Butler High’s D.R.E.A.M. Team (Daring to Role-model Excellence as Athletic Mentors) and was one of only 12 hand-selected members … recognized at Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks game for being recognized as a Panthers Community Captain … one of five finalists for Glenn Davis Award, a national award based on community service, academics and athletic accomplishment, and presented at U.S. Army All-American Bowl … participated in basketball and track … ran hurdles and was jumper on track team, surpassing 21 feet in long jump and clearing 6-7 in high jump … played for coach Mike Newsome … born Sept. 7, 1989 in Clackamas, Oregon … son of Kathrine Edwards ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. Named to U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … rated the 94th-best prospect in the nation by CSTV/Tom Lemming … named an all-Baltimore County performer as a junior by Baltimore Sun … named first-team all-metro by Baltimore Sun following his senior season … three-year starter at McDonough … Rivals.com rated him the premier lineman in Maryland and the fifth-best prospect in the state … chosen for the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com recognizing him as one of the top 250 players in the country … considered by Scout.com the second-best player in Maryland and the 18th-best offensive tackle in the country … ranked the 13th-best offensive lineman in the nation by SuperPrep as well as the fourthbest prospect and second-best offensive lineman in the Mid-Atlantic region … high school team finished his senior season ranked eighth in the state … set school record for pancake blocks as a junior … also played defensive end as a junior where he tallied 20 tackles, five sacks and 10 tackles for losses … successful heavyweight wrestler who was 35-15 as a junior … brother, Lance, was an offensive lineman at Northwestern … attended the same high school as Brittany Mallory, a freshman standout on Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team … played for coach Dominic Damico at McDonogh … born Feb. 5, 1990 … son of Linda Clelland (CLELL-und) ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. ‘08 OUTLOOK ‘08 PLAYERS 10 DAYNE CRIST QB • 6-4 • 233 Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Notre Dame) ‘08 COACHES 52 BRAXSTON CAVE OC • 6-3 • 315, Granger, Ind. (Penn) Selected to play in Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando … placed on Scout.com All-America second team … named to Indiana top-50 all-state team by Indiana Football Coaches Association … one of 12 finalists for Indiana’s “Mr. Football” award … runner-up for Offensive Lineman of the Year Award sponsored by Indianapolis Star … placed a close second finishing with 93 votes, two behind winner … Rivals.com rated him second-best player in Indiana and fourth-best center in the nation … chosen for Rivals 250 by Rivals.com recognizing him as one of the top 250 players in country … ranked by SuperPrep the 25th best offensive lineman in nation, third-best offensive lineman in Midwest and 14th-best prospect in Midwest … ranked by Scout.com as the number-two center in nation and second-best player in Indiana … rated 125th on ESPN 150 list … helped guide the Kingsmen to an undefeated regular season in his senior season and final 12-1 record … named after former Notre Dame football player Braxston Banks … also participates in track where he has thrown the shot put over 51 feet and tossed discus 145 feet … attended same high school as current Irish offensive lineman Thomas Bemenderfer and former Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike Rosenthal … born July 29, 1989 … played for coach Cory Yeoman at Penn … son of Rick and Kim Cave ... youngest of three children (two older sisters - Brooke, 29 and Brittney, 25) ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. Selected to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … one of six finalists for the 2008 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award … one of seven finalists for the Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year Award … selected to the Parade All-America team as one of 58 players and seven quarterbacks named to team … named to the Scout.com All-America second team … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … one of 20 players selected to Best in the West first team by the Long Beach Press-Telegram … only player projected to play quarterback in college who was named to the Best in the West first team … named second-team all-state by CalHiSports.com as a senior … placed on all-Southern California team by Southern California Football Coaches Association and Orange County Register … completed 57.8 percent of passes for 2,178 yards with 16 touchdowns and one interception in 10 games in 2007 … also rushed for 454 yards and scored four touchdowns in 81 rushing attempts … against Saugus, completed 18-of-27 passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and also rushed for a score while leading the Knights to a 38-35 win … passed for 253 yards and four touchdowns while completing 17-of-25 passes and also gained 50 yards on six rushes in a 33-6 win over St. Francis … rated as the eighth-best player and second-best quarterback in the nation by Tom Lemming … Rivals.com ranked him the 25th-best prospect in the nation, second-best pro-style quarterback in the country and fourth-best recruit in California … rated the 22nd-best player on the ESPN 150 list … ranked the 45th-best player in the nation by Scout.com and Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … rated by SuperPrep the 48th-best prospect in the nation, fourth-best quarterback in the country, eighth-best player in the far west and top quarterback in the far west … ranked the seventh-best prospect in California and third-best quarterback in the nation by Scout.com … played in seven games as a junior, passing for 1,270 yards with 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions while completing 52.9 percent of his passes … also rushed for 230 yards and four touchdowns … against Bishop Arnat as a junior, completed six of 11 passes for 236 yards and five touchdowns in 49-0 win … over his final two seasons, passed for 3,448 yards in 17 games with 33 touchdowns … completed 56.1 percent of his passes with only four interceptions in 351 pass attempts … amassed a 14-3 record as a starter for the Knights as a junior … filled in as a starter for three games during sophomore season and led team to three wins when starter Garrett Green (now at USC) was injured … high school teammate of Irish linebacker Anthony McDonald … played for coach Kevin Rooney at Notre Dame High School … born Oct. 9, 1989 … son of Tim and Karen Crist (rhymes with wrist) ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 83 98 SEAN CWYNAR DE • 6-4 • 283 McHenry, Ill. (Marian Central Catholic) 46 STEVE FILER ILB • 6-3 • 236 Chicago, Ill. (Mount Carmel) Picked to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, becoming the first player from his area to be selected for the prestigious game … named to the Detroit Free Press’ Best in the Midwest Top 20 team as the 18th-best player … rated the 89th-best player in the nation by Tom Lemming … Rivals.com ranked him the 12th-best defensive tackle in the country and the fourth-best player in Illinois (two of three players ahead of him are future teammates – Steve Filer and Darius Fleming) … chosen for the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com recognizing him as one of the top 250 players in the country … Scout.com labeled him the fourth-best player in Illinois and the 14th-best defensive tackle … led Marian Central to state finals as a junior and semi-finals as a senior … high school team had nickname “The 300 Spartans” because they played with only 23 players on the roster … two-time defensive lineman of the year in the Suburban Catholic Conference … member of the Chicago Tribune’s all-state first team … named to the Chicago Sun-Times all-area football team in 2007 … named the recipient of the inaugural Mr. Football award, edging out two other finalists including classmate Steve Filer … tallied 82 tackles with 16 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in senior season … also served as the team’s placekicker after the original placekicker left the team … two-time selection to the Northwest Herald’s all-area first team … named to Chicago Tribune all-state special mention team following junior year … as a junior, totaled 102 tackles with 17 sacks and was named all-state, academic allstate and all-conference … didn’t play organized football until ninth grade … played for coach Ed Brucker at Marian Central … graduated from Marian Central in December and enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2008 ... enrolled in First Year of Studies … born Nov. 15, 1989 … son of Fred and Nancy Cwynar (SWIN-are) ... youngest of three sons (Rick, 25; Bill, 21). Selected to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named Gatorade Player of the Year for Illinois in 2007 … selected to the Parade All-America team as one of the 58 best players in the nation and one of eight linebackers named to list … one of 30 players named to the EA Sports All-America first team … named a second-team All-American by USA Today … ranked No. 7 on the Detroit Free Press’ Best of the Midwest Top 20 and the top linebacker on the list … rated by Rivals.com as the third-best player in Illinois, the eighth-best inside linebacker in the country … considered the 24thbest prospect by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … ranked as the 37th-best player in the nation by Tom Lemming and CSTV … Scout.com tabbed him as the 72nd-best prospect in the country, the thirdbest player in Illinois and the fourth-best middle linebacker in the nation … finalist for the inaugural Mr. Football award (won by future teammate Sean Cwynar) as a senior … named to Chicago Tribune first team all-state squad … guided team to a 12-0 record before falling in the state semifinal … helped the Caravan complete a 4-0 league mark to win the Chicago Catholic Blue division … notched 107 tackles in senior season and returned his only interception for a touchdown (in a win over Darius Fleming’s high school) … led his high school to the state finals as a sophomore and junior … tallied 87 tackles and eight sacks in his junior season … earned second-team junior All-America accolades from Rivals.com in 2006 … named a second-team all-state performer by Chicago Tribune following junior season … recorded 104 tackles and 10 sacks as a sophomore … three year starter at inside linebacker … played for coach Frank Lenti at Mount Carmel … attended same high school as NFL players Donovan McNabb and Simeon Rice … born June 4, 1990 … son of Steve and Debria Filer (FY-ler) ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. 87 JOSEPH FAURIA TE • 6-7 • 245 Encino, Calif. (Crespi Carmelite) 45 DARIUS FLEMING OLB • 6-1 • 236 Chicago, Ill. (St. Rita) Helped lead his high school to an 11-3 season and won the Serra League title while advancing to the Pac-5 final … high school finished the season ranked sixth in California … named first-team all-state as a multi-purpose player by CalHiSports.com … placed on all-Southern California team by the Southern California Football Coaches Association and Orange County Register … rated the seventh-best tight end in the nation and 24th-best player in California by Rivals.com … chosen for the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com recognizing him as one of the top 250 players in the country … recognized by Scout.com as the 11th-best tight end in the country and 19th-best player in California … as a senior, totaled 35 receptions for 516 yards and eight touchdowns while adding five sacks on defense … chose to bypass both the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the Under Armour All-Star Game to focus on his basketball season … as a junior, recorded 22 catches for 329 yards and four touchdowns … his uncle, Christian, played at Colorado and in the NFL … two other uncles also played college football (Lance Fauria, Washington; Quinn Fauria, Northern Arizona) ... played for coach Jeremiah Ross at Crespi Carmelite… born Jan. 16, 1990 … son of Julie Fauria (fore-ee-aye) ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … selected to the Scout.com All-America second team … named to the Detroit Free Press’ Best in the Midwest Top 20 team as the 17th-best prospect and second-best linebacker on the list behind teammate Steve Filer … placed on Chicago Tribune first-team all-state squad … rated the 34th-best player in the country by Tom Lemming and CSTV … Scout.com ranked him the 56th-best prospect in the nation … Scout.com also rated him the second-best strongside linebacker in the country and the second-best player in Illinois … considered the 89th-best player according to Rivals.com and ranks 94th on the ESPN 150 list … Rivals.com also rates him as the third-best player in Illinois and eighth-best outside linebacker in the nation … as a senior, led his high school to the Chicago Prep Bowl city championship … helped lead the Mustangs to a 6-3 regular-season record as a senior and a trip to the playoffs … named to Chicago Tribune all-state special mention team following junior season … recorded 105 tackles including 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a junior … helped lead St. Rita to the Class 7A state championship in his junior season … St. Rita’s original football stadium was used in the beginning of the movie “Rudy” … played for coach Todd Kuska … bowls in his free time and has a high game of 279 … born July 19, 1989 … son of Larry Fleming and Leona Nelson ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. 84 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 3 MICHAEL FLOYD WR • 6-3 • 215 Saint Paul, Minn. (Cretin-Derham Hall) 81 JOHN GOODMAN WR • 6-3 • 197 Fort Wayne, Ind. (Bishop Dwenger) THIS IS NOTRE DAME Picked to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … chosen Gatorade Player of the Year for Minnesota as a junior and senior … named Minnesota Player of the Year as a junior and senior by the Associated Press … named first-team All-American by USA Today following his senior season … placed on Parade All-America team as one of the 58 best players in the country and one of four all-purpose players … one of 30 players named to the EA Sports All-America first team … named a second-team AllAmerican by Scout.com … earned first-team all-state accolades from the Minnesota Associated Press as a junior and senior … recipient of 2007 Minnesota Mr. Football award … named the state’s Player of the Year by St. Paul Pioneer Press … ranked the top wide receiver and the thirdbest player on the Detroit Free Press’ Best of the Midwest Top 20 list … rated the 15th-best player in the nation by Tom Lemming and CSTV … Scout.com ranked him as the 16th-best prospect in the country … touted as the 27th-best player in the country by Rivals.com … ranked No. 28 by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … rated the 29th-best player on the ESPN 150 list … labeled by Scout.com as the top player in Minnesota and the fifth-best wide receiver in the country … Rivals.com considered him the top player in Minnesota and sixth-best wide receiver in the nation … recorded 59 receptions for 1,247 yards (21.1 avg.) and 17 touchdowns as a senior and added 497 rushing yards on 43 carries (11.6 avg.) … returned 16 punts for 373 yards (23.3 avg.) and four touchdowns … helped lead his high school team to a 13-1 record and appearance in the state championship game … averaged 23.5 points per game as a senior for his high school basketball team … tabbed high school athlete of the year for the St. Paul, Minn. area by the St. Paul Pioneer Press ... scored at least 30 points in six basketball games as a senior ... totaled 1,380 points in his basketball career, finishing just 86 points of school record for most career points ... named to Rivals.com junior All-America second team … caught 63 passes for 1,240 yards and 16 touchdowns during junior year … active in the community and is a member of two groups, PRIDE (People Respecting Identity Diversity & Equity) and CHOICE (Choosing to Help Others In a Chemically Free Existence) … attended the same high school as former Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke and American League batting champion Joe Mauer … former Irish football players include Ryan Harris and Marcus Freeman … played for coach Mike Scanlan at Cretin-Derham … born Nov. 27, 1989 … son of Mike Floyd Sr. and Theresa Romero ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. Selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports AllAmerica third team … placed on Detroit Free Press’ Best of the Midwest Top 20 team as the 20thbest player and fifth-best wide receiver … moved to quarterback as a senior and guided his team to an undefeated regular season and No. 1 ranking before falling in the state semifinals … received all-state honors from the Indiana Associated Press as a senior … awarded the Fort Wayne NewsSentinel’s PrepSports Football Player of the Year as a senior … named first-team all-state by the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette … considered by Scout.com to be the top player in Indiana and the 21st-best wide receiver nationally … rated by Rivals.com as the third-best player in Indiana (one spot behind teammate Braxston Cave) and the 51st-best wide receiver … completed 95 of 175 passes for 1,697 yards and 16 touchdowns with only two interceptions and rushed 98 times for 535 yards … during his senior season, totaled 199 yards on seven receptions, returned eight kickoffs for 191 yards and 22 punts for 309 yards … totaled 28 tackles while snagging two interceptions and averaged 35.3 yards per punt … named the state’s best defensive back and was a finalist for the Mr. Football award … earned all-conference accolades as a wide receiver following his junior season and as a quarterback after his senior season … played for coach Chris Svarczkopf at Bishop Dwenger … born July 18, 1989 … son of Andy and Julie Goodman ... youngest child (two older sisters, one older brother) ... brother T.J. played football at University of St. Francis (Ind.) ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. ‘08 OUTLOOK ‘08 PLAYERS 25 JONAS GRAY HB • 5-10 • 230 Beverly Hills, MI (Detroit Country Day School) ‘08 COACHES 57 MIKE GOLIC JR. OC • 6-3 • 280 West Hartford, Conn. (Northwest Catholic) Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Class S all-state team as a junior and senior … served as anchor of the offensive line on a team that averaged 23.7 points per game as a senior … led Northwest Catholic to an 8-1 league record and 8-3 overall record in final season … won the Nutmeg Conference championship for the second year in a row … ranked by Rivals.com as the eighth-best center in the nation and the fourth-best player in Connecticut … rated the sixth-best prospect in Connecticut and the 30th-best guard in the nation by Scout.com … helped lead the Indians to 100 record in league play and a 10-1 record as a junior … member of the National Honor Society ... father, Mike, and uncles, Bob and Greg, all played at Notre Dame … played for coach Mike Tyler … born Sept. 28, 1989 in Voorhees, N.J. … son of Mike Sr. and Chris Golic ... oldest of three children ... enrolled in First Year of Studies. Picked to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named to the Parade All-America team as one of the 58 best players in the country and one of the nine best running backs … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … placed on the Best of the Midwest Top 20 team by the Detroit Free Press as the 13th-best player and second-best running back … earned first-team allstate accolades from the Detroit Free Press … named to the Detroit Free Press all-north first team as a senior … rated the 11th-best player and second-best running back on the Free Press’ Fab 50 Michigan Recruits list … helped lead Detroit Country Day to an 11-3 record as a senior and an appearance in the state championship … rushed for 305 yards on 29 carries and scored four touchdowns in the state semifinal to lead the Yellow Jackets to a 37-30 victory … gained 2,614 yards on 341 rushes (7.7 avg.) and scored 32 touchdowns during senior season … rushed for over 200 yards in five games during his final season … caught two passes for 52 yards and one touchdown and returned 10 kickoffs for 413 yards and two touchdowns in final high school season … named the top running back in Michigan by the Mid-Michigan Touchdown Club … considered the 62ndbest player in the nation by Tom Lemming and CSTV … ranked the 72nd-best player in the country, the fourth-best running back in the nation and the fourth-best player in Michigan by Rivals.com … rated by Scout.com to be the sixth-best player in Michigan and the 21st-best running back in the country … tabbed as the No. 89 player on the ESPN 150 list … gained 1,252 rushing yards as a junior as well as 19 touchdowns … played for coach Dan MacLean at Detroit Country Day … member of the 2007 state championship basketball team … attended same high school as NBA players Chris Webber and Shane Battier, actor/comedian Robin Williams and former Irish wide receiver Javin Hunter … active in several non-sports organizations or clubs including member of his student class board from ‘06-’08, vice president of Kids for C.O.T.S. (Coalition Of Temporary Shelter) and participated in global youth leadership ... born June 27, 1990 … son of Jerri Gray ... cousin Jeff Webb played wide receiver at San Diego State and was drafted in the sixth round of the ‘06 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 85 9 ETHAN JOHNSON DE • 6-4 • 275 Portland, Ore. (Lincoln) 15 DAN MCCARTHY S • 6-2 • 200 Youngstown, Ohio (Cardinal Mooney) Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio but could not due to injury … touted by Rivals.com as the top player in the Pacific Northwest … named to the Orange County Register’s Fab 15 team as one of he top 15 players in the western U.S. … suffered a sprained knee in the first game of his senior season that caused him to miss the remainder of the season … totaled 83 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior … earned second-team all-state honors from The Oregonian following junior year … named first-team all-conference as a junior and defensive player of the year for his conference following junior campaign … played defensive tackle as a sophomore and junior when he had 24 combined sacks before switching to defensive end as a senior in a newly implemented 3-4 defense … Lincoln registered a 213 record during his sophomore and junior seasons … labeled by Rivals.com as the top player in Oregon and the second-best defensive end in the nation … rated the 26th-best prospect by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … ranked the 32nd-best player in his class by Tom Lemming and CSTV as well as Rivals.com … Scout.com considered him the 49th-best player in the nation, the top player in Oregon and fourth-best defensive end prospect … also participated in track and field for the Cardinals … won the shot put at the Portland Interscholastic League meet and placed sixth at the state meet … spent the summer after both his sophomore and junior years working as an intern in a Portland law firm … played football for coach Chad Carlson at Lincoln … born Dec. 18, 1989 … son of Daniel and Rita Johnson. 89 KAPRON LEWIS-MOORE DE • 6-4 • 257 Weatherford, Texas (Weatherford) Named Gatorade Player of the Year for Ohio … finalist for Mr. Football award in Ohio … earned second-team All-America honors from USA Today following senior season … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … named offensive player of the year for Division IV by the Associated Press and the quarterback on the Associated Press NE Inland Division IV all-district football team … ranked by Scout.com as the sixth-best Ohio prospect and eighth-best safety in the nation … Rivals.com rated him to be the 12th-best player in Ohio and the 14th-best safety in the country … played in first 12 games for Mooney and helped team go undefeated in those contests while being ranked No. 1 in Ohio and No. 9 in the nation by USA Today … rushed for 1,340 yards with 15 touchdowns and passed for 625 yards with seven touchdowns as a senior … posted 137 tackles and nine sacks during senior season … gained 128 yards on the ground with one touchdown and passed for 103 yards with two touchdowns to lead Mooney to a 21-17 win over Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary’s … rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns in the Cardinals 28-0 victory over Bishop Watterson in the regular-season finale … as a junior, helped lead his team to a state championship – the sixth in school history – after playing both quarterback and defensive back … in the state title game, rushed 22 times for 161 yards and a touchdown and completed two-of-four passes for 61 yards en route to the 26-12 victory … threw for 785 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 1,910 yards and 21 touchdowns during junior season and added 112 tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions on defense … brother Kyle is currently a senior at Notre Dame and a safety on the football team … grandfather Jack Mayo attended Notre Dame from ‘43-’47 and was captain of the baseball team his final year ... older brother Brian also attended Notre Dame and graduated in ‘06 ... played for coach P.J. Fecko at Mooney … named to National Honor Society ... four-year member of the student council, spanish and science clubs in high school ... born May 20, 1989 … son of John and Janet McCarthy ... second youngest of four children (all boys). Named to the Fabulous 55 team by the Austin American-Statesman for top players in Texas … ranked No. 33 on the Fab 55 list … considered the 29th-best prospect in Texas and the third-best defensive end in the Lone Star State by SuperPrep … named a SuperPrep All-American as the 41st-best defensive line prospect in the country … ranked the 33rd-best player in Texas by Rivals.com and the 13thbest strongside defensive end by the … rated by Scout.com as the 32nd-best defensive