2001 Notre Dame probable starters
OFFENSE | |||
---|---|---|---|
Pos. | No. | Player | Notes |
SE | 21 | Javin Hunter | Irish deep threat, caught four passes of 40+ yards in '00 |
LT | 78 | Jordan Black | Started all 12 games in '00, most experience on line |
LG | 79 | Sean Mahan | Shared time with Jim Jones in '00, played in all 12 games |
C | 52 | Jeff Faine | Lindy's ranks him as the third-best center nationally |
RG | 65 | Sean Milligan | Earned starting job after great spring, played in two games |
RT | 75 | Kurt Vollers | Fifth-year player who started all 12 games last season |
TE | 84 | John Owens | Making first start at TE after playing DL most of '00 season |
FL | 6 | David Givens | Multipurpose player who can run, catch, pass and return kicks |
QB | 10 | Matt LoVecchio | Was 7-1 as a starter for the Irish in 2000 |
FB | 36 | Tom Lopienski | Rated 12th among fullbacks by The Sporting News |
- or | 40 | Jason Murray | Fifth-year player who played seven games in '00 |
- or | 47 | Mike McNair | In the mix at FB after two injury-filled seasons |
TB | 12 | Tony Fisher | Doak Walker Award candidate, 16 career touchdowns |
- or | 22 | Julius Jones | Irish leading rusher for '00 with 657 yards |
- or | 32 | Terrance Howard | Slashing runner completes three-pronged tailback attack |
DEFENSE | |||
Pos. | No. | Player | Notes |
LE | 98 | Anthony Weaver | All-star candidate begins fourth year as defensive regular |
DT | 60 | Darrell Campbell | Ready to impact defense after gaining 30 lbs. in offseason |
NG | 94 | Andy Wisne | Assumes starting role after departure of Lance Legree |
RE | 44 | Grant Irons | Missed most of '00 season with shoulder injury |
ILB | 51 | Tyreo Harrison | Greatly improved, emerging as a leader of defense |
ILB | 33 | Courtney Watson | Replaces second-team All-American Anthony Denman |
OLB | 30 | Rocky Boiman | Named to The Sporting News "Great Unknowns" team |
LCB | 15 | Clifford Jefferson | The most experienced defensive back on the Irish roster |
FS | 28 | Donald Dykes | Moves into starting role replacing Tony Driver |
SS | 5 | Ron Israel | Fifth-year veteran who has played in 32 career games |
RCB | 42 | Shane Walton | Leader of the secondary, recorded 40 tackles in '00 |
SPECIALISTS | Pos. | No. | Player | Notes |
PK/KO | 13 | Nicholas Setta | Made 8-of-14 field goals in '00, cool under pressure |
P | 17 | Joey Hildbold | A Ray Guy Award candidate, 40.9 yard average in '00 |
HLD | 80 | Adam Tibble | Second year as holder for Setta |
SNP | 56 | John Crowther | Walk-on who will snap on field goals, PATs |
91 | Jeff Thompson | Emerged as a possible long snapper in preseason camp | |
PR/KR | 22 | Julius Jones | 2000 first-team All-America kickoff returner by CNN.SI.com |
34 | Vontez Duff | Incredible speed, exciting with the ball | |
Source: Notre Dame Sports Information Office |