Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/181992
Upon Further Review todd D. burlage The game in Arlington this weekend is another important stop in an ongoing effort by Swarbrick and the Irish football schedule makers to gain more attention in and around Texas, a state that carries more football clout than any other. And with the University of Texas football program struggling under head coach Mack Brown — compiling a 23-18 record since the start of 2010 — perhaps this is the perfect time to sneak in and capitalize on one powerful football program's weaker footing. Swarbrick also negotiated a deal that will bring Notre Dame and Texas together on the football field for the first time in 19 years with a home-andhome series scheduled for 2015 and 2016, and another in 2019 and 2020. "You want to hit that part of the country and Texas in a logical way to hit the Southwest. We love being there," Swarbrick explained. "You're talking about a lot of Notre Dame fans and a lot of Notre Dame alums, and a lot of great prospective students for Notre Dame coming out of Texas high schools." Drawing top players from the state of Texas is never easy for any invading school because of the unconditional pride and passion for the home-state Longhorns. Probably more than any other state, the pressure is great for top Texas recruits to stay home and play. But through the hard work of Cooks and the commitment of head coach Brian Kelly to recruit the best players in every state, the Irish coaches are making inroads with the top Texas talent. Notre Dame currently has eight players from Texas on its roster — the fifthlargest representation from the state in school history — many of whom are already regular contributors or future stars in the making. Junior Cam McDaniel (Coppell) has emerged as the leading rusher for the Irish. Freshmen Corey Robinson (San Antonio) and Torii Hunter Jr. (Prosper) are expected to become a terrific tandem at wide receiver in the years to come. And sophomore Nicky Baratti (Tomball) was expected to compete for a starting safety spot until a shoulder injury during training camp ended his season before it even started. But when it comes to measuring recruiting success in Texas for Notre Dame, quality will always outweigh quantity. Cooks said as long he can get in the door to a recruit's home, he'll take his chances because of what Notre Dame stands for. And after a run to the national championship game last season, those doors are wide open. "The parents all knew about the history and tradition of Notre Dame, but none of the kids could really relate to it," Cooks said. "Going to the title game gives the [high school] players something they can really relate to when it comes to Notre Dame and the football program. Add to that an education that is second to none, and we're attracting a lot of attention in Texas." ✦ Todd D. Burlage has been a writer for Blue & Gold Illustrated since July 2005. He can be reached at tburlage@blueandgold.com