Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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Tuitt — Both enter 2013 with 14 career sacks. Since 1982, when quarterback sacks were separated from tackles for lost yardage, this tandem could become only the fourth and fifth players at Notre Dame to exceed 20 career sacks — with Justin Tuck's schoolrecord 24.5 sacks from 2002-04 within reach. Tuitt had 12 sacks last season while Shembo added 7.5. 3. Sophomore cornerback KeiVarae Russell — Playing at only around 175 pounds last year, Russell answered the bell for all 13 starts en route to Freshman AllAmerica honors. If he repeats starting every contest in 2013, he would be the first Notre Dame defensive back ever to achieve it backto-back in his freshman and sophomore years. (Luther Bradley started every game at safety in 1973 and every game at cornerback in 1975, but sat out 1974.) 4. Senior wide receiver TJ Jones — With 111 career receptions, 50 of them last season, Jones could become the sixth Notre Dame receiver to reach 150 in his career. All but one played within the last decade: Michael Floyd (271 from 2008-11), Jeff Samardzija (179 from 2003-06), Rhema McKnight (170 from 2002-06), Golden Tate (157 from 2007-09) and Tom Gatewood (157 from 1969-71). 5. Head coach Brian Kelly — If the Fighting Irish defeat Temple in the Aug. 31 opener, it will be Kelly's 200th career victory as a college head coach. Entering the 2013 season, Kelly's ledger includes records of 118-35-2 at Grand Valley State (1991-2003), 19-16 at Central Michigan (2004-06), 34‑6 at Cincinnati (2007-09) and 28-11 at Notre Dame (2010-present). ✦ Fifth-year senior left tackle Zack Martin (70) has a chance to set a record at Notre Dame for the most career starts if he can remain healthy for all 13 games of the 2013 season. photo by bill panzica Into The Spotlight In each new college season, a host of new starters, or veterans in the background inevitably emerge, often as huge surprises. The 2013 campaign promises to have its share as well, with the following players particularly projected — and needed — to elevate to a higher level. Breakout Bets Offense: Junior wide receiver DaVaris Daniels The receiving corps has lost a first-round NFL pick each of the last two seasons in Michael Floyd and Tyler Eifert. There is no such star power this year, but Daniels might have the best chance on the 2013 roster to attain such a level, even though senior TJ Jones has been more consistently reliable. Daniels closed the 2012 campaign with an overshadowed six catches for 115 yards against Alabama, a possible precursor of a breakout 2013. Defense: Junior Cat linebacker/end Ishaq Williams One 2014 NFL Mock Draft — The Big Lead, a blog owned by USA Today — listed the 6-5, 261-pound Williams as a first-round pick (the 32nd and final pick). That's way too premature and presumptuous about someone who has yet to start a college game his first two seasons. But the one-time five-star recruit appears primed for a coming-out party after a strong spring working behind senior Prince Shembo while also dabbling at defensive end. Heirs To The Throne Offense: Junior tight end Troy Niklas Switched from outside linebacker his freshman year to tight end last year, Niklas started seven times in 2012 while Mackey Award winner Tyler Eifert was usually split wide. There were some growing pangs during his apprenticeship, but it should reap dividends in 2013. Niklas might not catch 63 or 50 passes this season the way Eifert did his final two years, but it would not be a surprise if down the road he emerges as the fifth straight Mackey candidate for the Irish since 2005. Defense: Junior Mike linebacker Jarrett Grace No one is going to replace consensus All-American Manti Te'o, especially his remarkable seven interceptions in 2012 (a Notre Dame single-season record by a linebacker). Fifth-year seniors Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese likely will join Grace in a three-for-two rotation at the two inside linebacker positions, but Grace's learning curve has been significantly accelerated. He can benefit from a powerful defensive line in front of him. Pivotal (New) Positions Offense: Junior center Nick Martin A strong case can be made that no new projected starter will be more crucial in 2013 than Martin, who has also lined up at tackle and guard his first two seasons. The younger brother of All-America candidate Zack Martin, the left tackle, does not have the girth or strength of predecessor and three-year starter Braxston Cave, but the staff is confident in his overall acumen at the position. On an offense replete with question marks, it is imperative for him to be a stabilizing force in the middle. Defense: Sophomore safety Elijah Shumate Last year's nickel back, Shumate enjoyed a strong freshman debut and he might be the most physically gifted and versatile defensive back on the team, especially as a tackler. Grasping all the assignments will be his main area to improve, because the most elementary mistakes at safety can easily result in six points for the opposition. Blue & Gold Illustrated 2013 Football Preview ✦ 27 20-27.Season Preview-Superlatives.indd 27 6/25/13 8:47 AM