Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com DECEMBER 2021 43 IRISH IN THE PROS BY TODD D. BURLAGE T ypically, when an NFL player is described as unable to settle into a specific position, it means he's not going to be an NFL player for very long. But former Irish cor- nerback turned all-purpose New York Giants defensive back Julian Love wears his "jack of all trades" distinction from his teammates and coaches as a badge of honor. In fact, this summer, Giants head coach Joe Judge nicknamed his third-year defensive back "duct tape" because of Love's ability to patch holes wherever he's needed on defense. "Just do it all, I take pride in that," Love said in response. "You're trying to get better, try- ing to establish how you want to be as a player, and that involves doing a lot. I like it. I like doing a lot." At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Love is obviously not the biggest defensive back on the Giants roster. And by his own ad- mission, he's not the fastest either. But what Love lacks in natural physical gifts he makes up for with smarts, fearless- ness, toughness and versatility. Love has played nickel corner, free and strong safety, and he has even taken some snaps for the Giants at the bound- ary corner this season. "I've got to get a shot at nose tackle soon," Love recently joked. "The more I can do for this team, they'll keep me around longer. That's my mindset each day, embrace the challenge that's brought to me." Love has also thrived in the box against the run because of his sur- prisingly physicality for a smallish player. "I enjoy tackling. I embrace be- ing closer to the action," Love said. "Have to bring your big boy pads playing in the box, but I love that." Judge also praised Love's versa- tility on special teams. "He can play gunner, he can play punt protector, he'll do stuff on kickoff coverage, on punt return," Judge explained. "On kickoff re- turn, he can play a multitude of positions. He comes in every week and it's like, 'Hey Jules, your role just changed completely from last week.' He doesn't ever bat an eye." D u r i n g h i s t h re e s e a s o n s (2016-18) and 38 career games at Notre Dame, the Irish coaches used Love similarly to how he's being used in the NFL, all over the field. And the consen- sus All-American delivered, recording 176 tackles, five interceptions, four fum- ble recoveries and three touchdowns. Through 10 games this season with the Giants, Love had compiled 29 tack- les (13 solo), five passes defended and one interception. ✦ Love has played nickel corner, free and strong safety, and he has even taken some snaps for the New York Giants at the boundary corner this season. PHOTO COURTESY NEW YORK GIANTS NOTRE DAME IN THE NFL: WEEK 11 HIGHLIGHTS • Chase Claypool (Played at Notre Dame from 2016-19), WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: Caught five passes for 93 yards and added one yard rushing on two carries in Pittsburgh's 41-37 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers … Has played in eight of 10 games for the 5-4-1 Steel- ers and recorded 34 catches for 526 yards and one touchdown plus eight rushes for 52 yards. • Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (2017-20), LB, Cleveland Browns: Made four solo tackles, in- cluding one for loss, in Cleveland's 13-10 home win over Detroit … Started five of the eight games he has played in for the 6-5 Browns, and has recorded 34 tackles, four passes de- fended and one forced fumble. • Harrison Smith (2007-11), S, Minnesota Vikings: Recorded four solo tackles, one sack, and two QB hits in the Vikings' 34-31 home win over Green Bay … Has started each of the eight games he has appeared in this season, and compiled 56 tackles (42 solo), two sacks, one forced fumble and three passes defended for the 5-5 Vikings. Multitasking Is Helping Julian Love Make His NFL Mark Call 877-630-8768 to advertise in Blue & Gold Illustrated! M A R K E T P L A C E Vintage Notre Dame Memorabilia Augie's Locker Room ND Stadium Items, Jerseys, Helmets, Autographs and One-of-a-Kind Rockne Items. COME INTO THE STORE TO SEE OUR RARE NOTRE DAME HELMET DISPLAY, 1900 - PRESENT!! Voted Best Notre Dame Collectibles in the Country! 1811 South Bend Ave. South Bend , I n 46637 574-277-NDND (6363) www.augieslockerroom.com FACEBOOK.COM/AUGIESLOCKERROOM NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL GAMES on VHS or DVD for sale, from 1928 to present. Contact Peter Rahas at 7700 Golden Filly St., Las Vegas, NV 89131 or call 1-702-395-2974 POWERFUL PRAYER - to the Holy Spir- it. You who solve all problems, who lights all roads so that I can obtain my goals. You who give me the Divine gift to forgive and to forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life, you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank You for all things and to confirm that I never want to be separated from You, even and in spite of all material illusions. I wish to be with You in eternal glory. Thank You for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days the favor requested will be granted even though it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mentioning the favor. M.D.N.