• Quarterback Tommy Rees
epitomizes this overall class. He
arrived with minimal fanfare, but
has maximized his potential with
18 career starts and a reputation for
resourcefullness and tenacity that
keeps him in a prime role.
• Cornerback Bennett Jackson went
from a relatively unheralded figure to a
bona fide NFL cornerback prospect. He
made an instant impact as a freshman
when he was named Notre Dame's 2010
Special Teams Player of the Year, and the
next year he began his learning curve at
corner after having started off at wide
receiver. Last year, despite shoulder
problems that required offseason
surgery, he excelled as a 13‑game starter
Outside linebacker Prince Shembo has steadily improved as a pass rusher, recording 14 sacks his first
three seasons to move within range of Justin Tuck's school record 24.5.
photo by bill panzica
