Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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les for loss and 4.5 sacks in his career. He was an effort player in his first three seasons, but not necessarily a produc- tive one. That changed during his senior sea- son, with Okwara emerging as a legiti- mate playmaker. He led the Irish with eight sacks, the most by an Irish lineman since Stephon Tuitt racked up 11 in 2012. Okwara also generated 12.5 tackles for loss and seven QB hurries, surpassing his career totals. MOST UNDERRATED: WIDE RECEIVER CHRIS BROWN A 56-yard catch on the road as a fresh- man against Oklahoma in 2012 set a high bar for senior Chris Brown, one he really never lived up to. Brown hauled in just 17 passes during his first two seasons and was solid in 2014. However, some expected junior Corey Robinson would pass him up this season. Not only did Brown maintain his starting spot, he had the best season of his career and was one of the most un- dervalued offensive players. During the regular season, he set career highs in re- ceptions (44), receiving yards (562) and touchdown catches (three). Of his 44 receptions, 31 resulted in a first down or touchdown, including 10 first-down conversions on third down. Brown also excelled as a blocker and was the emotional leader of the wide receiving corps. FRESHMEN OF THE YEAR: JOSH ADAMS (OFFENSE) AND JERRY TILLERY (DEFENSE) When junior running back Tarean Folston went down with a season-end- ing knee injury after just three carries, freshman Josh Adams suddenly was thrust into the rotation. Despite scoring a 14-yard touchdown against Texas on his first career carry, Adams had few touches in the first four games. When finally given a chance, he detonated. Adams ripped off 133 yards on just 13 carries in a win over UMass, including a 70-yard touchdown run. After senior running back C.J. Prosise went down with an injury early at Pittsburgh Nov. 7, Adams stepped in and ran for 147 yards against the nation's No. 20 rushing de- fense. In his first career start, Adams ram- bled for 141 yards against Wake Forest, including setting a Notre Dame record After a slow start, junior right tackle Mike McGlinchey developed into arguably Notre Dame's top offensive lineman in all phases by the end of the regular season. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA