Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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he hasn't had discussions yet with head coach Brian Kelly about his future, which are reserved for after the season. He hadn't even informed his teammates. The deadline to apply for early entry into the NFL Draft is Jan. 18. "I knew all along that I wanted to get that degree and [the NFL is] not something that I want to think about," Fuller said. "I'm just focusing on winning one game at a time and that's it." After catching six passes as a freshman in 2013, Fuller had a sensational sophomore campaign last year with 76 receptions for 1,094 yards and a school-record-tying 15 touchdown grabs. This year prior to the Wake Forest contest, his 44 catches averaged 20.5 yards and included 12 touchdowns. His 28 scoring receptions are already second on the all-time Irish chart, behind only 2012 first-round selection Michael Floyd's 37. "I would say I've continued to get better each year," Fuller said. "That's something I'm going to really work on next year, continue to get better and be the best player I can be in college." Considered far less likely to come back is junior linebacker Jaylon Smith, who has been projected in most circles as a top-five to top-10 NFL pick. Similar to the 2012 run to the BCS National Championship Game with the return of tight end Tyler Eifert and linebacker Manti Te'o for their senior years, Kelly said this season's success can be traced in large part to senior defensive lineman Sheldon Day and senior left tackle Ronnie Stanley not turning pro last winter. "When your best players are your best leaders, it changes the dynamics of everything that you do because they're out there in practice, setting a standard," Kelly said. "They're in the locker room set- ting a standard, and then they're on the field in the way they compete setting a standard. "I don't want to attribute all of it to them, but we wouldn't be here where we are right now without those two guys back in 2015." UNDER THE DOME Fuller told media members on Nov. 11 that he will return for his senior year in 2016. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA