Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/669106
UPON FURTHER REVIEW TODD D. BURLAGE not out of the question upward-trend- ing Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell could become a seventh, which would match the most Irish players taken in the first three rounds since seven went in 1994. "If you're Brian Kelly and this staff, boy, it's a watershed class," Mayock continued. "And it's exactly where Notre Dame wants to be, competing every year to be in that final four." With more than 70 representatives from 31 NFL teams in attendance last month, this year 's Notre Dame pro day was one for the ages. But beyond the pomp and circum- stance, this event was also emblematic of the challenges Kelly faces in the up- coming season. Watching all the top- tier talent he is losing chase their NFL dreams might be why Kelly didn't stick around the event very long. Kelly has a problem, and he knows it. This time last year, the veteran Irish skipper was working through spring ball with at least 20 returning starters and the stability of cornerstone play- ers to build upon within nearly every position group. This year, Kelly worked through spring drills with only about nine re- turning starters on the field and myr- iad questions in the corner office. The 2015 season was best defined by the word "depth" with Kelly's "next man in" philosophy helping the team overcome key injuries at every position group — save for the offensive line — to win 10 games and secure a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. Notre Dame's depth will be tested even more in 2016 during a season that will help to show if Kelly has built a program that can sustain dou- ble-digit victories and premier bowl appearances, or if it remains a "here today gone tomorrow" outfit. The 2016 season, more than any other in Kelly's seven years here as coach, provides the truest measure to the health, longevity and sustainabil- ity of his program. Gone from last season are all five team captains, the top three receivers, the leading rusher, six of the eight leading tacklers, not to mention the strongest voice and/or the most pro- ductive player within every position group other than quarterback. Kelly said after the Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State that his program has "made significant progress," and he expects his teams to "keep banging at the door" of a national title. And after soaking in all of the talent during pro day workouts, it's hard to argue, even with all the uncertainty entering this season. "Stay the course," Kelly said. "Keep doing what we're doing, keep recruit- ing, keep bringing in great guys like this, and we'll get there." And if the pro day and the draft this year are indicators for future years, Kelly's program will "get there" sooner rather than later. ✦ Todd D. Burlage has been a writer for Blue & Gold Illustrated since July 2005. He can be reached at tburlage@blueandgold.com