Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/140903
Defensive lineman Kapron Lewis-Moore made 42 starts in his Irish career, the most of any member of the 2008 recruiting class. third-down catch versus Purdue to help set up gamewinning field goal in closing seconds. Final Analysis: While some people might have been surprised that he returned for a fifth season, he benefited the team with his presence … He is an example of how stats aren't the lone measuring stick of value. Jonas Gray • RB Beverly Hills, Mich. (Detroit Country Day) Prep Ranking: Ranked as a four-star prospect, the country's No. 4 running back and the No. 72 overall player nationally by Rivals.com … Considered a four-star prospect by Scout.com, which listed him as the No. 21 running back in the land … Named to 58-man Parade All-America team. Career Summary: Struggled to find his niche his first three years while seeing limited action … Carried 21 times for 90 yards as a freshman, 34 times for 119 yards as a sophomore and 20 times for 100 yards as a senior … Averaged only 4.1 yards per carry and scored zero touchdowns those first three seasons … After losing a fumble on the opening series of senior year in 2011 that South Florida returned for a 96yard touchdown in its victory, he became a superb complement to Cierre Wood, rushing for 791 yards (6.9 yards per carry) and a team-high 12 touchdowns, highlighted by a 79-yard scoring romp in the 15-12 victory at Pitt … Career ended in home finale with a torn ACL. Final Analysis: He demonstrated it's never too late to have a breakout campaign … His continued hard work enabled him to latch on with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent last season … He did not play in 2012 while recovering from his knee injury. Ethan Johnson • DE Portland, Ore. (Lincoln) Prep Ranking: Evaluated as a four-star player, the nation's No. 2 strong side defensive end and the No. 32 overall prospect in the land by Rivals.com … Given five stars by Scout.com, which ranked him as the No. 4 defensive end and No. 49 overall prospect in the nation … The lofty ratings came despite knee sprain in first game of senior year that shelved him the rest of the season … Invited to U.S. Army All-American Bowl, but did not participate. Career Summary: Started four game his freshman year, and finished with 18 tackles, five stops behind the line of scrimmage and 3.5 sacks … Moved to defensive tackle as a sophomore in 4-3 alignment, started 11 times and recorded 31 stops, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks … Moved back to end in new staff's 3-4 scheme in 2010 and made career-high 34 stops with six for lost yardage and five sacks … Slowed by ankle sprain as senior, which led him to miss five games and resulted in a career-low 15 tackles. Final Analysis: Had a good run with 37 starts and 98 tackles, but other than final part of junior year, he and the defense never quite achieved an individual or collective groove … Surprisingly, he was not drafted by an NFL team. Kapron Lewis-Moore • DE Weatherford, Texas (Weatherford) Prep Ranking: Considered a four-star player, the No. 13 defensive end in the nation and the No. 33 overall prospect in talent-rich Texas by Rivals.com … Given three stars and tabbed as the No. 32 defensive end in the country by Scout.com … A late addition after originally committing to Texas A&M. Career Summary: Spared from action his freshman year after playing at about 225 pounds in high school … Became a nine-game starter the next season (46 tackles) and started all 13 games in 2010 while compiling a careerhigh 62 stops … Made seven more starts in 2011 before season was cut short with torn ACL during loss to USC … Came back strong as a fifth-year senior and was named one of the team's four captains … He made all 13 starts and recorded 40 tackles with a career-high 8.5 for lost photo by bill panzica yardage (six sacks), which was third best on the team … His nine quarterback hurries tied end Stephon Tuitt for second-best on the team … He suffered another torn ACL in the BCS National Championship Game versus Alabama … Finished his career with 180 total stops, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and five forced fumbles. Final Analysis: Often overshadowed and underrated — he might not have even started in 2012 had Aaron Lynch not transferred to South Florida — he ended up with the most career starts (42) in this class and was a positive force on the field and in the locker room … Was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Dan McCarthy • S Youngstown, Ohio (Cardinal Mooney) Prep Ranking: Listed as a four-star prospect, the No. 12 player in Ohio and the No. 14 safety nationally by Rivals. com … Scout.com pegged him as a four-star prospect and the country's No. 8 safety. Career Summary: The younger brother of Notre Dame safety Kyle McCarthy (2005-09), he suffered a herniated disc in his neck the November of his high school senior year … Did not play in 2008 and saw limited action, mainly on special teams, in a total of 12 games as sophomore and junior … Earned first monogram in 2011 with special teams work that included seven tackles in 12 games … Was granted a fifth year and played all 13 games on special team in 2012, recording eight tackles. Final Analysis: He arrived with higher rankings than his brother, who played in the NFL, but the severe injury setback in high school was a setback to his career … He found his niche on the kicking units. Anthony McDonald • ILB Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Notre Dame) Prep Ranking: Rated as a four-star recruit, the No. 11 Blue & Gold Illustrated 2013 Football Preview ✦ 151 148-153.Class of 2008.indd 151 6/25/13 1:04 PM