Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNDER THE DOME THE MEDICAL UPDATES Two Notre Dame starters in the middle of their respective units seem to be on different paths in their attempt to return from major leg injuries. Doctors will need to wait at least until early June to decide how much linebacker Jarrett Grace will be able to contribute this fall. Grace broke his leg in several places dur- ing the Oct. 5 game against Ari- zona State in Dallas. Meanwhile, senior center Nick Martin said he'll be at full speed for summer drills at Notre Dame after missing spring ball and the final two games of 2013 with a torn medial collateral ligament. "I feel great," Martin said at a charity bowling event during the first week of May. "I'll be back full bore ready to go." Martin started the first 11 games last year before his knee hyperex- tended in a 23-13 win over BYU in Notre Dame's home finale. He said he could run by the start of May and is ready to participate in drills. Grace had a rod inserted in his leg in late March to try to speed his healing process. At the time, head coach Brian Kelly said the Irish would have a good idea of Grace's progress in May, but that timeline was pushed back when the head coach spoke to the South Bend Tribune May 8. Kelly told the Tribune that senior Ben Councell — who missed spring ball while recovering from a leg injury of his own — could be an option at middle linebacker if Grace can't play in 2014. Senior Joe Schmidt held that position throughout spring. Councell (254 pounds) provides more run-stopping size than the 230-pound Schmidt. Kelly also said junior safety Nicky Baratti will not need a third shoulder surgery after dislocating his right shoulder during the Blue-Gold Game in April. Baratti had two operations on his left shoulder during his sophomore year. Senior center Nick Martin has healed well from the medial collateral ligament tear suffered last November against Brigham Young. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA