Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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more," he said. "I think the offensive line and myself accomplished that. That's just what it comes down to for the offense. I feel like we made a statement with our toughness and physicality at the end of the game." Fifth-year senior and starting left tackle Zack Martin said McDaniel's efforts inspire the group and give Notre Dame a physical mentality when it tries to close out wins. "Cam's a real physical runner, and people got to see a little bit of that," Martin said. "We've seen that the last couple of years. I know all of our running backs are ready to go, and it's up to us to block for them. "He's a real tough runner, and he does a great job of taking advantage of his opportunities. Whatever we need him to do, he's always up for that." Overall, Notre Dame's rushing attack has struggled to find consistency in 2013. The Irish failed to reach 100 yards rushing against any of the three Big Ten teams on the schedule and ranked 99th overall in rushing yards per game through four contests. McDaniel, however, is insistent that the unit will improve as the season progresses. "I have complete confidence in myself to get the job done against anybody," he said. "It's just the way I am. That's why I'm here. That's why I chose Notre Dame. I knew we were going to be playing big-time schools the moment I was accepted here. I was ready at that point." When four other players are vying for carries, it is often difficult to maintain a rhythm, but McDaniel said he has managed to stay loose on the sidelines until his number is called. "I listen to what the other guys on the field are saying about the defense and the looks they are getting," he said. "I'm trying to stay warm and loose while I can. Anxiety is up so much and adrenaline is up so much that you're loose anyways. You're jacked up and can release that energy when you get on the field. "I can't control [the number of carries I receive]. The only thing I can control is when I do get my opportunities is to make the most of them. We have five capable guys back there, and I'm not a guy that thinks that any one of the other guys shouldn't get more or less touches. I just know what I can do and what I'm capable of. I just want to execute when I have the opportunity." For a player that has starred in games during most of his life, McDaniel required an adjustment period to handle not receiving the bulk of the carries while at Notre Dame. "I don't think it's so much not getting in the first play of the game [or being the starter]," he said. "It's just — and I've articulated this to my coaches — that I'm a competitor, and I want to win. I'm one of the most competitive guys out there, and it's just in my nature. I'm going to do whatever it takes. That's just the guy who I am." McDaniel has shown he's not concerned whom he's up against. His current battle? Proving he can be the primary running back week in and week out for a BCS-contending team. ✦