Very surprising move by Darius. I think he was/is a very nice college back, not a great back though. I would be surprised if he was anything other than a late round choice. I have heard that he was very far along in his studies and could graduate in May and at the end of summer at the latest. I guess it's possible that Charlie told him that Aldridge and some of the new backs were going to get more playing time and that his numbers were likely to go down as a Sr. Good Luck to him, Darius has been a great player and a great representative of what we like in a Notre Dame football player. Terry
I really liked the kid. He was really good at picking up blitzing LBs. He'd throw that small body right in front of those trucks. He's coming off a good performance in the Sugar Bowl. I hope it helps. Unlike a number of players, I just can't see him improving his position by coming back another year. What you saw is what you'll get.
I agree, Gip. I'm sure he analyzed the situation and saw it the same way. I heard or read that he is very close to getting his degree. Good for him.
AJ From what I've read on other ND sites, Zibby will be coming back. Carleson and Sullivan are also expected to return.
Yes, Sid. With Zibby back our opponents will find the middle of the field a target rich environment once again. Or maybe he will improve :wink: Laws is supposedly returning as well.... that's REAL big.
George...this is Tommy Z's true identity!! Also I have read that Chris Little another OL who had been committed to FSU has changed his mind and will be comming to ND. It's a strange saga, he supposedly had silently committed to Charlie a month ago and was going to announce at the Army AA game, then changed his mind at the last minute and opted for FSU, now has reconsidered and is comming to ND. He didn't have a very good game at the Army AA game. He's a huge kid though, and I hope Latina and Charlie know what they are doing, this is one area (offense) that I trust that Charlie knows a player when he sees one. Terry
AJ... <t>Due for a cut here. Do't think we have anything to match that venue. Where is that located?</t>
Weis quote: Recently, I addressed the issue of the fifth-year process. The nine players who have applied for a fifth year are co-captains Tom Zbikowski and Travis Thomas, John Carlson, John Sullivan, Trevor Laws, Dwight Stephenson, Joe Brockington, Ambrose Wooden, and Geoff Price."
Hey if nothing else Zibby is the best punt returner we've had in a while. He would be a big asset to special teams.
What I like about this is the potential for strong senior leadership from the 5th year guys, especially considering the small number of 4th year seniors on next year's team. IMO it's a good thing that two of this year's co-captains are returning.
I'm a little surprised Darius is leaving but I sure wish him the best. What I really liked about him is that he appeared to always give everything he had. I'm not sure how he'll do in the NFL but his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield should get him drafted on the first day. PJ in Jersey
Walker <r>I'm not sure either what the future holds for D. Walker but like most here I think the young man was a class act and always gave his best effort. What ever the future holds for him I'm wishing him the best. It's been great having him at ND these past 3 years. It will be hard to replace some of his skills on the team. <E>8)</E></r>
:roll: With Darius graduating in May, I think Charlie needed to open a spot for Robert Hughes of Chicago who's been begging for early playing time and threatening to join the lemmings in Illinois. With James Aldridge, Munir Prince, Luke Schmidt and Armando Allen, I'm not sure there's any "early playing time" available with or without Darius Walker...