Written by Mike Stacey ⏐ Writer ⏐ X: @MikeStaceyIT IG: @mikestaceyit Photo by The Irish Tribune On April 20th, we got our first real look at the 2024 Fighting Irish Football Team. I don't know about all of you, but I certainly was not disappointed. I felt the game was very crisp for a Spring Game, with limited mistakes and many players, including underclassmen, stepping up and playing well. There were quite a few position groups and players I had my eye on during this game. Some impressed, some not so much - but overall I was very pleased with what I saw. With that said, let's take a look at how I predict the Offensive Depth Chart to shake out come Fall. Again, this is a Fall prediction of where I think these players will end up after the summer. Let's dive in! Quarterback: Riley Leonard CJ Carr Steve Angeli Kenny Minchey As long as Riley Leonard is healthy, he will be the starter come fall barring something short of a miracle. Who will back him up, however, is a much different story. After watching the Spring Game, all of the quarterbacks who played had their moments, but CJ Carr looked like the most talented and poised player on the field. Not to overreact, but the fact that he displayed a very calm and decisive demeanor this early on has me VERY excited about what is to come. If I didn't know any better, I would think he was the most decorated player on the field. I think by the time fall comes around, he will be the clear cut number two. I know this may seem like a bit of a stretch given the sample size, but after seeing Carr spin the football, on top of his impressive outings at Spring practice, I'm willing to to put him at the two spot. Although Minchey and Angeli didn't play poorly during the Spring Game, the raw talent that Carr possesses might just be enough for him to make a push up the depth chart. Running Back: Jeremiyah Love Jadarian Price Gi'Bran Payne Aneyas Williams Kedren Young An embarrassment of riches is what comes to mind when I look at this group. This unit is so good that Freshman Aneyas Williams, who looked anything but a true Freshman during the Blue/Gold game, is still rounding out the bottom of this group. The Irish ground attack will have no shortage of big play ability at every moment during any game. I think Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are 1A/1B, with Gi'Bran Payne and Williams being incredible third down options. Although Kedren Young didn't play in the Blue and Gold game, he's still an incredible talent who can't be overlooked. This could be shaping up to be one of the most electrifying backfields in recent memory, with every back bringing a unique skillset to the table. Wide Receiver: X: Jayden Thomas Micah Gilbert Cam Williams Z: Kris Mitchell Beaux Collins Deion Colzie or KK Smith Slot: Jaden Greathouse Jordan Faison Jayden Harrison Holy J's! This group took me the longest to pick, and I still don't know how I feel about it. The good news is I think this group is loaded with talent and potential - the bad news is I don't think I've seen enough of a sample size to be overly confident just yet. With the infusion of some new faces, the depth chart can be up in the air right until the Fall. Greathouse looked terrific as usual in the Spring Game, and newly minted FIU transfer Mitchell showed his deep ball threat, but Freshman Micah Gilbert stole the show with his 2 TD's. He is not someone I had breaking out prior to Spring practice, but an incredible and consistent showing has forced a lot of people's heads to turn. Expect some of the field and boundary receivers to be interchangeable as this offense begins to round into form. I would not be surprised to see Faison and Greathouse on the field at the same time often this year. Only time will tell! Tight End: Mitchell Evans Eli Raridon Cooper Flanagan Kevin Bauman or Davis Sherwood or Jack Larsen Not much surprise here. Mitchell Evans is an absolute stud and Eli Raridon can be a starter for most teams and is an excellent number two option. I think rising Sophomore Cooper Flanagan will round out the top three in this talented group where any of these 3 can make plays. I expect these three to be featured for the most part in the offense, with Kevin Bauman, Davis Sherwood and Freshman Jack Larsen seeing minimal action this coming season. The main thing to look out for in this group are injuries, as there have been plenty to go around between this group in the past couple years. Hopefully the injury bug has run its course, and fans can enjoy a full season of Mitchell Evans dominance. Offensive Lineman: (2 Deep) LT: Charles Jagusah Aamil Wagner LG: Rocco Spindler Pat Coogan OC: Ashton Craig Joe Otting RG: Billy Schrauth Pat Coogan RT: Tosh Baker Sullivan Absher This is another group that has some question marks in my opinion moving forward. Jagusah, Craig, and Schrauth are all locks to be starters in my mind, but Baker, Absher, Wagner, Coogan and Spindler all have an opportunity to push for playing time. Like the Wideouts, I wouldn't be surprised to see some shuffling along the line as well to ensure the most productive players are on the field together. These are my predictions, let us know yours in the comments! Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

By: Nick Kremer⏐Editor⏐Twitter: @NickKremerIT ⏐Profile: @NickKremer In this week's episode, Nick and Pete take a look at the latest recruiting news for the Irish football team. The guys also discuss the great talent added to the women's basketball team, and discuss the top seeded Irish lacrosse team as they prep for the tournament. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoy the show! Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify First and Gold Twitter The Irish Tribune: Shows

Written by: Jhett Garrett ⏐ Writer ⏐ Twitter/X: @jhettgarrett Photo by The Irish Tribune The Notre Dame Men’s Basketball team will be one of eight teams to compete in the first-ever $1 million NIL-Based tournament. It was announced on Wednesday by CBS Sports that the Irish, along with Alabama, Houston, San Diego State, Rutgers, Oregon, and Texas A&M will all be participating, including an eighth team that is yet to be announced. The “Players Era Festival” is set to take place in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving Week and will have a payout of $1 million for all the schools involved. Along with this payout, players will also have the opportunity to secure long-term NIL contracts with brands, which will allow them to make more money. This “first of its kind” tournament is not going to be just a one-time thing either, with the field set to double in 2025. Schools such as Duke, Michigan, Virginia, Kansas, Gonzaga, and Syracuse are all reportedly on board to join the original eight teams in 2025. This means that Notre Dame will be included next season, as well as 2026 because of the three-year agreement that the original eight schools have agreed to. While the format for the eight-team tournament has not yet been decided on, the dates and locations have. Games will take place on November 26th, 27th, and 29th (No games on Thanksgiving Day), and be played at T-Mobile Arena, Michelob ULTRA Arena, and MGM Grand Garden Arena. During their time in Las Vegas, players will be required to attend off-the-court events to earn NIL money, along with the $1 million being awarded to each school’s collective. The winner of the tournament will be awarded what is rumored to be an additional $1 million which will be distributed to players through the collectives. On top of this, players will have the opportunity to sign for a 10% stake in equity in Players Era, which would allow the athletes to make money with the company. This will be through the head of the event, EverWonder Studio, which is a production company based out of New York. The main financial backer, RedBird IMI, is a multi-billion-dollar investment firm, that is mainly funded through the United Arab Emirates. Due to controversy with the NCAA and their rule that prevents teams from playing in big events twice over four years, an official announcement has yet to be made, despite Front Office Sports being the first to report on it back in March. Along with this, there is not yet a decided streaming platform on which the event will be aired. However, it can be assumed that once the tournament is official, streaming services will jump at the opportunity to have this event aired on their platform. It has been said by representatives of the tournament that the event will coincide with all NCAA rules, however. This is an event that could change the entire landscape of not only college basketball but college sports as a whole, with Notre Dame being one of the schools at the forefront of this. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Written by Cade Harper ⏐ Writer ⏐ Twitter : @CadeHarperIT Photo by Notre Dame Athletics Notre Dame improved to 25-21 (9-18 ACC) after another series victory over an ACC opponent. David Glancy had himself a weekend, exploding offensively and defensively. Glancy batted .583 on the weekend with seven hits, three doubles, a home run with five RBI, including making two incredible outs in the outfield on Sunday. Glancy was not the only player with multi-hit performances, as the Irish had 5 other players this weekend to accomplish the feat. On Friday, the Irish offense gave the defense little to no help. The Notre Dame bullpen had held Pitt scoreless the final 5 innings, while Notre Dame's only run came in the 8th when it was too late, as they would drop game one by a score of 3-1. Notre Dame was great in the field, however, as they took sole possession of first place in the ACC for double plays, and had a stellar defensive performance by earning a 1.000 fielding percentage on Friday. Saturday was a completely different story, as the offense was firing on all cylinders. Glancy was on fire going 4-6 with a home run and three doubles, along with four runs and five RBI. Glancy became the first Notre Dame player to hit three doubles in a single game since Robert Youngdahl on March 14, 2015 at Clemson. Just one player across all of Division I baseball this season has had more doubles in a single game this season. Estevan Moreno and Nick DeMarco also hit some home runs Saturday, making it just the second home run of DeMarco’s career. Notre Dame now has hit 78 home runs this season alone, just one shy of the program-record (79) set back in 2022. Notre Dame's offensive explosion led them to a decisive 15-8 win. The series-deciding game on Sunday produced more offensive fireworks for the Irish. David Glancy, Estevan Moreno and Connor Hincks all posted multi hit games. Moreno had two doubles and brought in two RBI. The bullpen became a key contributor as well - SP Rory Fox went five innings with three strikeouts to earn the win. The bullpen would take over after Nate Hardman would pitch the ninth inning to close the game for the Irish, dealing two strikeouts and earning his fifth save of the season. Notre Dame would go on to win 8-6 securing their ninth win in ACC play as they stay hot both in and out of conference. Notre Dame heads into its final week of the season at home with a weekend series vs. Toledo (23-25), Friday, May 10th - Sunday, May 12th. All games will be broadcasted on the ACC Network. Notre Dame will then travel on the road again to Butler (17-30) for a single game on Tuesday, May 14th, before closing out the season vs their last ACC regular season series of the season, at Louisville ( 29-18, 13-11 ACC) beginning on Thursday, May 16th - Saturday, May 18th. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Written by Peter Jay Mulroy ⏐ Writer ⏐ Instagram: @sportstodaywithpeterjay Photo by University of Notre Dame Athletics Less than 48 hours after dismantling Virginia for the second time in six days, the Notre Dame men’s lacrosse team prepared for their second meeting of the season with the Duke Blue Devils, only this time, an ACC championship was on the line.   The Irish dominated UVA on Friday night in Charlotte, with the 18-9 victory showing once again why the defending national champions remain the clearcut top team in America. And, looking to cap an undefeated campaign in conference play with a championship, Notre Dame opened Sunday afternoon’s title tilt in near mirror fashion to the way their semifinal triumph began.   Jake Taylor opened the scoring with a bullet off a crisp assist from Will Angrick, as the Irish were on the board first with a 1-0 lead. The next four goals would go to Irish as well, with Reilly Gray registering his ninth and 10th markers of the season, and Taylor piping home another for his 34th of the campaign to put Notre Dame up 4-0.   On Friday, the white and gold -- who were searching for their 10th straight victory overall and sixth straight over Duke -- jumped out to a 4-0 advantage over UVA, as the consistency on both ends of the field remained present.   It was the fifth goal of the opening period, however, was quintessential Notre Dame. Following a beautiful low save by ACC Defensive Player of the Year Liam Entenmann, the Irish ran their transition offense like a well-oiled machine. Entenmann quickly fed the ball up the field, where the sequence was capped off by Chris Kavanagh’s 28th goal of the season. In the blink of an eye, the Irish were out in front, 5-1.   Additional goals from Pat Kavanagh (21st of season) and the red-hot Devon McClane (27th) provided Notre Dame -- who entered Friday’s final with a combined regular and postseason record of 5-0 in ACC play this season -- with an 8-2 at the halftime break. McClane registered a hat trick in each of the past three games, including the ACC semifinal, and his play remains a major reason why the Irish midfield unit remains the most cohesive group in America.   The Blue Devils would open the third frame by scoring three of the first four goals, closing the gap to four with just under seven minutes left. Looking to pull even closer, Duke went on the attack at the six-minute mark of the quarter. A rising shot from Josh Zawada towards the left side of Entenmann looked like it had a chance to beat the stalwart keeper, but the two-time ACC Defensive and Goalie of the Year was simply too prepared for what was coming.   Shortly after Entenmann turned aside the Zawada attempt, the Irish went back on the attack. Will Angrick’s seventh goal of the season, which came with 5:15 remaining in the period, positioned ND with a 10-5 advantage, and perhaps, a bit of calm. The goal from the midfielder came on what was just the third shot attempt by Notre Dame in the quarter, as Duke had controlled the tempo for most of the third.   ND’s lead ballooned back to six less than four minutes later when Chris Kavanagh -- moments after Entenmann recorded the 700th save of his career -- popped home his second of the game while falling to the ground. At the end of three quarters, Notre Dame led, 11-5.   The highlight of the day came from the white and gold duo of Chris Kavanagh and Max Busenkell. Nearly 90 seconds into the final quarter, CK found an incredibly tight window to find the Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, native, who sent a rocket past Blue Devils netminder Patrick Jameison to give Notre Dame a 12-6 lead.   One minute later, CK would pop home his third of the game and 30th of the season, as the Irish were in cruise control and well on their way to winning their third ACC crown in 11 seasons.   Late goals by Pat Kavanagh and Will Maheras (first of the season) put Notre Dame ahead 15-6, and when it was all said and done, the Fighting Irish were able to claim their first ACC title since 2018 on the strength of a 16-6 victory.   What’s Next for the Irish?   