Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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BLUEGOLDONLINE.COM OCT. 8, 2022 9 UNDER THE DOME 0 Turnovers forced for four Football Bowl Subdivision teams — Auburn, Fresno State, Notre Dame and Temple — through the first three weeks of the college football season. 2 Notre Dame players appeared on veteran ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board of the top 25 players available in the 2023 NFL Draft, released Sept. 20 following an opportunity to evaluate three weeks of college football action in 2022. Junior Michael Mayer checked in as the top tight end and No. 16 overall, while senior Isaiah Foskey was slotted as the No. 3 outside linebacker and No. 22 overall. "He's legit," Kiper wrote of Mayer. "NFL teams want tight ends who can stretch the deep middle of the field — and block well enough to line up next to offensive tackles. That's Mayer, who can be a force in the red zone. Line- backers simply can't cover him (and safeties struggle with his size). "His size, quickness and frame make him an edge rusher to watch — and we know NFL teams covet edge rushers like him," Kiper added in his evalu- ation of Foskey. In addition, graduate student Jarrett Patterson was listed at the No. 2 offensive guard and senior Brandon Joseph was listed as the No. 6 safety. 3 Notre Dame 2023 commits moved up at least 17 spots when On3 released its updated national rankings on Sept. 20: Belmont (N.C.) South Point of- fensive tackle Sullivan Absher went from No. 77 overall to No. 58, Baton Rouge (La.) University Lab linebacker Jaiden Ausberry went from No. 219 to No. 202 and Merrillville (Ind.) Andrean linebacker Drayk Bowen went from No. 234 to No. 207. Denton (Texas) Guyer safety Peyton Bowen (No. 15 overall) and Round Rock (Texas) Stony Point wide receiver Braylon James (No. 281) both moved up three spots in On3's rankings. 4 Former Notre Dame players have signed NFL contracts worth more than $60 million dollars: Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Zack Martin (6 years, $84 million), Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (5 years, $98 million), Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (4 years, $80 million) and Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (4 years, $64 million). 6 Former Fighting Irish women's basketball players have gone on to win at least one WNBA championship: Player, Team Year(s) Ruth Riley, Detroit Shock 2003*, 2006 Coquese Washington, Houston Comets 2000 Jacqueline Batteast, Detroit Shock 2006 Devereaux Peters, Minnesota Lynx 2013, 2015 Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm 2018, 2020 Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces 2022 * Finals MVP 40 Sack pace for the Notre Dame defense following its 6 quarterback takedowns against Cal Sept. 17. That would be one short of the program-record 41 established first in 1996 and matched last season. $80 , 385 Raised over the past year by Uplifting Ath- letes with the help of Notre Dame junior linebacker JD BERTRAND. The organization — for which Bertrand serves as Notre Dame's chapter president — provides experiences for children with rare diseases and their families. In an effort to support its mission, Bertrand has organized fundraising events at Notre Dame, including a Lift for Life event with his teammates and an Uplifting Bowling Experience. In recognition of that work, Bertrand was one of 22 college football play- ers from across the country that were selected from among 114 nomi- nees and named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team for outstanding contributions to their communities. "Bertrand, having previously served as the chapter's vice president, made his mark in more than just fundraising," Notre Dame's press release noted. "He set out to directly connect with and build a re- lationship with a child with a rare disease. He made an instant connection with a young football fan and his family, and the two are in constant communication. Bertrand sees up close and personal the impact all of his fundraising efforts can have on those who benefit from the work of Uplifting Athletes." ✦ BY THE NUMBERS PHOTO BY CHAD WEAVER