Fellow Domers, any thoughts about Darrin Walls not returning to ND can be dismissed. Apparently he has been following the team and staying in touch with several team members since he was dismissed earlier in the year. Looks like ND will allow him back and he definitely wants to be a part of the team again.(see article link below). I particularity like the blurb about R. McNeil calling him from the airport in Hawaii on his way back to the mainland. Apparently he was really excited about the win! "It was so great to see them get a bowl win," Walls said. "Raeshon called me after the game when he was in the airport, getting ready to fly home for Christmas. He still had his jersey on, he was so excited. I cant' wait to be a part of it again." link:http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081227/SPORTS13/812270358/1021/Sports
Walls was our best CB so he was missed this past season no doubt. But since we were doomed to a mediocre season, his absence gave R.J. Blanton more opportunity on the field and the same for McNeil and Gary Gray. BTW there were reports that Gray might transfer, but apparently that is not true. I'm encouraged with the defense, I don't think we'll resemble an Ohio State defense next year but we should be much better than average. Maybe if we can keep this defensive staff together or if somebody leaves we replace them with top quality position coach we can get even better. A lot of fans seem to dislike Jappy Oliver as a position coach and a recruiter. I have no idea if he's good or not at either to tell you the truth. But I hope if we are going to add/subtract staff members I hope Charlie gets not only good position coaches but ones that are enthusiastic recruiters. Can't afford too many guys like Tenuata. Terry
From everything I had ever read, there was never any doubt about the kid returning. In fact, I am not sure how many times a father and son have to 'give their word' that the kid is coming back. I liked Lambert a lot, but I never saw him as a shut down CB type of guy. I think Blanton and Walls have the ability to be that kind of player.
It never hurts to have a competition for playing time. Hopefully Walls will fit into the mix. It certainly sounds like he's got his personal things straightened out. PJ in Jersey