Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNDER THE DOME order to make room for Stanley at right tackle. Finally, Elmer was uti- lized at both guard and tackle slots. For the most part, the position changes made by Kelly and Co. their first four years have been beneficial. The jury is still out on oth- ers, with the tandem of Prosise/Carlisle at slot receiver holding a little more promise. So far, here have been the top 10 switches un- der Kelly as far as best impact: 1. KEIVARAE RUSSELL — The junior cornerback arrived as a running back/slot receiver, but the 2012 team was in desperate need of cor- ners after graduating two starters and see- ing Lo Wood suffer a year-ending preseason injury. Out of nowhere, Russell developed into a Freshman All-Ameri- can corner for the 12-1 Irish and is now one of the top two or three pro prospects on the current team. 2. TROY NIKLAS — A regu- lar at outside linebacker and along the defensive line as a 2011 freshman when he made 20 tack- les, it was a surprise when he made the shift to tight end in 2012 with All-American Tyler Eif- ert already there and sophomore Ben Koyack and junior Alex Welch representing the future. Yet the staff desired a more physical block- ing presence, and the powerful Niklas made eight starts as an in-line blocker in 2012 and was a semifinalist for the Mackey Award in 2013 before turning pro after his junior year. 3 . T H E O R I D D I C K — Maybe this shouldn't get as much credit because Riddick enrolled origi- nally as a running back before Kelly shifted him to wideout in 2010-11. It seemed the backfield was already loaded in 2012 with Cierre Wood, George Atkinson III and Carlisle (who would end up sitting out with an injury), but Riddick was moved back and is the standard for Kelly's future backs as an in- side and outside runner (917 yards), receiver (36 catches that averaged 10.3 yards per grab) and blocker in 2012. 4. HARRISON SMITH — An- other one that's a little murky. Smith was re- cruited as a safety, but in 2009 under Charlie Weis played Sam linebacker somewhat out of need. Upon Kelly's arrival, the new boss said of Smith, "If he can't play safety, he can't play." The team was only 8-5 his last two seasons, but Smith went on to be a first-round pick after the 2011 campaign. Not many could have seen that in 2009. 5. MATTHIAS FARLEY — Not on the two-deep re- ceiving corps as a 2011 freshman, Farley sur- prised everyone as an ATTENTION IRISH FANS Packages are available for all home football games Aug. 30 Rice Sept.6 Michigan Oct. 4 Stanford Oct. 11 North Carolina Nov. 15 Northwestern Nov. 22 Louisville Packages Include: * Game Tickets Endzone to the 45 yard line * Two night hotel Please visit www.diamondtravel.com for complete details 1-602-870-9197 26 years in business