Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/234294
MOST IMPROVED: TE TROY NIKLAS From first-time, primarily in-line blocking tight end as a 2012 sophomore to one of eight semifinalists for the John Mackey Award in 2013 with his 32 catches for 498 yards (15.6 yards per reception) and five touchdowns. His blocking in space progressed as well. 2. OT Ronnie Stanley — The sophomore right tackle recovered from elbow surgery in 2012 and advanced so much that senior Christian Lombard, a 13-game starter at right tackle in 2012, was shifted to right guard. Stanley appears to be a prototype left tackle and might fill the immense shoes of Zack Martin, unless freshman Steve Elmer is stationed there. 3. TE Ben Koyack — "Tight End U." just keeps churning them out. The junior's blocking took an appreciable upgrade, and over the final seven games he added 10 catches (three touchdowns) that averaged 17.1 yards. The Niklas/Koyack combo could be even more potent in 2014. BIGGEST SURPRISE: RB CAM MCDANIEL Fellow juniors George Atkinson III and Amir Carlisle possessed more speed and intrigue at running back, while freshmen Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston were expected to challenge the former two for playing time. When the dust settled, McDaniel — a cornerback in the spring of 2012 — was the top rusher (705 yards) and most consistent presence. How many prior to the season would have bet he'd be the top rusher? 2. DL Jarron Jones — The sophomore defensive lineman (20 tackles) responded to his midseason demotion to the scout team with much maturity and was stellar at nose guard in the hardfought 23-13 win over BYU when Louis Nix III was out. He will be one of the more pivotal figures of 2014. 3. S Eilar Hardy — The junior safety (26 tackles) was completely off the Junior running back Cam McDaniel entered the season as radar in 2012, even on special teams, one of five ball carriers vying for carries, but he finished but became much more of a factor at a with a team-high 705 yards and three rushing touchdowns. crowded position. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA