Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/219972
Upon Further Review todd D. burlage (six) and quarterback hurries (13). His sensational, diving interception in the end zone for a touchdown against Michigan was certainly the most memorable defensive play of the year for Notre Dame. Biggest Surprise Cam McDaniel When the Irish coaching staff outlined in the preseason their deep stable of running backs to pull from, the name of junior Cam McDaniel was mentioned only in passing. The attention was mainly devoted to the higher-rated recruits and star athletes such as junior George Atkinson III, USC transfer Amir Carlisle, and hotshot freshmen Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant. Undeterred by the lack of fanfare, McDaniel went about his business and eventually became the go-to Irish running back and the most reliable option in clutch situations. During the team's 8-3 start, he led the Irish in carries (131) and rushing yards (608), and was tied for tops on the team in ground touchdowns (three). During a season of unsettlement within the design of the rushing attack, McDaniel was the steadying force, especially late in games as a sturdy workhorse that could move the chains and keep the clock running. Suffice it to say that McDaniel will be more of a household name than a guarded secret in 2014. Immediate Impact Jaylon Smith It's rare that an incoming freshman with all the hype and hope that came to Notre Dame with top linebacker recruit Jaylon Smith lives up to the expectations and attention rained on him. A freshman season typically displays a few moments of brilliance, but many more mistakes and the obvious growing pains, especially at drop outside linebacker — a complex position that requires a defensive player to do everything. But for Smith, the improvement was lightning fast, and to finish among the top tacklers on the team was almost unimaginable with the way his season began. After 11 contests, he ranked third on the squad with 56 tackles, and also contributed 6.5 tackles for loss, three passes broken up, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Smith became the first true freshman to start at linebacker in the season opener since Kory Minor in 1995, and he often played like a rookie, recording 18 tackles in his first five games before hitting his stride and notching 38 tackles in his next six contests. Smith enjoyed his breakout performance in game six against Arizona State, when he led the team with nine tackles and forced an important fumble. Notre Dame fans will never all agree on the success level of the 2013 season. But if there is one highlight that can't be debated, it's that Smith provides the promise for both a great player and an even better leader in years to come. ✦ Todd D. Burlage has been a writer for Blue & Gold Illustrated since July 2005. He can be reached at tburlage@blueandgold.com