end in the nation … as a junior, collected 50 tackles and added six sacks, two forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles … received second-team all-district honors following junior season … helped lead the football team to the playoffs as a sophomore and junior … named honorable mention all-district following sophomore season … also played basketball for the Kangaroos … led his team to one conference win after pouring in 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds … averaged a double-double for the Weatherford basketball team … named newcomer of the year following his freshman season on the basketball team for district 4-5A by the Dallas Morning News … also was a member of the track and field team … played football for coach Kenny Wheaton … born Jan. 24, 1990 … son of Wanna Lewis and Archie Moore. 54 ANTHONY MCDONALD ILB • 6-3 • 225 Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Notre Dame) Selected to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … placed on all-Southern California team by Southern California Football Coaches Association and Orange County Register … named to firstteam all-Southern California team by GoldenStatePreps.com … named a third-team all-state selection by CalHiSports.com as a senior … recorded 79 tackles and one sack in 11 games during senior season … named to the 2007 L.A. Times preseason All-Southland team … one of just two juniors selected to the all-CIF Pac-5 Division team after his junior season … selected to the second team all-state underclass squad following junior season in which he recorded 101 tackles, 30 tackles for loss,10 sacks and forced five fumbles … ranked by Scout.com the eighth-best middle linebacker in the country and the 16th-best prospect in California … considered the 22nd-best player in California by SuperPrep and the third-best linebacker in the state … Rivals.com rated him No. 31 in the state of California and the 11th-best inside linebacker … three-year starter for the Knights … as a sophomore starting in the Southern Section Division III championship game, recorded 22 tackles in a loss to Dominguez H.S. … father Mike played at USC and was a long snapper for the L.A. Rams in the NFL … brother Michael plays quarterback at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga ... cousin Bruce Luizzi also played at USC ... high school teammate of fellow freshman Dayne Crist … numerous notable alumni from Notre Dame High School include actresses Rachel Bilson and Kirsten Dunst, University of Pittsburgh head basketball coach Jamie Dixon and current NFL players Justin Fargas and Nick Folk … played for coach Kevin Rooney … born Oct. 18, 1989 … son of Mike and Cathy McDonald ... youngest of three children. 86 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 99 BRANDON NEWMAN NT • 6-0 • 310 Louisville, Ky. (Pleasure Ridge Park) 78 TREVOR ROBINSON OG • 6-5 • 301 Elkhorn, Neb. (Elkhorn) THIS IS NOTRE DAME Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … one of 11 players from Kentucky named to the 2007 AllSouthern Team by the Orlando Sentinel … selected as a first-team Kentucky all-state performer by the Associated Press following his senior year … received second-team all-state honors following junior season from the Associated Press … named a second-team all-state selection following his junior and senior seasons by the Louisville Courier-Journal … selected to the Mobile PressRegister’s Super Southeast 120 team as the 89th-best prospect in the region and eighth-best defensive tackle in the southeast … rated the second-best player in Kentucky by Rivals.com and the 22nd-best defensive tackle in the nation … ranked by Scout.com as the 16th-best defensive tackle in the country and the third-best player in Kentucky … despite recorded 41 tackles and three sacks as a senior … placed on the preseason Tremendous 26 team, as selected by Kentucky high school coaches, prior to his senior season … posted 68 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three blocked extra points and one blocked punt as a junior … totaled 126 tackles in his high school career, including 31.5 tackles for loss … four-year letterwinner in football and track and field ... three-time captain of the football team ... played football for coach Chris Wolfe at Pleasure Ridge Park … member of the National Honor Society .. born Feb. 15, 1990 in Orange County Calif. … son of Lance Newman Sr. 36 DAVID POSLUSZNY ILB • 6-0 • 220 Aliquippa, Pa. (Hopewell) Picked to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named first-team All-American by USA Today … selected to the EA Sports All-America second team … received first-team all-state accolades from the Associated Press as a junior and senior … named first-team Super State by the Lincoln Journal Star following junior and senior seasons … placed on Class B all-state team as a junior and senior and was tabbed co-honorary captain of both those squads … selected to the all-area team by the Omaha World-Herald after his junior and senior campaigns … Rivals.com ranked him the 37th-best player in the nation, second-best player in Nebraska and the No. 1 offensive guard in the country … rated the 67th-best prospect by Tom Lemming and CSTV … considered by Scout.com to be the second-best