Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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IRISH IN THE PROS The Hawaiian duo are longtime best friends and trained together this off- season at Pacific Elite Sports in Hawaii following Te'o's rookie campaign with the San Diego Chargers. "I trained with Manti every morn- ing," Toma said. "We'd make the 30-minute drive and go out and do what I have to do for work." Work is something for which Toma is currently searching. He said he has not heard from any teams since he was cut in August and didn't even receive communication from the Canadian Football League (CFL) about a posi- tion there. "It's been quiet," he said. When Toma signed with Notre Dame in February 2009, many fans perceived him as a throw-in to entice Te'o to ink with the Irish. The 5-9, 185-pound receiver, however, proved his worth with 60 career catches for 667 yards and one touchdown. His play and leadership helped propel the Irish to the BCS National Champion- ship Game in 2012. With his eligibility expired, Toma returned for four home games in 2013 and calls himself Notre Dame's big- gest fan. At the March 20 pro day, Toma did not experience the jitters he did last year when he was fresh out of college. He said his brief NFL experience and acceptance of what lies ahead if he never plays a down in the pros helped calm him this year. "To be honest, I can't worry about things I can't control," Toma said. "Pro day is something I can control. I did my best and will leave it in God's hands and hope it works out. If it doesn't, I have a good opportunity back home. I'm happy either way. "I was more at ease. I went through NFL training camp, and obviously there's pressure every day there and pressure here all four years at Notre Dame. I wasn't too nervous and we're in an environment where we're com- fortable, so it's easy to perform." That calm and collected nature will benefit Punahou High School next fall if an NFL team does not come calling this offseason. NFL NOTES Through April 10 • The Detroit Lions signed former Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate (2007-09) to a five-year deal worth $31 million ($13.25 million guaranteed) March 12. Tate helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl win this past season while catching 64 passes for 898 yards and five touchdowns. He will play alongside one of the league's top receivers in Pro Bowler Calvin Johnson. • The Oakland Raiders signed former Irish defen- sive end Justin Tuck (2001-04) to a two-year, $11-mil- lion deal in March. The 31-year-old helped guide the New York Giants to two Super Bowl wins in the last decade. He recorded 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception in 16 games last season. NHL NOTES Through April 10 • Former Notre Dame forward and current De- troit Red Wing Riley Sheahan (2009-12) scored the game-tying goal to force overtime against the Pitts- burgh Penguins April 9. When the Red Wings went to overtime and picked up a point in the standings, they clinched their 23rd consecutive playoff berth. Sheahan has scored seven goals and notched 15 as- sists while helping an injury-depleted squad qualify for the playoffs. ✦