Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/669106
from a distance. "I kind of had the same experi- ence in 2013 when I was suspended. [Quarterback coach] George [Whit- field] will tell you the same thing. Me watching the game is like, 'Alright cool. They're running this. Or they're running that.' It gives you a different perspective." Golson is unlikely to be drafted next month and said he does not want to attempt any position but quarter- back — "That's what I am," he stated — but he says there is "no doubt in my mind" that he can succeed as a signal-caller at the next level. MATTHIAS FARLEY BOOSTS DRAFT STOCK While former Irish captain Matth- ias Farley moved positions multiple times in his Irish career, what was most consistent was his standout con- tributions on special teams. He's hop- ing those skills help him carve out a long career in the NFL. As Notre Dame's special teams MVP in 2015, Farley constantly made plays — forcing fumbles, pinning op- ponents deep in their own territory on kickoff coverage and securing punts inside the 20-yard line. Farley is realistic that special teams might be his most appealing skill for a potential employer. "I've played a lot of different po- sitions here," he said. "I think that makes me pretty well rounded in the secondary — and then obviously I love special teams, and I think that's probably going to be where I hope- fully find my niche at the next level." Few — if any — of the 17 Irish play- ers that participated in the program's pro day impressed NFL scouts as much as Farley. He ran a surprising 4.45 in the 40-yard dash while post- ing 21 reps on the 225-pound bench press. "I feel like I did well," he said. "It's just an awesome opportunity to be out here in front of these incredible coaches and put all of the hard work from the past couple months on dis- play. "It was crazy. I came to pro day and there were a lot of guys still on the team still here that came and Matthias Farley impressed scouts by running a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash while posting 21 reps on the bench press, and believes his versatility in the secondary and special teams acumen will help him forge a pro career. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND