BY LOU SOMOGYI
N
otre Dame junior Steve Elmer has
redefined what "going pro" early
means.
Once a term reserved for players
who opt for the NFL Draft while for‑
going their senior years in college
— such as classmates Will Fuller and
Jaylon Smith at wide receiver and line‑
backer, respectively — Elmer likewise
will not return for his senior year in
2016 for three primary reasons.
One, because he enrolled early at
Notre Dame as a freshman for the
spring 2013 semester and has been a
regular on the Dean's List (including
his first semester), Elmer is scheduled
to receive his undergraduate degree in
economics this May.
Two, he was offered what he noted
was "an incredible opportunity" he
couldn't bypass to pursue his chosen
career in Washington, D.C.
Finally, Elmer admitted that de‑
spite starting 30 games along Notre
Dame's offensive line the past three
seasons, including all 26 the past two
UNDER THE DOME
EARLY ENTRY, EARLY EXIT
Graduating Steve Elmer opts
not to return for his senior year in 2016
Elmer started 30 games along the Irish offensive line during his three-year career, including all 26 the
past two seasons.
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