player in Nebraska and the sixth-best offensive guard in the nation … as a senior helped lead the Antlers to an undefeated regular season and the quarterfinals of the state playoffs before losing to the eventual state champions … high school team finished the season ranked No. 3 in Class B with a 10-1 record … helped his high school average 265 rushing yards per game and blocked for a quarterback who threw for 1,594 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior … also played on the defensive line during final season and totaled 58 tackles, two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and one blocked punt … totaled 61 tackles including 14 tackles for loss and six sacks during junior year … as a junior, helped lead team to the playoffs where they lost in the state championship to finish … team finished his junior year with a 12-1 record and ranked second in the state … started as a sophomore on a team that lost in the quarterfinals of the playoffs … also played defense as a sophomore and totaled 51 tackles that year … graduated in December from high school and enrolled at Notre Dame in January 2008 … played for coach Mark Wortman in high school … born May 16, 1990 … son of Wade and Vicki Robinson ... father played football at Kearney State College. ‘08 OUTLOOK ‘08 PLAYERS Named second-team Pennsylvania all-state by the Associated Press for Class AAA in 2007 … ranked by Rivals.com as the 22nd-best player in Pennsylvania and the 34th-best outside linebacker in the nation … rated by Scout.com as the 30th-best weakside linebacker in the country and the 36thbest prospect from Pennsylvania … named to the Pennsylvania preseason all-state football team in 2007 by SPORTSfever Magazine … received honorable mention accolades on the 2007 allWesternPAFootball.net big school team (Class AAA-Class AAAA) … received United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award ... totaled 38 tackles and one sack as a senior … missed the final eight games of his junior season with a shoulder injury and missed three games during his senior campaign because of a concussion … older brother Paul was an all-American at Penn State and now plays for the Buffalo Bills … older brother Stan played baseball at West Virginia ... played for coach Dave Vestal at Hopewell … became first Hopewell player to letter all four years in football ... besides his brother, Paul, another Hopewell product to reach the NFL is Tony Dorsett … born Sept. 21, 1989 … son of Paul and Jacqueline Posluszny (Poz-LUZ-nee) ... one of five children. 9 KYLE RUDOLPH TE • 6-6 • 252 Cincinnati, Ohio (Elder) ‘08 COACHES Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named first-team All-American by USA Today after totaling 37 catches for 673 yards (18.2 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns as a senior … placed on the Scout.com All-America first team … lone tight end among the 11 finalists for the high school Maxwell Award … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … named the second-best player and top tight end in the Detroit Free Press’ Best of the Midwest Top 20 list … considered the No. 1 tight end in the recruiting class by Tom Lemming/CSTV, Rivals.com and Scout.com … rated by Lemming/CSTV and Rivals.com as the 20th-best prospect in the nation … ranked 21st in the country and No. 2 in Ohio by Scout.com … considered the 23rd-best player by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … No. 105 on the ESPN 150 list … received first-team all-Southwest Ohio as a senior after being named second team as a junior … named second-team all-state by the Associated Press following his senior year … caught four passes for 57 yards including two touchdowns to help Elder defeat Charlotte (N.C.) Independence, 41-34 in overtime, to end Independence’s 109-game winning streak (at the time, Independence was ranked No. 3 in the nation) … gained 111 yards receiving and a touchdown to help the Panthers knock off Moeller … caught five passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns in Elder’s 49-34 victory over Cleveland Benedictine … helped lead team to the playoffs where they lost in the first round to the eventual state champions … as a junior, caught 30 passes for 400 yards and seven touchdowns en route to earning first-team all-city and all-conference honors … an accomplished basketball player who played center for his high school team and was the conference player of the year three times and all-Southwest Ohio in 2007 … is the second-leading scorer in school history and became just the second Panther to surpass 1,000 career points … set the school record for most career rebounds when he corralled his 568th rebound on Jan. 11, 2008 … against Moeller (No. 1 in Ohio, No. 9 in the nation) on Jan. 25, 2008, scored 25 of Elder’s 52 points as the Panthers almost upset the top-ranked team in Ohio, 58-52 … played for coach Doug Ramsey at Elder … born Nov. 9, 1989 … member of National Honor Society ... son of Dan and Jamie Rudolph ... oldest of three children. ‘07 REVIEW HISTORY & RECORDS MEDIA 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE 87 26 JAMORIS SLAUGHTER CB • 6-0 • 182 Tucker, Ga. (Tucker) 79 HAFIS WILLIAMS DE • 6-2 • 302 Elizabeth, N.J. (Elizabeth) Invited to play in the Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando … named first-team all-state by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution following his senior year … one of just six safeties named to Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 list … named first-team all-state for Class AAAA by the Georgia Sports Writers Association … chosen to the Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 where he was the ninthranked defensive back and the 53rd-ranked player on the list … rated the 86th-best player on the ESPN 150 list … considered by Rivals.com as the 13th-best safety in the country and the 14th-best player in Georgia … ranked the 11th-best player in Georgia and the 11th-best safety in the nation by Scout.com … helped lead the Tigers to the Class AAAA state semifinals before losing to the eventual state champions … finished the season with a 13-1 record and ranked No. 2 in the state … won region 6 as a senior with a 10-0 record and was member of a defense that allowed only six points per game (best in Class AAAA) and pitched seven shutouts … credited with 56 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass break ups during senior season … totaled 66 tackles, four interceptions and three forced fumbles as a junior … recipient of the Bob Basket Award at Tucker’s end of season awards ceremony … also ran track and had personal bests of 10.9 in the 100-meter dash and 49.0 in the 400 meters … played for coach Franklin Stephens at Tucker … born Dec. 22, 1989 … son of Debbie Garrett. Earned first-team New Jersey all-state recognition on the offensive line from the Associated Press following senior year … four-year starter who tallied 78 tackles in his senior year despite facing constant double and triple-teaming … rated by Rivals.com as the ninth-best player in New Jersey and the 35th-best defensive tackle in the nation … ranked the ninth-best player in the Garden State by Scout.com and the 38th-best defensive tackle in the country … selected the ninth-best player in New Jersey by SuperPrep … named a Rivals.com junior All-American following his third season in which he totaled 106 tackles and six sacks … also played offensive line and was named first-team all-conference there following his senior year … member of a state championship team as a junior and the defense he was part of pitched five shutouts … defeated Phillipsburg H.S., 14-9, to help the Minutemen claim the 2006 North II, Group IV state sectional championship … played for coach Chet Parlavecchio at Elizabeth High School … born Feb. 6, 1989. 1 DEION WALKER WR • 6-2 • 188 Christchurch, Va. (Christchurch) Participated in the Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando … considered the 22nd-best player in the nation and the third-best wide receiver prospect in the country by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … rated the 76th-best player by Tom Lemming and CSTV and the 14th-best wide receiver … touted by SuperPrep as the seventh-best wide receiver in the nation and the third-best player in Virginia … ranked the 58th-best prospect by Scout.com as well as the 11th-best wide receiver in the nation and the second-best player in Virginia by the internet recruiting website … Rivals.com listed him as the seventh-best player in Virginia and 25th-best wide receiver in the country … posted 15 catches for 230 yards and two touchdowns in ’07 at Christchurch High School despite injury hampering senior campaign … named first-team all-state and first-team all-conference following junior season … as a junior, helped lead the Fighting Seahorses to a 7-2 record and appearance in the VISFA division II state championship game where they lost to Saint Anne’s – Belfield School … in the 2006 state semifinal, helped Christchurch snap Liberty Christian Academy’s 34-game winning streak as he caught three passes for 130 yards and one touchdown while intercepting three passes to preserve the 10-7 victory … totaled 733 yards on 50 receptions with seven touchdowns as a junior … attended the Asheville (N.C.) School as a sophomore and played quarterback … passed for 1,800 yards as a sophomore … played for coach Ed Homer at Christchurch … named after former NFL player, Deion Sanders … his father Art is the offensive coordinator on the football team at Christchurch … became just the second student in the last 16 years to receive a scholarship to a Football Bowl Subdivision university (J’Courtney Williams, University of Virginia, 2007) … also played basketball for the Fighting Seahorses … as a junior, the basketball team was Virginia Prep League regular season runner-up but won the Prep League Tournament and made it to the state semifinals … named to the Virginia Prep League Tournament all-tournament team as a junior … also competed in track and field and was two-time state champion while living in North Carolina in the triple jump ... set the school record at Asheville School in the triple jump with a mark of 46’ 2 1/2” notable alumni of the college prep boarding school Walker attended include two Pulitizer Prize-winning authors (William Styron and Lewis Burwell Puller, Jr.) and the attorney general of Virginia … born Feb. 26, 1989 … son of Arthur and Bethany Walker. 88 2008 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE