Kelly Hires Son of Former Michigan Coach

It appears Brian Kelly has now filled all of the open spots on his coaching staff.  The story broke today that Bobby Elliott, son of former Michigan head football coach Bump Elliott -- will be joining the Notre Dame football coaching staff as early as this week.

Elliott, is expected to coach the Irish defensive backs -- a position group he's coached at a number of schools.  Ironically, two of his former players are on the staff he'll be joining;  Bob Diaco and Kerry Cooks.

The three new coaches joining Brian Kelly's staff;  Scott Booker (wide receivers or running backs), Harry Hiestand (offensive line) and Elliott (defensive backs).

Here's a link to the Des Moines Register story about Elliott's move to ND:

LINK:  BOBBY ELLIOTT TO JOIN IRISH STAFF

Domer Retires After 16 Year MLB Career!

Notre Dame alum, Craig Counsell '92 announced his retirement yesterday after a "championship" 16-year career in Major League Baseball.  The former Fighting Irish baseball MVP earned World Series rings with the Florida Marlins in 1997 and with the Arizona Diamonbacks in 2007 -- the first and only World Series titles for both franchises.

Craig's Dad John '64, is a former player and assistant coach with the Notre Dame baseball program.

Counsell has accepted a position in the front office of his hometown Milwaukee Brewers -- the last of five National Leagues teams (Colorado, Florida, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona and Milwaukee) he played for.

Here's a link to Craig's retirement press conference:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME BASEBALL STAR

LINK:  CRAIG'S CAREER STATS

Muffet's Irish "Put 120" on the Pitt Panthers!

How do you score 120 points in a college basketball game against a legitimate Division 1 program?

Well, Muffet McGraw's #2 ranked team know the answer to that question!

Last night the Lady Irish roared pass Pittsburgh 120 - 44.  And, to think this isn't the highest scoring night for Notre Dame this season.  That took place 19 days ago when the Irish scored 124 in a rout of Mercer in Atlanta.

Last night's victory margin -- 76 points is the largest ever for ND over a Big East opponent.  The Irish set or tied six school records:

1. Most field goals made:  48 -- also a Big East record for most field goals made in the regular season, old record was 46 by Providence back in 1986
2. Margin of victory in Big East game: 76 points 
3. Margin of victory in a home game:  76 points  (tied a record set last January)
4. Most points in a home game:  120 points
5. Most points in a Big East game:  120 points
6. Most players in double figures:  Eight (tied a record set in 2009)

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

Next Up for the IRISH -- The Armstead Men!

 

Armond and Arik Armstead are back at their California home tonight, mulling over the decision on what school they will enroll (in the next few days) for the Spring semester!

It appears the race is down to Notre Dame or Auburn -- with many feeling pretty good about ND's chances.  Here's why ND fans should be excited about this pending news:

• Armond Armstead -- is a USC grad who was not cleared to play football this past season for the Trojans due to a medical situation.  Armond is a 6'-5" 290 lb. defensive lineman.  He started 17 games for USC, primarily at the defensive end position.  After Armond's junior year at USC, he was rated as a second or third round NFL pick.  Armond has one year of eligibility remaining.
• Arik Armstead -- is rated by Scout as the #1 OT prospect in the country and the #4 DL prospect in the country by Rivals.  At 6'-8" and  275 lbs., Arik is also being recruited by ND's basketball coach Mike Brey to player power forward for the Irish.  Arik is a big-time talent!  Here's a link to his highlight video.

Here's a few links to some of the stories on their recruitment.   Don't be surprised if we know as early as tomorrow if they're both IRISH!  Stay tuned!!!

LINK:  NBC SPORTS

LINK:  THE BIRMINGHAM PRESS

LINK:  MAX PREPS

LINK:  WNDU-TV

Dayne Crist -- New KU QB Media Session

Former ND QB, Dayne Crist '12 -- met with the media yesterday, as the three "big transfers" into the Jayhawk football program took questions for the first time.  Here's a link:

LINK:  DAYNE CRIST WITH THE MEDIA

Gunner Kiel -- The Talk of the Day...

The University of Notre Dame secured the commitment of Gunner Kiel (5-STAR QB) when he enrolled in classes today for the Spring semester.  And, the media is talkin' -- here's a link to what's being said:

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  ESPN -- BREAKING THE STORY

LINK:  USA TODAY 

LINK:  INDY STAR

LINK:  CHICAGO SUN TIMES

LINK:  WSBT-TV

LINK:  RIVALS -- VIDEO OF GUNNER KIEL

Just When Many Thought ND Football...

...was done adding players to this recruiting class.

Along came a 5-star QB named Gunner Kiel and now what seemed to be a recruiting season that might go out like a lamb -- is now looking more like a lion!

In the past 12-hours, the University of Notre Dame football program picked up the #1 rated QB in the country and they've hosted another top "transfer" prospect from USC (Armond Armstead), who's been projected as a 2nd round draft pick in the NFL.

And, the word is -- where Armond goes -- so will his kid brother Arik Armstead who just happens to be a 5-star defensive lineman, who will be given the opportunity to play football and basketball for Notre Dame.

The Armstead's have apparently been given an extension until January 24 to arrive at ND to begin classes for the Spring semester, which officially started today.  Their decision appears to be coming down to battle between ND and Auburn.

In addition, last night, Notre Dame coaches were in the homes of 5-star athlete Nelson Algohor and 4-star Ronald Darby -- still seeking commitments to the IRISH.

These next 15 days 'til National Signing Day are going to be fun!

Gunner Kiel to Notre Dame!

Folks, it just goes to show you that recruiting is never over...

A few weeks ago, America's top drop back QB chose to attend LSU over the Fighting Irish.  Well, it appears that tomorrow morning, Mr. Gunner Kiel will be enrolling at the University of Notre Dame.

Don't know much more than this -- other than LSU has reported that Gunner did not show up in Baton Rouge today as expected -- and recruiting experts everywhere are now reporting that Kiel is ND BOUND!

ND Band: Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade!

A small group of members from the Band of the Fighting Irish will be making the trek to Dublin, Ireland to perform in their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17th!  The investment to fly the entire band (380 members) to Dublin is too expensive.  Here's a video clip of last year's St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin:

LINK:  ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE -- DUBLIN

Lake Dawson Front Runner for NFL Rams Gig

Former Notre Dame WR Lake Dawson, is apparently the front-runner for the General Manager position with the St. Louis Rams.  Dawson, currently the Vice President of Football Operations with the Tennessee Titans is expected to join former Titans coach Jeff Fisher -- who was just hired as the Rams new head coach.  Expect a decision this week.  Here's what the media's reporting:

LINK:  SPORTING NEWS STORY

LINK:  ESPN STORY

LINK:  TITANS BIO FOR LAKE DAWSON

Irish vs. UCONN in "BRUNCH" Match on ESPN2

Notre Dame's 29-game home winning streak will face a huge test this morning when the #16 ranked UCONN Huskies come rolling into Purcell Pavillion at 11:00 AM!  That's right -- a morning matinee -- for the Fighting Irish.  The game will be televised on ESPN2.  Here's a link to Coach Brey's preview of UCONN:

LINK:  MIKE BREY TALKS UCONN

How Many More Will Commit to Notre Dame?

