Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com JANUARY 2017 25 try Denson (1,941) at the same stage of their Notre Dame careers, and his 6.42 yards per carry is fourth on the all-time chart. Adams also has lost only one fumble in 275 career carries. MOST UNDERRATED DEFENSE: Senior Cornerback Cole Luke After a rough September, espe- cially in the 36-28 loss to Michigan State Sept. 17, Luke also benefitted from the coaching change on defense. He became more effective in the final two months of the season and played up to his skill set that could also land him a roster spot at the next level. FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR OFFENSE: Receiver Kevin Stepherson An early entrant in January, Step- herson finished the year with 25 catches for 462 yards (18.5 yards per catch) and five touchdowns. The lone Irish freshman ever to catch more touchdowns was Michael Floyd in 2008 with seven. In addition to Floyd, the only other Notre Dame freshman wideouts to total more re- ceiving yardage were Tony Hunter in 1979 (690) and Joe "Small Wonder" Howard in 1981 with 463, one more than Stepherson. The previous best freshman re- ceiving marks under Kelly came his first season in 2010 with TJ Jones: 23 catches for 306 yards (13.3 yards per reception) and three scores. FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR DEFENSE: Cornerback Julian Love Although free safety Devin Stud- still had more snaps (582) than him (562), Love displayed the versatil- ity to also align at nickel and start at safety against the option, which made him a valuable asset in the sec- ondary. He displayed exceptional football IQ to complement his toughness and moxie, which enabled him to record 45 tackles (32 solo), three passes de- fended and an interception. BIGGEST SURPRISE: Sophomore Wide Receiver Chris Finke A freshman walk-on in 2015, the 5-9, 180-pound Finke was awarded a scholarship by the coaching staff this August. After taking only 43 snaps on offense in the first nine games, his totals elevated to 17 (Army), 21 (Vir- ginia Tech) and 42 (USC) in the final three, highlighted by snaring 31- and 14-yard scores against Virginia Tech and USC, respectively. He also took over punt return du- ties against Miami Oct. 29, and his 23-yard return into Hurricanes terri- tory set up the game-winning score in the fourth quarter. TOP ROLE PLAYER/ SPECIAL TEAMS: Freshman Wide Receiver Chase Claypool Although relatively raw as a foot- ball player with his Canadian back- ground, Claypool has a combination of size (6-4, 220), skills and aggres- siveness that was too conspicuous to keep on the sidelines. A fierce blocker, which was his primary role, Claypool still added five catches for 81 yards. On special teams, he recorded 11 tackles (seven solo). Debate could ensue among the staff this winter on whether his skills are more needed on offense or defense. TOP ROLE PLAYER/ SPECIAL TEAMS: Freshman Cornerback Donte Vaughn On a secondary unit replete with youth, no one might have more up- side than Vaughn, whose 6-2 frame and agility provides the most range by a Notre Dame corner since the days of Bobby Taylor (1992-94). Though his 296 snaps were nearly half of Love's, Vaughn showed text- book coverage in some sequences, making him an outstanding prospect down the road. In his limited action, his six passes defended, including an interception, tied Luke for the team lead. ✦ Sophomore wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown led the Irish in receptions (58), receiving yards (961) and touchdown catches (nine) in 2016. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA