Blue and Gold Illustrated

January 2018

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com JANUARY 2018 21 running back Josh Adams was named the program's Offensive Player of the Year. He led the nation in rushes of 60-plus yards with seven. Senior linebacker Nyles Morgan claimed the Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 83 tackles, 6.5 stops for loss and one sack. The Il- linois native won the Defensive New- comer of the Year honor last year. The Special Teams Player of the Year honor went to senior linebacker Greer Martini after he played 184 snaps on special teams to go with his duties at linebacker. He notched 70 total tackles, including eight on spe- cial teams. Per Notre Dame, Martini was one of just two players with at least three tackles on kickoff return and punt coverage. "Probably my first interception," Martini said of the highlight of the year for him. "As a linebacker, you get to make a lot of tackles and maybe pick up a fumble every once in a while. "You don't really get that many opportunities to get your hands on the ball." The Offensive Lineman of the Year award went to fifth-year senior tackle Mike McGlinchey. Pro Football Focus rated the team captain as the coun- try's second-best offensive tackle and the third-best lineman overall. McGlinchey rated as the best run- blocking tackle in the country and allowed just three sacks, two quarter- back hits and nine quarterback hur- ries this past season. "It was huge for me," McGlinchey said of returning for his fifth year. "Not only as a player but as a person. You have to think what's really im- portant to you and how you want to get to what you want to accomplish. "I think I've taken a huge step for- ward, not only in my game but the way I look at the game, the way I study the game and the way I can lead my teammates." Junior defensive lineman Jerry Til- lery was presented with the Moose Krause Lineman of the Year award after he led his position group in to- tal stops (52), tackles for loss (8.5), sacks (4.0) and hurries (10). Junior quarterback Brandon Wim- bush, unsurprisingly, was tabbed as the Newcomer of the Year for offense after accounting for 2,538 total yards and 30 touchdowns, while senior defensive lineman Jonathan Bonner claimed the honor on defense. Only two other Power Five quar- terbacks besides Wimbush threw for 14 touchdown passes and rushed for 14 more. Bonner finished third among Irish defensive linemen with 27 tackles, while adding 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. The Impact Player Echo went to junior linebacker Te'von Coney, who paced the team in tackles (99) and tack- les for loss (11.5). Senior defensive line- man Andrew Trumbetti captured the Next Man In, registering 27 total stops, with 4.0 for loss in his final season. Fifth-year senior tight end Durham Smythe landed the Father Lange Iron Cross for his work in the weight room during his final season. Senior tight end Nic Weishar was honored with the Irish Around the Bend, which recognizes community service. Se- nior rover Drue Tranquill's work in the classroom helped land him the Rockne Student-Athlete award. Freshman offensive lineman Dillan Gibbons and sophomore safety Alohi Gilman were recognized as Scout Team Player of the Year for offense and defense, respectively. "The next step is getting ready for spring ball, right now," Gilman stated. "I felt that I used this past season to prepare myself the best that I could working with Coach [Matt] Balis and the strength staff. "I'm excited to get ready and go into spring ball and fight for a job and contribute the best that I can." Former walk-on senior wide re- ceiver Austin Webster was awarded with the Pietrosante Award, which is given to the player who shows cour- age, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and pride. Junior linebacker Robert Regan won the WOPU Player of the Year, which recognizes the program's top walk-on. ✦ Drue Tranquill And Nic Weishar Returning, While Others Mull Options The big news of the night came while senior rover Drue Tranquill was giving his acceptance speech for the Rockne Student-Athlete Award. Tranquill was undecided during the season about his decision, but felt he couldn't leave South Bend af- ter the way the 2017 campaign ended in November. "I came into this year, I was definitely going to declare," Tranquill admitted. "Getting married, it seemed like the best decision. There was some- thing uneasy in my heart. I think it started after the Miami game on the bus realizing we probably weren't going to make the College Football Playoff anymore and realizing everything everybody put into this. "I felt in my heart I owed it to this team to come back and finish what we started. Nothing is guar- anteed and we have a lot of work ahead of us. I'm excited for the opportunity." With senior linebackers Nyles Morgan and Greer Martini out of eligibility, keeping Tranquill in the fold keeps leadership and production on the second level of the defense. Senior tight end Nic Weishar announced follow- ing the event that he likewise would return for his fifth season at Notre Dame. A few of Notre Dame's juniors are still contem- plating whether or not to make the jump to the NFL or return to South Bend, including running back Josh Adams, linebacker Te'von Coney, wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery. Each player has submitted a request for feedback from the NFL Draft Advisory Board. The return of all four players, along with Tranquill, could spark increased expectations for the Irish in 2018. "It's something I have to think about with my family and also my coaches," Coney said after the awards banquet. "Put everything into perspective. "I requested feedback just to see where I'm at. As far as leaving and everything, that doesn't neces- sarily mean it. I just wanted to see where I was at, some things maybe I can improve." — Corey Bodden Tranquill announced at Echoes he will return to Notre Dame looking to build off of this season. He finished the regular season tied for sec- ond on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss and ranked third with 74 tackles. PHOTO BY ANGELA DRISKELL

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