Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/434567
Quotable Brian Kelly on Next Man In award winner Justin Utupo, a fifth-year senior defensive lineman: "He played a very important role in helping this football team, and I couldn't be more proud of this young man. What he has done exemplified the next man in as a leader, as a football player and somebody who has grown in this football program." Strength and conditioning coach Paul Longo on the Father Lange Iron Cross Award winner Christian Lom- bard, a fifth-year senior offensive lineman: "The things that he's had to do and overcome — back surgery, shoulder surgery — and to see what he's had to do each and every day just to get out on the field to compete for Notre Dame. … It's been an honor to work with someone like that." Sophomore wide receiver Will Fuller on winning Offensive Player of the Year: "There's a bunch of guys who could have gotten it. I think [senior quarterback Everett Golson] could have gotten it. He's our leader. I'm just happy I got it. It's an honor." Sophomore linebacker Jaylon Smith on winning Defensive Player of the Year: "It's an amazing feeling to be able to be mentioned and be held accountable, and to be recognized as Defensive Player of the Year. It's only the beginning." Sophomore wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr. on winning Offensive Newcomer of the Year: "It might be the emotional factor, just the fact of what I've been through and how I came back and kept battling. That's what really put me over the top, but I think [sophomore running back] Greg [Bryant] should have won it." Smith on fifth-year senior running back Tyler Plantz, named the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year: "I hate going against him. He's really a war dog, who gives relentless effort every single play. … Having to play Sophomore wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr. (center) and freshman safety Drue Tranquill (left) — seen here with NBC broadcaster Mike Mayock (right) — were named the team's Newcomers of the Year. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND