Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/79477
UNDER THE DOME John Goodman To Return For Fifth Year Senior John Goodman will return to Notre Dame for a fifth year on the Irish football roster, according to his father, Adam Goodman. "John's coming back," the elder Goodman told Blue & Gold Illustrated in January. "He was hoping for his fifth year and that was the big thing, so the first hurdle is cleared. The next hurdle is to get on the field and start and have a productive year." Goodman has spent the majority of his time in an Irish uniform behind ATTENTION IRISH FANS record-breaking Michael Floyd and sophomore TJ Jones on the wide receiv- ers depth chart. He has appeared in every game during the last two seasons and has made 28 catches for 315 yards and one touchdown during his Notre Dame career. Goodman saw most of his time on the field in 2011 as the team's sure-handed punt returner. The senior provided a reliable option on the back end of the punt return unit, but lacked the ability to pick up return yards after the catch. In August, head coach Brian Kelly called Good- man "an enigma" because he showed flashes of athleticism and big-play ability but could not put together enough of those plays consistently to make an impact on offense. "If he can give us the con- sistent performance that he is capable of athletically, then add him to the list [of play- makers]," Kelly said during fall camp. With Floyd departing for Packages are available for all Notre Dame home football games Sept. 08 Purdue Sept. 22 Michigan Oct. 13 Stanford Oct. 20 B.Y.U Nov. 03 Pittsburgh Nov. 17 Wake Forest All Package will include: * Game Ticket- Endzone to the 40 yard line the NFL and rising senior Theo Riddick likely moving to running back, Goodman could step into a role as an upperclassmen mentor for many of the young receivers the Irish will have on their roster next season. Kelly and position coach Tony Alford say Goodman has a sound knowledge of the entire offensive scheme and could fit in at any of three regular receiver positions. Goodman has hauled in 28 receptions for 315 yards and one touchdown during his Notre Dame career. PHOTO BY JOE RAYMOND tor Chuck Martin may also help him compete with Jones and current Notre Dame freshman DaVaris Daniels for a starting spot next year. "I think John is very excited that Coach Martin's in charge of the offense," Goodman's father said. "They have a good relationship, and I think he's looking forward to it." At least four other fifth-year seniors are expected to be on the 2012 roster: Goodman's solid relationship with newly appointed offensive coordina- center Braxston Cave, center/guard Mike Golic Jr., defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore and safety Jamoris Slaughter. More could still be forthcoming because the Irish have four grants-in-aid left over for 2012 after signing only 16 freshmen Feb. 1, plus adding USC transfer Amir Carlisle (see pages 64-65). www.BLUEANDGOLD.com * Two night hotel in either South Bend or Elkhart * Great Customer Service Please visit www.diamondtravel.com for complete details and price or call 1.602.870.9197 DIAMOND TRAVEL — Wes Morgan 24 YEARS IN BUSINESS GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE MARCH 2012 15