NDFB Hoopla

Headlines for January 28th:

• Former Irish quarterback Brady Quinn is back on campus to complete a finance internship in the Notre Dame Investment Office. Quinn graduated from ND with a degree in finance and is currently available while the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement is sorted out.

• Rumors were correct as the Carolina Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen is enrolled at Notre Dame completing his final 15 credit hours for his degree in Sociology.

• Former Irish and current Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate is rumored to be enrolled at Tennessee to complete his degree.
  

• Head Coach Brian Kelly announced the team captains for the 2011 year: senior wide receiver Michael Floyd and 5th-year senior safety Harrison Smith.

• Notre Dame recently announced that six seniors will be returning for a 5th year. They are safety Harrison Smith, kicker David Ruffer, tight-end Mike Ragone, cornerback Gary Gray, offensive lineman Andrew Nuss, and right tackle Taylor Dever.

• Another four players applied for a 5th-year of eligibility, but were declined due to scholarship availability. They are tackle Matt Romine, kicker Brandon Walker, fullback Steve Paskorz, and defensive lineman Emeka Nwankwo.

• Irish back-up center Dan Wenger has appealed to the NCAA for a sixth-year of eligibility.

• National Signing Day is Wednesday! Notre Dame is currently ranked the #8 class by Rivals, #5 by Scout, #8 by Yahoo!, #10 by ESPN, and #1 by MaxPreps (CBS Sports).
  

2010 Season Awards

Notre Dame held its annual football sports banquet to celebrate its 2010 season. It was a departure from the norm, holding an assembly only at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, rather than a full meal with guest speakers. Here's a recap of the award winners:

MVP - Michael Floyd

Nick Pietrosante Award for Most Inspirational Player - Robert Hughes

Guardian of the Year Award - Zach Martin

Lineman of the Year Award - Ian Williams

Rockne Student-Athlete Award - David Ruffer

Next Man In Award - Tommy Rees

Special Teams Player of the Year - Bennett Jackson

Offensive Newcomer of the Year - Tyler Eifert

Defensive Newcomer of the Year - Prince Shembo

Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year - Cameron Roberson

Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year - Kendall Moore


Notwithstanding the scout team awards, seven of the nine award winners will be back next year, which is a great sign for the Irish program. The biggest and most important is obviously Michael Floyd, the MVP. Surprisingly, Manti T'eo took home zero awards, but was easily the defensive MVP this season.