Notre Dame will now await the announcing of the NCAA Tournament field, where it is expected they’ll be the top overall seed with a record of 12-1 and the nation’s No. 1 ranking.   The 2024 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Tournament is slated to begin with the play-in round on Wednesday, May 8. The first round will begin Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, with the quarterfinals being played the weekend of May 18-19.   The semifinals and championship will be played May 25 and 27, respectively, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Written by Owen O'Connor ⏐ Writer ⏐ Twitter/X: @Ocon54 Photo - University of Notre Dame The Notre Dame football program has proven through the years that it can produce talent at every position. This has been proven time and time again by securing the title of "Most draft picks by a college program in NFL History". One of those underrated positions when being compared to other programs is the Wide Receiver spot. As of late, programs such as Ohio State and LSU have taken the unofficial title of "Wide Receiver University". Our Fighting Irish on the other hand have had tremendous success at the position when viewing from a longstanding history perspective. Those such as Derrick Mayes, Raghib Ismail. and the great Tim Brown have paved the pass-catching history in South Bend. As of late, Notre Dame has not had the best luck producing elite professional talent at Wide Receiver. Former Fighting Irish and current LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly did not stress the importance of highly recruited pass catchers during his time in South Bend. He often focused more on positions the program was known for, such as Offensive Line, Tight End, and Linebacker. On a positive note, current Head Coach Marcus Freeman has already shown that recruiting skilled players on the offensive side of the ball is an extreme priority. This has left most fans wondering when the next star wideout will step onto the field for Notre Dame. Even though our football program is more nationally known for our stars at Offensive Line and Tight End, there are many Fighting Irish Wide Receivers who have recently left a positive mark in the college football world. Let's take a look at the Top 10 Wide Receivers from The University of Notre Dame since the 2000 season: Michael Floyd (08-11) Talented wide receiver Michael Floyd had a big influence while he was a player at Notre Dame. Floyd played for the Fighting Irish from 2008 to 2011, leaving a lasting legacy on the football program. Floyd, a Minnesota native, became well-known for his remarkable athleticism and catching ability. During his career, Floyd collected 271 catches for 3,686 yards (13.6 YPC), for 37 receiving TDs. Floyd demonstrated his abilities on the field time and time again during his collegiate career, emerging as one of Notre Dame's most dependable offensive weapons. During his stay, he broke several records, one of which being the school record for touchdown receptions in a career. He received numerous awards for his achievements and was acknowledged as one of the best receivers in college football. Despite the setbacks, Floyd's contributions to the Notre Dame football program were significant. He helped lead the team to several victories and memorable moments, leaving an indelible mark on Irish football history. After his collegiate career, Floyd went on to pursue a professional career in the NFL, where he continued to showcase his talent and passion for the game. 2. Golden Tate (2007-09) Some could argue that Tate should be in the Number 1 spot of this list. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability, Golden Tate quickly became a Fighting Irish fan favorite. During his tenure at Notre Dame, Tate showcased his versatility on the field, excelling not only as a receiver but also as a punt returner. His dynamic performances earned him numerous accolades, including the Biletnikoff Award in 2009, recognizing him as the nation's top receiver. Tate's highlight-reel catches and ability to change the momentum of a game made him a crucial asset for the Fighting Irish. During his tenure in South Bend, Tate collected 157 catches, 2,707 yards (17.2 YPC), and 26 TDs . Due to his work on special teams, he collected 30 total TDs in his career. Beyond his athleticism, Tate embodied the spirit of Notre Dame with his leadership and dedication to his team. He embraced the university's values both on and off the field, earning respect from teammates, coaches, and fans. Tate's time at Notre Dame served as a launching pad for his successful career in the NFL, where he continued to impress with his skills and determination. He is known to be one of the best Notre Dame Wide Receivers in the NFL in the last 20+ years, a title he has well-earned. Golden Tate's legacy at Notre Dame remains a cherished chapter in the school's football history and one we can hope to see repeated soon. 3. Will Fuller V (2013-15) Will Fuller become a quick favorite on the field for whoever was the Quarterback at the time. Fuller joined the Fighting Irish in 2013, quickly establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker on the gridiron. Known for his blazing speed and remarkable catching ability, Fuller became a vital asset to the team's offense. Many will remember Fuller for his game-winning Hail Mary catch he caught from Fighting Irish QB Deshone Kizer. Fuller's ability to create separation from defenders and make acrobatic catches earned him recognition as one of the most dangerous receivers in college football at the time. During his career, he managed to have 144 catches, 2512 yards (17.4 YPC), and 30 TDs. In addition to his individual success, Fuller played a pivotal role in Notre Dame's offensive schemes, contributing to the team's overall success. His impact extended beyond statistics, as his presence on the field often drew the attention of opposing defenses, opening up opportunities for his teammates. As he progressed through his college career, Fuller continued to refine his skills, demonstrating growth and maturity both on and off the field. His dedication, work ethic, and leadership qualities made him a respected figure within the Notre Dame football program. 4. Jeff Samardzija (2003-06) Jeff Samardzija, known for his time as a wide receiver at Notre Dame, made a significant impact on the football field during his college career. Born in Merrillville, Indiana, Samardzija was a standout athlete in both football and baseball from a young age. At Notre Dame, Samardzija quickly gained attention for his exceptional athleticism and playmaking abilities. He played for the Fighting Irish football team from 2003 to 2006, becoming one of the most prolific wide receivers in school history. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Samardzija's height, speed, and hands made him a formidable threat on the field and a favorite target for QB Brady Quinn. Samardzija had 179 catches, 2,593 yards (14.5 YPC), and 27 TDs in his career. During his time at Notre Dame, Samardzija accumulated numerous accolades. He was a two-time consensus All-American in 2005 and 2006 and won the Biletnikoff Award in 2006, recognizing him as the nation's top college wide receiver. Samardzija's performance on the field helped elevate Notre Dame's offense and contributed to memorable moments in Fighting Irish football history. After his college career, Samardzija faced the decision of pursuing a career in football or baseball. Ultimately, he chose to pursue a career in baseball, signing with the Cubs and beginning his professional baseball journey. However, his time at Notre Dame remains a cherished chapter in his athletic career, where he left an indelible mark as one of the most talented and celebrated athletes in the school's history. 5. Maurice Stovall (2002-05) During his collegiate career, Stovall emerged as a key player for the Fighting Irish offense. He displayed impressive receiving skills, excellent route running, and the ability to make clutch catches in crucial moments. Stovall's athleticism and size made him a formidable threat for opposing defenses, often outmaneuvering defenders to make big plays down the field. Off the field, Stovall was also recognized for his leadership and dedication to his team. His work ethic and commitment to excellence served as an inspiration to his teammates, earning him respect both on and off the field. He collected 130 catches, 2195 yards (16.9 YPC), and 18 TDs in his career. One of the highlights of Stovall's time at Notre Dame was his performance in the 2005 season. He had a breakout year, recording 69 receptions for 1,149 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him recognition as one of the top wide receivers in college football. Stovall's contributions played a vital role in Notre Dame's success that season, helping lead the team to a berth in the Fiesta Bowl. After his collegiate career, Maurice Stovall went on to be selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2006 NFL Draft. While injuries hindered some of his professional career, his time at Notre Dame remains a testament to his talent and impact as a wide receiver. 6. Rhema McKnight (2002-06) Rhema McKnight had a standout career as a wide receiver at the University of Notre Dame. McKnight grew up in La Palma, California, where he attended John F. Kennedy High School. He was a highly touted recruit, and in 2002, he committed to play football at Notre Dame. McKnight made an immediate impact for the Fighting Irish, showcasing his speed, agility, and reliable hands on the field. Throughout his time at Notre Dame, he became known for his ability to make crucial catches in key moments of the game. His exceptional route-running skills and knack for finding openings in the defense made him a favorite target for Notre Dame quarterbacks. He managed to have 170 catches, 2277 yards (13.4 YPC), and 22 TDs during his time in South Bend. In his freshman year in 2002, McKnight played in all 13 games, recording 35 receptions for 495 yards and two touchdowns. He continued to improve each season, becoming one of the most reliable receivers in the country. In his sophomore and junior years, he accumulated over 1,000 receiving yards combined, showcasing his consistency and playmaking ability. However, McKnight faced adversity during his senior year in 2006 when he suffered a season-ending knee injury early in the season. Despite the setback, he remained a leader for the team and continued to provide guidance and support to his teammates from the sidelines and during the rest of his Fighting Irish career. 7. TJ Jones (2010-13) Jones was known for his versatility as a receiver, capable of making tough catches in traffic and gaining yards after the catch. His speed and agility made him a constant threat to opposing defenses, and he played a key role in Notre Dame's offensive strategies throughout his tenure. During his time at Notre Dame, Jones demonstrated consistent improvement each season, becoming one of the team's most reliable targets. He formed a strong connection with his quarterbacks, showcasing his ability to run crisp routes and make big plays when his team needed them most. He collected an impressive 181 catches, 2,429 yards (13.4 YPC), and 21 total TDs. In addition to his on-field performance, Jones was also admired for his leadership qualities and work ethic. He served as a role model for his teammates, leading by example both on and off the field. His contributions helped the Fighting Irish achieve success during his time at the university, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of players. 8. Chase Claypool (2016-19) During his tenure at Notre Dame, Claypool had several standout performances, including a memorable game against Navy in 2019 where he caught four touchdown passes. His consistency and leadership were also evident, earning him respect from teammates and coaches alike. Throughout his collegiate career, Claypool demonstrated remarkable versatility, excelling not only as a receiver but also contributing on special teams. He managed to have 150 catches, 2,159 yards (14.4 YPC), and 19 TDs during his tenure in South Bend. Claypool's time at Notre Dame culminated in an impressive senior season in 2019, where he recorded 66 receptions for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the top receivers in college football. His contributions helped lead the Fighting Irish to a successful season and earned him recognition as a top prospect for the NFL Draft. In 2020, Chase Claypool was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the NFL Draft, continuing his football journey at the professional level. However, his impact and legacy at Notre Dame remain etched in the memories of fans and teammates, showcasing his talent, work ethic, and character during his time with the Fighting Irish. 9. Equanimeous St Brown (20) Equanimeous St. Brown made a significant impact during his time at Notre Dame as a wide receiver. Born in Germany to a family of athletes, St. Brown brought a unique blend of size, speed, and athleticism to the Fighting Irish football program. He played for Notre Dame from 2015 to 2017 before declaring for the NFL Draft. During his three seasons at Notre Dame, St. Brown showcased his talent and versatility on the field. In his sophomore year in 2016, he had a breakout season, recording 58 receptions for 961 yards and 9 touchdowns, emerging as one of the top receivers in college football. His performance earned him various accolades and recognition, including being named to the All-ACC Third Team. He totaled 92 catches, 1,484 yards (16.1 YPC), and 13 TDs in his career. In 2018, St. Brown decided to forgo his senior year at Notre Dame and declared for the NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round. While his time at Notre Dame was relatively short, St. Brown left a lasting impression with his talent, work ethic, and contributions to the football program. While St Brown still tries his luck in the NFL, many fans are familiar with his Pro Bowl Wide Reciever brother of the Detroit Lions, Amon-Ra St Brown. 10. Theo Riddick (2009-12) This was one that readers did not expect, but any Notre Dame fan will understand. In his senior year in 2012, Riddick emerged as a key playmaker for the Fighting Irish, contributing both as a rusher and a receiver. He played a crucial role in helping Notre Dame reach the BCS National Championship Game that season, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the big stage. During his career as a whole, Riddick totaled 120 catches, 1,263 yards (10.5 YPC) and 8 TDs in the air. Riddick's time at Notre Dame not only solidified his reputation as a skilled football player but also helped him garner attention from NFL scouts. After his college career, Riddick went on to have a successful professional career, playing as a running back primarily for the Detroit Lions in the NFL for multiple seasons. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Written by Peter Jay Mulroy ⏐ Writer ⏐ Instagram: @sportstodaywithpeterjay Photo by University of Notre Dame Athletics Looking to capture its third ACC title in 10 years -- and first since 2018 -- Notre Dame opened the 2024 ACC Men’s Lacrosse Championship with a semifinal bout against the Virginia Cavaliers on Friday night in Charlotte, North Carolina.   The Irish, who came from behind to take down UVA, 11-9, in Charlottesville last Saturday, entered the tournament as the top seed, while the Cavaliers -- losers of three straight to end the regular season -- earned entry as the four seed. And while last week’s game between the ACC powers was certainly one of the better contests of the 2024 lacrosse season, Friday’s contest was controlled by the defending national champions right from the opening faceoff.   Notre Dame jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead thanks to Will Angrick’s fifth goal of the season just over 90 seconds into the game. The score by Angrick, who remains an essential piece to the overall success of ND’s midfield unit, set the tone for what would be a dominant opening 15 minutes of action for the Irish. Consecutive goals by Jordan Faison (22nd of the season), Jake Taylor (man-up, 32nd of season), and stellar faceoff/midfielder Will Lynch (3rd), provided the Irish -- the nation’s second-ranked scoring team at 15.82 goals per game -- with a cushion they would not come close to relinquishing. The white and gold scored six of the game’s first seven goals, propelling them into the second quarter with a 6-1 lead.   On a night where the Cavaliers simply could not find any rhythm on both ends of the field, particularly as it related to slowing Irish players away from the ball, the Irish proved once again why they are the team most worthy of carrying the top overall seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, regardless of what happens in the ACC’s.   Continuing to show they can win games in a variety of ways, the Irish kept their foot on the gas for the remainder of the first half. Scores by Chris Kavanagh, Devon McLane -- who recorded four goals on the night -- and a second by Angrick propelled ND into the locker room with a 10-3 lead at the break. It was more of the same in the second half as Virginia, who has been led by the star duo of Payton Cormier (three goals in the game) and Connor Shellenberger (zero goals on seven shot attempts), was never able to find its offensive rhythm as Notre Dame’s defense, led by back-to-back ACC Goalie of the Year Liam Entenmann, were simply too much.   Padding the defensive effort was the unselfish style of the Irish offense. With a whopping 14 different goals scorers on the night, including the four aforementioned goals by McClane and two from Angrick, Kevin Corrigan’s group showcased the type of style that has allowed this squad to enter the ACC final riding a nine-game winning streak.   “We handled the ball cleanly,” ACC Coach of the Year Kevin Corrigan postgame on the ACC Network. “We didn’t let their (UVA’s) desire to cause chaos get to us. We kept the poise and our guys made plays.” The 18-9 victory over Virginia for Corrigan’s crew was the second over the Cavaliers in six days and their third straight in the series.   What’s Next for the Irish?   Notre Dame will battle either second-seeded Syracuse or third-seeded Duke in the championship game of the ACC Tournament on Sunday, May 5. The game is slated for a Noon start and will be carried by the ACC Network.   Notre Dame Player Spotlight   To the surprise of no one, the Irish cleaned up in the voting for the ACC Men’s Lacrosse Awards earlier in the week.   Goalie Liam Entenmann was tabbed as a repeat winner of the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award, while Pat Kavanagh -- who became Notre Dame’s all-time points leader last week -- was voted ACC Offensive POY.   As mentioned above, Kevin Corrigan was named ACC Coach of the Year. A total of seven Irish players were also named to the All-ACC Men’s Lacrosse Team:   MF Eric Dobson, LSM Will Donovan, G Liam Entenmann, A Chris Kavanagh, A Pat Kavanagh, FO/M Will Lynch, and SSDM Ben Ramsey. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

By: Nick Kremer⏐Editor⏐Twitter: @NickKremerIT ⏐Profile: @NickKremer The Irish Tribune's Nick Kremer and Pete Mulroy discuss this week's Notre Dame news. The guys discuss the recent commitments of cornerback Dallas Golden and Punter James Rendell, and also look at some remaining targets for the 2025 class. They also take a deep dive into the Irish defense for this upcoming season, and review where the Notre Dame guys were drafted in the NFL. Please subscribe, rate, and review if you enjoy the show! Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify First and Gold Twitter The Irish Tribune: Shows

Written by Connor D'Aquila ⏐ Writer ⏐ Twitter/X: @ConnorDaquilaIT Photo via Noah Grubbs, X (@NoahGrubbsQB) We are just seeing the beginning of the push for recruits in the high school class of 2026, but a few names have separated themselves quickly for Notre Dame. After securing commitments from CJ Carr and Deuce Knight in back-to-back classes, the Irish and Coach Gino Guidugli will certainly look to continue the momentum. Both Knight and Carr were very early commitments in their respective classes, so it may also be possible that we have the answer at the quarterback position early once more. If it is someone from this group, fans should be incredibly excited. See our breakdown of the targets below: Brady Hart Beginning with the player who has the most chatter surrounding ND, Hart was offered by Notre Dame in December and quickly became a priority. He made the trip from Cocoa, FL to South Bend in April and all indications have been that it was a great experience. With Michigan recently offering, Texas A&M on the list, and in-state Florida being a major contender, this will by no means be an easy recruitment, but Notre Dame has established itself well early in the process.  On the 247Sports Composite, he is ranked a four-star, the number 109 player nationally, and the ninth-ranked quarterback. This is a player with impressive size and only one year as a starter under his belt. In that first year with Cocoa, he recorded a 66% completion rate, threw for 3,579 yards, and had 41 touchdowns with 11 interceptions; this was all while leading the team to a state title. Watching the film, the room for his body to fill out is obvious. Listed at six-foot-four, 180 pounds, he is very thin, but that is to be expected from a sophomore in high school. Otherwise, he does not show his age or inexperience in-game. Cocoa runs a pass-heavy offense, and he was able to make all the throws asked of him. He also had impressive accuracy, putting a few balls on the outside in the perfect location for the receiver. Coach Guidugli and his staff obviously like this player, and it is clear why. I believe he would be a great addition (or beginning) to the class.  Noah Grubbs Another passer out of Florida, Grubbs is also an exciting prospect that Notre Dame has made a major priority. 247Sports ranks him a four-star, just behind Hart as the number 10 quarterback and number 121 overall player in the country, and he has gained a lot of interest from programs around the country. He has already put ND in his top 10 list, but they are joined by elite programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Florida, Auburn, and Texas A&M. In his two years as a starter for Lake Mary High School, Grubbs has been productive and had an impressive jump in 2023 for his sophomore season. En route to a 10-2 record, he completed 58% of his passes for 3,677 yards and 49 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. On one night in August, he set a school record with eight touchdowns and 528 yards. He possesses similar size to Hart at six-foot-four, 188 pounds, but he looks a bit more built on film. Otherwise, the tape shows an impressive passer. His deep ball is very strong, but he can throw it anywhere on the field, and the ball always jumps out of his hand. In a couple of clips, he even got out of the pocket to make some impressive tosses on the move. This is another high-end prospect to have on the radar.  Brady Smigiel  Smigiel has already thrown for over 7,700 yards and 98 touchdowns while collecting a second-team all-state selection in his two-year high school career, so the suitors for him are understandably numerous. At six-foot-five, 205 pounds, this is a very big sophomore competing at a high level with Newbury Park in California. He is ranked as the number 62 prospect nationally and the number five quarterback with offers from Florida State, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, and many others. This past season, he led his team to a 10-4 record and the Southern Division 5 title game, where they would fall to Orange Vista. This was all while throwing for 4,222 yards, 52 touchdowns (a county record), and 14 interceptions on a 59% completion rate. On film, he moves extremely well in the pocket and the arm strength jumps off of the screen. He was routinely making difficult throws that traveled upwards of 40 yards downfield. He was also putting the ball in some tight windows and his field vision looked good, but it will be important to keep an eye on the accuracy as he progresses. Overall, ND is not in as strong of a position with this recruitment as they are with others, but he is still within reach and would be a great get.  Ryder Lyons A fellow all-state second-team player with Smigiel, Ryder Lyons has put together an unbelievable resume that has him sought after by teams across the country. As a sophomore, he led Folsom High School, the former home of Rico Flores, to a 13-2 record and a Division 1-A state championship after a run that included three game-winning drives by the sophomore facing some of the top competition in the country. On the year, he totaled 3,578 yards on 68% passing while throwing for 38 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. Pair this with another 929 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing, it was truly an incredible season for the first-time starter. All of this has earned Lyons a five-star status, the number nine overall ranking, and the number two quarterback ranking in the class. It has also earned him offers from the likes of Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, and in-state USC, where his brother plays tight end. At six-foot-two, 215 pounds, he does not possess overwhelming height, but his strength and athleticism are incredible. On film, his release also pops off the screen and his polish is unmatched in the class. To me, Lyons is an elite prospect in every sense of the word and just a quick glance at the tape will show you that. He moves incredibly well, can throw all over the field, and tucks the ball in pockets that not many high school players could. Notre Dame will have their work cut out for them to get this done, but I hope they continue to push.  Troy Huhn Huhn also comes from high-level California football, but he has had much less production at this point in his career than the prior two players we have spoken about. Still, he is ranked as a four-star, the number 144 player, and the number 11 quarterback in the class, meaning this is a player many see a lot of potential in. Ohio State, Florida State, Texas, Texas A&M, and Oregon have all offered, and it is easy to see why after watching him play. Despite throwing for only 1,623 yards and 16 touchdowns in 10 games as a sophomore, this is a big kid with an incredible arm. At six-foot-four, 205 pounds, he effortlessly makes 35+ yard passes on a rope with a ton of accuracy. His ball might be one of the most impressive I have seen in this class, and the windows he finds are impressive. This is an upside play, but it is one I would be thrilled to see the Irish make.  Overall, there are a lot of very strong options in this class, and Notre Dame has put itself in a good position with many of them. It will be up to the staff to close, but anyone on this list should be a player ND fans are ecstatic about.  Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Written by Cade Harper ⏐ Writer ⏐ Twitter: @CadeHarperIT Photo by Notre Dame Athletics The Irish have built an incredible amount of momentum in the latter half of April, instilling confidence by capping the month with a 4-3 victory over Michigan State on Tuesday. A strong stretch of play that was needed in a big way to make a statement that they belong in the NCAA Tournament. Following their two out of conference wins against Valparaiso and Purdue Fort Wayne, Notre Dame went on to secure their first sweep against an ACC opponent in Boston College. After cleaning up the Eagles, Notre Dame took a series win over No. 13, formally ranked No. 8, Wake Forest. The Irish now find themselves at 23-20, 7-17 in ACC, this season after an impressive last few weeks where they went 8-2 across ten games. In the third and final game of the series against Boston College, Notre Dame threw a combined no-hitter, one of the best feats a team can accomplish in baseball. The no-hitter was contributed to by just four Notre Dame pitchers, Rory Fox, Tobey McDonough, Sammy Cooper, and Will Jacobsen. In the final game of the Wake Forest series, TJ Williams decided to add more fireworks to the weekend by hitting a longshot on the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth to walk it off for the win. Notre Dame will look to earn a spot in the ACC Tournament on May 21-26. The Irish earned a series victory over a top 10 team, Wake Forest, for the first time since last season when they played the eighth ranked Virginia Cavaliers. Williams was not the only one to go deep in that game - victory was brought forth with the help of C Joey Spence and INF Simon Baumgardt as well. Players of the weekend included Jack Penney, as he recorded a very impressive .444/.615/.667 BA, as well as Simon Baumgardt, who contributed six RBI over the course of the three games. Notre Dame was able to stay hot in East Lansing, and looks to carry their three-game win streak back home for another ACC weekend series against Pittsburgh. The series kicks off Friday evening on the ACC Network. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Written by Liam Farrell｜Senior Staff Writer｜Twitter/X: @LiamFarrell_IT Photo by The Irish Tribune The 2024 Notre Dame Fighting Irish do not lack experience. With a defense that will feature up to seven seniors and an offense anchored by three, the Irish will be counting on its veterans all season. However, with seven former players being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, there are opportunities for underclassman to make a serious impact for the Irish. Let's look at five players that have the potential to break out for Notre Dame this year. Charles Jagusah - OT In the hunt to find the replacements for tackles Blake Fisher and Joe Alt stands 6'7" redshirt freshman Charles Jagusah. Jagusah, the former five-star prospect according to On3, made his first start last year in the bowl game against Oregon State, in which the freshmen stood his ground. During his redshirt year, Jagusah made great leaps in the development of his footspeed and strength. In the Blue and Gold Game, Jagusah was matched up against Duke transfer RJ Oben, who faced Alt and the Irish last year, to which Alt recognized Oben as " One of the best players I faced all year ". Oben's experience rivaled Jagusah's potential, as Oben barely won the one-on-one matchup against the 330-pound tackle. While Oben may be one of the best EDGE rushers he'll face all season, Jagusah showed he has the tools to compete. The redshirt freshman's performance at left tackle will be imperative for the overall success of the Irish this season. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa - LB The next breakout player is one of the only freshmen who will likely see a sizeable amount of playing time in 2024, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. Viliamu-Asa came into South Bend as a college ready linebacker. His experience playing at St. John Bosco has given him a leg up against other freshmen in the country, as St. John Bosco's schedule features some of the best high school programs in the country. His combination of size and speed is something that cannot be understated. During the Blue Gold game, Viliamu-Asa was simply all over the field. He was clogging holes in the running game, running sideline-to-sideline, and closing out well in pass coverage. On CJ Carr's first pass of the spring game, Viliamu-Asa had a near interception covering the middle of the field. He tracks the ball efficiently, which could be attributed to earning some reps at receiver in high school. Regardless, seeing the field early in his Notre Dame career, and being a leader even as a freshman could be a reality for the Southern California product. Jason Onye - DL The next player that will finally breakout for the Blue and Gold is Jason Onye. Onye, the redshirt junior out of North Providence, R.I., has been on the cusp of making a necessary impact for Notre Dame in the previous two seasons. Last year, Onye tallied 17 tackles, and blocked two field goals. He appeared in all 13 games yet got minimal snaps backing up the defensive tackle tandem of Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills. In summer camp last year, Jason Onye was the main "talk of the town", as his strength and physicality were outshining the Notre Dame offensive line. A year removed and new trust formed with defensive line coach Al Washington, Onye will receive more meaningful snaps next year. I predict his ability to be a change of pace from Cross and Mills will be necessary for the depth of this Notre Dame team, along with being a true run-stopper in the middle of the defense. Boubacar Traore - DL With the departure of Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame will need to find a lengthy EDGE pass rusher to fill the shoes left by the newest member of the Washington Commanders. Enter Boubacar Traore. Traore has displayed his ability to shine, with his one solo sack last year being a memorable one, as he took down former Heisman trophy winner, Caleb Williams, with a sack near the end of the 2nd quarter. Traore's speed off the edge is something that Notre Dame has been missing since Isaiah Foskey's record-breaking 2021 season. Traore is young, being just a redshirt freshman, yet his upside and potential outshine anyone else in the room. The ends of the Irish's defensive line will be one of the biggest question marks heading into next season. Especially with such a talented secondary, if Traore and co. can speed up quarterbacks, the Notre Dame defense could make offenses pay. Gi'Bran Payne - RB The last player that I will highlight is yet another who has seen meaningful snaps for the Fighting Irish. Gi'Bran Payne, who was the short-yardage back last year, tallied 168 yards on 45 carries and rushed for two touchdowns. Payne also racked up 58 yards through the air on nine catches, for two touchdowns, as well. Payne is simply the victim of a loaded running back room, yet his offseason improvements in speed and versatility have him resembling former Irish star Kyren Williams. Payne is a smaller back, yet he runs tougher than anyone else in the current running back room. While Love and Price will receive most of the snaps early in the year, Payne's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and run between the tackles makes him extremely useful. If Payne could make as big of a stride in pass protection as he made with his speed, he will receive more snaps for an electric Notre Dame offense. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun

Written by Owen O'Connor ⏐  Writer ⏐  Twitter/X: @Ocon54 Photo - Los Angeles Times The NFL draft is one that is very familiar to Notre Dame and their fans. Throughout history, the Fighting Irish have had 525 draft picks excluding the players recently selected, the most out of every division 1 NCAA program. This year, many of our talented playmakers had the honor of being selected this weekend in the 2024 NFL Draft hosted in Detroit. Between Joe Alt and Javonte Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame heard their university name called multiple times throughout the entirety of the draft for a total of 7 selections. Overall, Notre Dame's presence was felt this weekend in Detroit after many Fighting Irish stars found new homes, whether it be through the selection or signing process. Some of our selected alumni have higher expectations than others. With so many transactions in the last few days, let's recap where all of our Notre Dame stars landed this weekend and how they will make an impact on their first professional team: Joe Alt - OT - Los Angeles Chargers Draft Result: Round 1, 5th overall to the Los Angeles Chargers The Los Angeles Chargers start their regime under new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh with one of the safest pro-ready players in the draft class. There was no doubt that the All-American Offensive Tackle was going to be the first Notre Dame player selected, but it is a huge achievement to officially become a top 5 pick. After allowing only one sack in the 2023 season for the Irish, Alt is expected to be the starting Left Tackle for the next decade in LA. The selection of Alt gives the Chargers a potential long-term tackle to pair with Rashawn Slater. This also secures the safety of franchise Quarterback Justin Herbert, who is seen as one of top young QB's in the NFL. The selection of Alt was not a huge surprise since anyone could use his ability, but was one some Chargers and Fighting Irish fans didn't expect. Many NFL insiders and our Irish Tribune analysts predicted Alt to be selected by the Tennessee Titans at the 7th pick. They ultimately had to decide on their second option, Alabama Tackle JC Latham. Along with a Left Tackle need that has now been filled, the Chargers have a desperate need for an offensive weapon for their franchise QB. Both Georgia Tight End Brock Bowers and LSU WR Malik Nabers were available for the taking, and are seen as elite playmakers. This shows the value in the safety and security of a player like Alt, especially because he comes from the reputable "O-Line U" at Notre Dame. Alt will be next in line behind other household names such as Quentin Nelson, Mike McGlinchey, and Ronnie Stanley. Blake Fisher - OT - Houston Texans Draft Result: Round 2, 59th overall to the Houston Texans Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio made former Fighting Irish tackle Blake Fisher one of their higher-end picks in this year's draft class. After losing their former starting Right Tackle George Fant to the Seattle Seahawks, this was an immediate need for Houston that Fisher can help with. Fisher was a vital member of an offensive line that helped the running offense finish 2022 and 2023 ranked 35th (189.1 yards per game) and 27th (185.7) in the FBS, respectively. In terms of sacks allowed per game (1.62) in 2022, Notre Dame ranked 40th; in 2023, however, they were 19th (1.23). After addressing the defense with their earlier second round pick, Caserio had obvious reasoning similar to the Chargers behind this selection, protect the franchise QB. Both the Chargers and Texans are in similar situations where their offense will be completely reliant on the performance and health of their top offensive player under center. Last season was a perfect example of how losing your starting Quarterback can derail the hopes and dreams of your season goal, and protecting them is more important now than ever. Unlike the Chargers, the Texans also addressed a different need offensively with their recent trade acquisition of Stefon Diggs. This allowed Caserio to rely on his earlier draft picks to select premier talent like Blake Fisher who will be an immediate upgrade at the position. Marist Liufau - LB - Dallas Cowboys Draft Result: Round 3, 87th overall to the Dallas Cowboys With the loss of Leighton Vander Esch to a medical forced retirement, the Cowboys needed a playmaker who is pro ready. Liufau was initially projected to fall into the 4th round, but this earlier selection comes as no surprise to Fighting Irish fans. During his time at Notre Dame, Liufau was one of the most electric defenders on the field thanks to his acceleration, football IQ, and tackling ability. The earlier selection shows that Dallas has high hopes for him to step in and play immediately. According to ESPN, Liufau is projected to be the starting SLB next to a very talented group. This LB room includes Erick Kendricks, Mason Clark, and 2x First-team All-Pro Micah Parsons. Our former Fighting Irish star will be able to learn from some very talented veterans while still gaining game experience. The NFL has lately highlighted the talent and potential for Day 2 selected players in their league, and Marist Liufau has a chance to be one of those featured players. It will be a fascinating year for Liufau, who is now in a very bright spotlight in Dallas. Cam Hart - CB - Los Angeles Chargers Draft Result: Round 5, 140th overall to the Los Angeles Chargers After selecting Joe Alt with the 5th overall pick on Thursday night in the first round, Harbaugh continues to build his new regime with Notre Dame stars. This was a surprise selection by the Chargers since they selected Maryland CB Tarheeb Hill at the 137th pick just 3 selections before. If this was to tell us anything, it's that Coach Harbaugh is a fan of Cam Hart. Thanks to his 4.50 40-yard sprint time, Hart only gave up more than 25 yards in a game once in 2023. One knock on Cam Hart was his injury history, as he's had 3 shoulder surgeries in the last 5 years. Even still, he proved to be very impressive on the field and the Chargers thought so as well. Hart doesn't have a lot of interceptions in his last 32 collegiate games, so he's not a ball-hawk cornerback, but he does have an interesting toolkit that will at least make him a great punt gunner. His competition at the CB room in LA is Asante Samuel Jr and Tarheeb Hill, but he will have his chance to make an early impression in rookie mini camp this summer. JD Bertrand - LB - Atlanta Falcons Draft Result: Round 5, 143rd overall to the Atlanta Falcons JD Bertrand gets to happily return home to Georgia. After a very well performed career for the Fighting Irish, Bertrand entered the NFL draft with hopes to go as early as the 3rd round. There was no doubt he would be selected, the only question was where to. The 4 year Notre Dame LB reminds many fans of former star Drue Tranquill, an underrated playmaker who will not surprise us as a good professional player. The player comparisons have appeared before but now make more sense after his final draft spot. Tranquill was selected in round 4 of the 2019 NFL draft with the 130th pick, only 13 slots earlier than Bertrand. Bertrand's draft stock was unfortunately impacted after his total tackle number declined on back to back seasons, but this wasn't the way to sum up his year in 2023. Bertrand led the Notre Dame defense with improvements on his sack total, pass deflections, and forced fumbles from the previous season. While being impressive on the field, Bertrand also represented the University and himself very well. JD was a finalist for the Wuerfell Trophy (community service) and the Wiliam V. Campbell Trophy, which is viewed as the academic heisman. Bertrand will have to fight for playing time in the Atlanta LB room, but he will have a very reasonable chance of winning a starting spot. At the very least, expect Bertrand to get minimal snaps on defense and be a key special teams player early on. And many might ask, where is Drue Tranquill now? He is the starting MLB for the Super Bowl winning Kansas City Chiefs, currently operating under a 3 year deal. Audric Estime - RB - Denver Broncos Draft Result: Round 5, 147th overall to the Denver Broncos Estime fell a lot further than many Fighting Irish fans would've liked to see. Due to his slower 40 yard dash time at the NFL Combine earlier this spring, his draft stock took a serious hit. Estime also has the disadvantage of playing a position where the value seems to change every season in the NFL. When on the field, Estime proved to be one of the best offensive weapons for Notre Dame early on after having over 500 yards rushing in the first 4 games of 2023. Luckily, the fan-favorite RB was selected by the Denver Broncos, a team with an open spot at his position. Denver selected Estime with higher hopes than many other 5th round selections. The Broncos still have both of their main contributors on the ground from last season despite the acquisition of Audric Estime. To fans, this shows that they are unsatisfied at this position, and the rushing statistics for the Broncos in 2023 speak for themselves. Javonte Williams was seen as a disappointment as the starting RB this last season despite a promising rookie campaign in 2021. This past season, he averaged only 3.6 YPC along with a disappointing 3 TD's. He also finished with an overall PFF grade of 63.3, ranking outside the top 20 RB's. Estime will have his chance to prove doubters wrong about his 40 yard dash time and potentially win the starting RB job. Estime is not predicted to start right away, but there is no doubt he is in line to be a productive back for the Broncos this upcoming season. If he shows he is the best back in the room, expect Head Coach Sean Payton to go with the hot hand. Javontae Jean-Baptiste - DE - Washington Commanders Draft Result: Round 7, 222nd overall to the Washington Commanders After a five-year run with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Javontae Jean-Baptiste found the success he was looking for in South Bend. Jean-Baptiste transferred to Notre Dame with the hopes of one last shot at impressing NFL scouts and showing he belonged with the best of the best. He played in all 13 games with 12 starts in 2023, piling up 49 tackles, a team-high 10.5 tackles-for-loss, five sacks and 11 quarterback hurries. This was easily his best collegiate season of his career, and a good time for it. He’ll need to hit the weights to improve his physicality, but he has the footwork and agility to slide off of blocks and make tackles in the NFL. Jean-Baptiste now enters his professional career with some tough competition ahead of him. Dante Fowler Jr, Dorance Armstrong, and Clelin Ferrell are the biggest competitors that Jean-Baptiste has in front of him. Head Coach Dan Quinn enters his new regime with an open mind, and a defensive one. We will most likely see most of our former Fighting Irish star in the preseason rather than the regular season barring injuries, but Coach Quinn will make sure to give Baptiste his chance if he impresses early on. Sam Hartman - QB - Washington Commanders Draft Result: Undrafted Free Agent signing to the Washington Commanders Sam Hartman was unfortunately not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Like many other UDFA's, Hartman has found an opportunity with the Washington Commanders to compete in the preseason for a chance at a roster spot. Before signing the Notre Dame QB, the Commanders added another collegiate Quarterback as well. They selected reigning Heisman winner Jayden Daniels from LSU with the second overall pick in the first round. A silver lining for Hartman is that he received a very generous offer that is unheard of for a UDFA. The Commanders gave Hartman a $20K signing bonus along with a $225K base salary guarantee, per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero. Many undrafted free agents do not have the pleasure of a guaranteed base salary after being unselected. This shows that Hartman is not just a camp arm for the preseason, but a QB the Commanders would love to keep for the foreseeable future. He will have to battle for his roster spot with Quarterbacks Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel, and fellow rookie Jayden Daniels. Click to Join! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legionoftheleprechaun