Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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at wide receiver, Prosise was shifted to running back this past spring to help supplement a lack of depth at the posi- tion, but it was more of a contingency option and he still worked at the slot receiver position. By the end of spring, the Irish coaching staff classified him as potentially the top weapon on offense. Despite having never played the po- sition, Prosise made a quick transition, but few could have anticipated just how effective he turned out to be. Prosise tore off 155 yards in his first career start (versus Virginia), and went for 198 yards and three scores, including a 91-yard burst, a week later in a win over Georgia Tech. Prosise amassed at least 129 rushing yards in five games. Despite missing two full contests and large chunks of two others, he finished the season with 1,032 rushing yards, the most by a Notre Dame back since Cierre Wood (1,102 in 2011). In addition, he tallied 12 touch- downs and was third in the nation with 50 offensive plays of at least 10 yards prior to his first injury. TOP ROLE PLAYER: SAFETY MATTHIAS FARLEY Throughout his career, fifth-year se- nior defensive back Matthias Farley has served as a jack-of-all-trades for the Irish. His selfless attitude and willing- ness to do whatever is asked earned him a captainship this past season. Far- ley started a game at strong safety and one at free safety, and spent time in the nickel back position as well. He ended the season with 33 tack- les and was an impact player on spe- cial teams, receiving the team's Special Teams Player of the Year award at the end-of-season banquet. That was as much about his leadership in helping Notre Dame to its finest all-around sea- son on special teams in Kelly's six sea- sons. ✦ Fifth-year senior defensive back and team captain Matthias Farley logged starts at strong safety, free safety and nickel back, made 33 tackles and was named the team's top special teams performer. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA