Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Offense X-Factor: Amir Carlisle During the first day of practice in pads March 23, the standout in the scrimmage was junior running back/slot Amir Carlisle. Graduated players such as Manti Te'o, Robby Toma and others, plus former Irish tight end Kyle Rudolph, were in attendance while preparing for March 26 Pro Day. Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly noted how, to a man, they complimented USC transfer Carlisle, who sat out 2012 because of a broken ankle prior to spring ball, further compounded by nerve damage to the ankle. "He's going to be an exciting player," Kelly said. "Everybody noticed No. 3. He's going to be a guy that definitely impacts the program." Alas, late in that practice, Carlisle also broke his collarbone — but still finished out his drill before noting the soreness that the medical staff then examined. If there is a player on the 2013 roster that comes closest to matching graduated Theo Riddick's running/receiving capabilities, it might be Carlisle, a faster version of Riddick. The issue is whether he can remain in one piece for the long haul. "Those questions are fair," Kelly said. "Where I concern myself more relative to injuries is how you handle them. Junior Amir Carlisle, a transfer from USC who broke his collarbone this spring, could He's bounced right back in there, so mentally he's strong be Notre Dame's next versatile threat on where he's a guy that's not going to be afraid to go right back in there and play. If he gets another injury, it is what offense if he can stay healthy. photo by joe raymond it is." Hanratty also could be in line for the best mental attitude award because he refuses to consider himself a starter until he produces in game action. "Nothing is etched in stone," said Hanratty entering the final week of spring drills. "It's all about getting your work in, getting used to playing with the other guys — and that's all that is important right now. We'll wait to see [about starting] when the season starts. It's all about getting better now." His top challenger might be No. 2 left tackle and sophomore Stanley, who had elbow surgery last fall and wasn't fully activated until halfway through spring drills. The 6-6, 318-pound Stan- ley received the starting nod at left guard in the Blue-Gold Game when incumbent Chris Watt was held out for precautionary reasons, and Stanley acquitted himself relatively well. If Stanley proves to be the fifth-best offensive lineman, he could even start at right tackle, with incumbent Christian Lombard sliding over to right guard. One way or another, right guard should have a large physical presence this fall. Look for more extensive features on these players and others in the summer editions of Blue & Gold Illustrated, plus the 2013 Football Preview. ✦