National Signing Day is just a little more than three weeks (February 1) away and there's still a number of players who could potentially commit to our Fighting Irish.  Here's the list of players who have yet to pick a school and are still actively considering Notre Dame:

• Arik Armstead -- a huge defensive end out of California, is going to make his pick on Monday or Tuesday -- as he's scheduled to enroll in college this next week.  It appears it's a race between Auburn, California and Notre Dame.  Armstead is being recruited to play football and basketball for ND.  I don't believe there are many experts who feel he'll end up wearing the GOLD HELMET.  I haven't given up hope and think he may just end up being our BIG RECRUITING SURPRISE this year. 
• Ronald Darby -- had verbally committed to ND back in April.  Last week he "de-committed" and is on a recruiting trip this weekend to Florida State.  It's now become a race between FSU, LSU and still possibly Notre Dame.  Here's another player that many have given up on.  Not so fast my friends!  Darby, is a world-class sprinter who appears to love to hit people.  We need this young man in a GOLD HELMET.  Coach Kelly still has an in-home visit left with Darby -- if the family will allow it -- and, I wouldn't bet against Kelly if he's allowed in the house!
• Yuri Wright -- is a big time athlete out of Jersey whose high school teammate, Elijah Shumate, committed to the Irish last week at the Army All American game.  Wright is a defensive back, just like Darby -- who probably isn't as ready to play as Darby -- but, has great upside potential.  I like ND's chances in landing Wright.  It will probably come down to a choice between hometown Rutgers vs. the Irish.
• Davonte Neal -- another big time athlete who would play receiver for the Irish.  He's out of Arizona.  If he signed with the Irish he would definitely see the field next year.  I'm not as optimistic with Mr. Neal -- I see him playing for Urban Meyer at OSU. 
• Devin Fuller -- a QB / Athlete out of Jersey who's mother was a professional singer and his uncle is the comedian/actor Sinbad.  Fuller played in the Army All American game as a receiver -- and he showed off his wheels on a couple of reverses.  ND is trying to get him to visit -- and is recruiting him as a QB.  I think if he visits -- he's Irish.  Keep your fingers crossed.
• Ken Ekanem -- a LB out of Virginia.  He's down to ND and Va Tech.  Ekanem will be visiting ND before Signing Day so there's still a chance here.
• Josh Garnett -- an OL out of Washington.  He's a super smart kid who intends to go to Med School (after the NFL).  For a long time it seemed he was Michigan bound.  Now, it's probably a Stanford vs. ND competition.  Unfortunately, I think he ends up on the FARM.
• Anthony Standifer -- a CB out of Illinois who had originally committed to Michigan -- is now considering ND.  He'll be visiting the Irish next weekend -- so there's a chance here.

There's a few other players who've yet to officially say NO to ND -- that I don't think we have any chance at landing.  Of the eight players listed here -- I would predict we only lead with Yuri Wright at this very moment....

However, plenty could change in the next nineteen days!

Two ND Soccer Stars Taken in MLS DRAFT

Major League Soccer conducted its 2012 MLS SUPERDRAFT today and two Notre Dame seniors -- NAMED AARON -- were taken among the 38 players drafted!

In the first round, with the 12th overall pick -- Toronto FC drafted Notre Dame central defender Aaron Maund (Dorchester, MA).  And, in the second round, with the 27th overall pick -- the Portland Timbers selected Notre Dame senior midfielder Aaron King (Naperville, IL).  Photos: Aaron Maund is on the left and Aaron King is on the right.

Here's a link to the MLS SUPERDRAFT website and the details on today's draft along with a news story at UND.COM:

LINK:  MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER WEBSITE

LINK:  IRISH SOCCER STARS TAKEN IN MLS DRAFT

Blue-Gold Game -- Just 100 Days Away!

On a day when snow is forecasted to return to winter, here in the Midwest, I decided to look ahead to the next big day for Notre Dame football (after National Signing Day next month)...

And that day is 100 DAYS AWAY!

The University of Notre Dame's annual Blue-Gold Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 21.  If you've never made the pilgrimage to Notre Dame for this weekend -- you've missed out!  Get it on your schedule today!

I'd like to think if the weather is good, we'll see a pretty good crowd in Notre Dame Stadium to witness the QB competition between Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson.

Here's a link to the South Bend / Mishawaka Visitors & Convention Bureau to book your hotel rooms!

LINK:  HOTEL ROOMS FOR BLUE-GOLD GAME

Looks Like Coach Kelly Hired an OL Coach

His name is Harry Hiestand and apparently (if you believe all of the internet chatter) he's leaving the University of Tennessee to join Coach Kelly's staff at the University of Notre Dame.  Hiestand is a long-time offensive line coach who has five years of experience in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.  He'll be replacing Ed Warriner who has apparently moved on to coach at the Ohio State University.

Welcome Coach Hiestand to the Notre Dame Family!

Here's a link to a video of Coach Hiestand with the media after a spring practice last April.  You'll appreciate the cadence of his delivery -- he's a coach.

LINK:  WELCOME TO THE NOTRE DAME FAMILY!

LINK:  HARRY HIESTAND WIKI

Art of the Day: Notre Dame Wallpaper

Found this online -- thought you'd enjoy!  (Click on it to enlarge.)

TV Ratings Down for 2012 BCS Championship

The folks at the "Sports Leader" have to be a little disappointed today with the news that last night's TV ratings for the BCS National Championship game were down -- 8% from last year's game -- and it's the third lowest BCS Championship game ratings of all-time.

Here's a look at the BCS BOWL GAMES over the past ten years, and their highest rated telecast -- along with a look at the other bowls where Notre Dame played in during this period and how their TV ratings ranked during this ten year period:

BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:  2007 -- Florida vs. Ohio State  (17.4 rating)
ROSE BOWL:  2006 -- USC vs. Texas  (21.7 rating)
FIESTA BOWL:  2006 -- Notre Dame vs. Ohio State  (12.9 rating)
ORANGE BOWL:  2006 -- Penn State vs. Florida State  (12.3 rating)
SUGAR BOWL:  2004 -- LSU vs. Oklahoma  (14.5 rating)

NOTRE DAME BOWL GAMES:
2003 Gator Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. North Carolina State --  #1 TV RANKING 
2005 Insight Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. Oregon State --  #3 TV RANKING
2006 Fiesta Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. Ohio State -- #1 TV RANKING
2007 Sugar Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. LSU -- #3 TV RANKING 
2009 Hawaii Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. Hawaii -- #2 TV RANKING 
2011 Sun Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. Miami -- #4 TV RANKING 
2012 Champs Sports Bowl:  Notre Dame vs. FSU -- #4 TV RANKING

Notre Dame Grad Named in Forbes 30 Under 30!

His name is Zach Capozzi '08 and he's just three and a half years removed from the campus of the University of Notre Dame and he's already making waves!  Capozzi, a senior associate at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, just made Forbes' 30 UNDER 30 List in the Finance Industry. 

Impressive!

Here's a link to the list:

LINK:  FORBES 30 UNDER 30 -- ND GRAD!

Photo of the Day: ND Lacrosse Gloves!

The University of Notre Dame signed an agreement in September with a company by the name of MAVERIK.  The photo above is of the custom glove the Fighting Irish Lacrosse Team will be wearing this season.

If you're a fan of the sport of lacrosse and Notre Dame -- you'll enjoy checking out their YouTube channel -- click on the link below and the UND.COM feature called the Notre Dame Experience:

LINK:  NOTRE DAME LACROSSE YOUTUBE CHANNEL

LINK:  THE NOTRE DAME EXPERIENCE 

Brown, Bettis & DeBartolo -- NFL HOF Finalists!

The National Football League released the names of the "finalists" for consideration for enshrinement into their Hall of Fame in 2012.  On the list -- again -- are two former Notre Dame football stars;  Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown and All-American Jerome Bettis.

In addition, Notre Dame alum Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. '68 -- the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers -- also made the list of 17 finalists for the Hall of Fame.

There are currently ten former Notre Dame student-athletes in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Now, it comes down to a vote which will take place next month in Indianapolis.  To be enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame you must be on at least 80% of the ballots cast by the selection committee.  It's expected that four to seven of the finalists will receive the honor.

Brown & Bettis were finalists for the first-time last year.

Here's a link to the live announcement by the NFL:

LINK:  2012 NFL HALL OF FAME FINALISTS