Blue and Gold Illustrated

Nov. 3, 2014 Issue

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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WHERE HAVE YOU GONE? Game-breaking ball carrier now works for the Irish BY LOU SOMOGYI N otre Dame head coach Brian Kelly often talks to his players about reaching an "unconscious compe‑ tence" in performance. No running back in Fighting Irish history reached that level better than Reggie Brooks as a 1992 senior. That year in the 17‑17 tie against Rose Bowl champ Michigan, Brooks took an option pitch from quarterback Rick Mirer, and then dodged, spun and shook off six different tackle at‑ tempts from Wolverine defenders be‑ fore getting smashed on the left side of his helmet at the 3‑yard line, rendering him unconscious as he fell into the end zone to complete the 20‑yard touch‑ down run. Even unconscious, he had the pres‑ ence of mind to hold on to the football right until he hit the ground. Head coach Lou Holtz's adage that "when they put a running back into his grave, they should be able to pry his arm away from his body and find a foot‑ ball" was met. When Brooks was surrounded by media after the game to talk about the run, he had no idea what they were referring to, even though he did return to the contest. It wasn't until the next day on film that he saw the play that NBC color analyst Cris Collinsworth described as "one of the most spectac‑ ular runs you are ever going to see." Many might contend Brooks' '92 campaign, after waiting his turn to start for three years, was the best ever by a Notre Dame running back. • He rushed for 1,343 yards, not in‑ Reggie Brooks, 1989-92 Running Back/Corner Brooks finished fifth in the 1992 Heisman Trophy balloting after rushing for 1,343 yards and averag- ing 8.04 yards per carry. PHOTO COURTERSY NOTRE DAME MEDIA RELATIONS

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