'11 CA ATH George Atkinson III (Signed Notre Dame LOI)

[KPENN]

George Atkinson Opens Up On Exit From Notre Dame

Atkinson, who received a grade from the Draft Advisory Board of fourth to seventh round, turned pro shortly after his junior season began with him receiving the bulk of the team’s carries and culminated in a suspension at the Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl.

“It was during team meal and I was on the phone and Coach [Brian] Kelly walked up to me and told me to get off the phone,” Atkinson said. “For some stupid reason I decided not to get off right away, and it led to the suspension.

“I would’ve liked to have approached the situation towards the end of my career there, especially my junior year, with both carries and the coaching staff [with a] more mature mindset.”

The 6-1, 218-pound running back and hopeful special teams contributor admitted that his relationship with the Irish coaching staff deteriorated toward the end of his time with the program, but said it was not the cause for declaring for the NFL Draft.

“I didn’t get a chance to talk to [Kelly] actually,” Atkinson said. “We were playing phone tag back and forth and unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to talk with his busy schedule and I was training and stuff.”

He first considered the move before his junior season began and added that a poor health situation surrounding his mother also helped expedite the process.

“I feel like it was the perfect time for me right now,” said Atkinson, who said concerns over getting a fair opportunity from the coaching staff next season did not factor into the decision. “I’m 100 percent healthy. I feel like I have enough tape for teams to see and I also had some family issues that need to get cleared up. I feel like I can fix them going to the NFL.

“Regardless of how high the draft grade is, you have to come out and make a team. You have to feel comfortable in yourself to do that. Currently I feel that way.”


Atkinson’s 40-yard dash time — he’s hoping for a result lower than 4.5 seconds — will perhaps be the most crucial physical test among the nine former Irish players at the Combine. Some of the intrigue surrounding the Stockton, Calif., product is because of his special teams contributions at Notre Dame. He returned two kickoffs for a touchdown as a freshman in 2011 and, as NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock indicated earlier this week, special teams might be his ticket to seeing the field.

“I definitely weighed that in as a factor,” Atkinson said. “Coming into the league, the quickest way to see the field is special teams and I did that my whole career at Notre Dame. I feel confident in that aspect of it.”

When Atkinson contemplated his future between the Dec. 28 bowl game suspension and the Jan. 8 announcement, he sought advice from his father, George Atkinson Jr., who played with the Oakland Raiders from 1968 to 1977.

“He’s given me a ton of advice,” Atkinson III said. “I take his advice very seriously. He’s been at this level for many years and been involved with the Raider organization and things like that. He really guided me and helped me with this decision.

“He knows I play running back. That plays a factor with getting injured and things like that. He said, ‘You’re healthy now and you know what it takes to make a team.’”

 

[BGIF]

Atkinson said. “For some stupid reason I decided not to get off right away, and it led to the suspension."

...

“I didn’t get a chance to talk to [Kelly] actually,” Atkinson said. “We were playing phone tag back and forth and unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to talk with his busy schedule and I was training and stuff.”


W.I.N.

"What's Important? NOW!"

Lou Holtz


Psst, George, IF a coach ever calls again ... TAKE THE CALL!

 

[ulukinatme]

No surprise that he was taking the advise of his father, it sure seemed to translate on and off the field. However, I don't fault him for leaving, and I think it probably is the best time for him. It's a good time for him to leave the program too, it does clear up confusion in the backfield a bit. I do think it was mature of him to fess up on what happened before the bowl game, and I think it was worthy of getting suspended.

 

[GBdomer]

There is a lot more to this damn story then just Atkinson being on his phone

 

[RyCo1983]

There is a lot more to this damn story then just Atkinson being on his phone

GA3 Trying to save some face, and Kelly won't say a word about it.

 

[Irish#1]

GA has to say that to the coaches interviewing him. If he goes in there and says anything bad about ND, BK or the staff it will hurt his draft stock. Teams interested in GA will call BK to find out what happened. BK will probably take the high road won't go into a lot of detail either.

 

[GBdomer]

How come George Atkinson isn't listed as a Notre Dame man?

 

[ulukinatme]

How come George Atkinson isn't listed as a Notre Dame man?

I'm still wondering why Tommy's got revoked and Spond and Big Lou kept theirs. Not discrediting either of those two guys for their contributions, both were awesome, just wondering why the scapegoat get punished for a perceived lack of commitment.

 

[woolybug25]

I'm still wondering why Tommy's got revoked and Spond and Big Lou kept theirs. Not discrediting either of those two guys for their contributions, both were awesome, just wondering why the scapegoat get punished for a perceived lack of commitment.

Spond has one? If Tommy got his revoked, then shouldn't Spond get his revoked too? I mean, he wasn't a star here at Notre Dame and certainly didn't contribute nearly as much as Tommy on the field. He was certainly a great kid that embodied the character of Notre Dame, but that wasn't enough for Tommy.

For the record, I thought they both should have it, but whatevs.

 

[ulukinatme]

Spond has one? If Tommy got his revoked, then shouldn't Spond get his revoked too? I mean, he wasn't a star here at Notre Dame and certainly didn't contribute nearly as much as Tommy on the field. He was certainly a great kid that embodied the character of Notre Dame, but that wasn't enough for Tommy.

For the record, I thought they both should have it, but whatevs.

Yeah, Spond and Big Lou are the only ones from 2010 class that have "Notre Dame Man" on their thread title, Rees had it for a short time. Spond I get, his time was cut short and he spent the year helping train Jaylon, I'd say it's deserving. Big Lou's a funny guy, helped give us a hell of a 2012 season and part of a 2013 season. Did he face a lot of adversity or any road blocks? Eh, maybe, but I doubt it.

For all the crap Tommy got thrown his way: boos, unfair (and fair) criticism, death threats, blasted on social media, and to still come out and give it his all and love the University and it's fans...speaks a lot to his character imo. I say if we're giving out the Notre Dame Man title it either goes to everyone that graduates, or it only goes to the players that endure despite road blocks or some strong adversity.

 

[GBdomer]

Why does Louis Nix have one? Rees punching a cop alone makes him an RKG and a Notre Dame man

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

I enjoyed watching George break the occasional run and think he represented the school well but he's going to get lit up in the NFL.

He leaves all of that 6'2" exposed and shows very little agility and awareness. I hope I'm wrong.

Also, I just don't feel the "Notre Dame Man" title for him. I never really saw his blood, sweat or tears.. Tommy may have been inconsistent but the kid left his heart out there. Big Lou as well.

2nd edit: not to pile on George but my thoughts resemble a line from Rudy. "He said your problem was you were too afraid of being hit..... He said you were a pussy."

 

[woolybug25]

Yeah, Spond and Big Lou are the only ones from 2010 class that have "Notre Dame Man" on their thread title, Rees had it for a short time. Spond I get, his time was cut short and he spent the year helping train Jaylon, I'd say it's deserving. Big Lou's a funny guy, helped give us a hell of a 2012 season and part of a 2013 season. Did he face a lot of adversity or any road blocks? Eh, maybe, but I doubt it.

For all the crap Tommy got thrown his way: boos, unfair (and fair) criticism, death threats, blasted on social media, and to still come out and give it his all and love the University and it's fans...speaks a lot to his character imo. I say if we're giving out the Notre Dame Man title it either goes to everyone that graduates, or it only goes to the players that endure despite road blocks or some strong adversity.

Spond helped Jaylon for half of a season. Tommy helped Golson for a lot longer than that and acted like a true team player when he had to step aside for him.

It's BS frankly, people didn't want to give it to Tommy because they were pissed that he couldn't be an all american at QB for them. Tommy deserves it more than Spond. Period.

 

[Redbar]

There is no question in my mind that Tommy deserves that moniker.

 

[ulukinatme]

Why does Louis Nix have one? Rees punching a cop alone makes him an RKG and a Notre Dame man

It was a knee to the chest, presumably after he was tackled to the ground and struggling to get free. Not condoning it, but the guy did take his punishment and serve his time. Plus, it was South Bend police, and they're chasing down people at a party, a knee to the stomach is almost warranted.

 

[Emcee77]

'11 CA ATH George Atkinson III (Signed Notre Dame LOI)

Spond helped Jaylon for half of a season. Tommy helped Golson for a lot longer than that and acted like a true team player when he had to step aside for him.



It's BS frankly, people didn't want to give it to Tommy because they were pissed that he couldn't be an all american at QB for them. Tommy deserves it more than Spond. Period.

I always thought Tommy deserved it, too. He gave his all to the program. You can't do more than that.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

How many or often is ND Man going to be given? How common will it be?

I am not too fond of it in the first place because I think Michigan cheapened it. Or maybe it was the horror I think of in the midst of a hostage situation, someone calling out to remind the perpetrator that he is a "Michigan Man!"

 

[koonja]

There is a lot more to this damn story then just Atkinson being on his phone

My guess is GAIII feels shorted that he never had some body shots posted on here. Don't blame me, George. Do some situps you chump.

 

[Junkhead]

There are no ground rules for earning the title of "Notre Dame Man". No one ever sat down and created criteria.

 

[NDhoosier]

I think Rees hitting a cop pretty much put Notre Dame man out the window...

 

[irishfan]

God, I cant wait till Rees runs his 40 at the ND Pro Day.

 

[pkt77242]

I think Rees hitting a cop pretty much put Notre Dame man out the window...

I understand how you can feel that way on the other hand do you think that Teo should have that title? He arguably brought greater public ridicule to ND than Rees or how about Floyd with his DUI? Being a ND man IMO is not about being perfect, it is ok if they had to overcome some adversity (even if it was self made). I don't expect people to be perfect just that they learn from their mistakes.

 

[Pachuco]

I think Rees hitting a cop pretty much put Notre Dame man out the window...

I think redemption is a critical component of life, yet I'm swayed by personal bias and the fact that I've made many public and private mistakes in my life.

Clearly, Tommy made a very serious and irreversible error, which almost cost him his scholarship and potentially much, much worse.

With that said, he grew up tremendously since his fall from "grace", first accepting the consequences of his actions, then acting to appreciate fully what he took for granted, seemingly realizing the place of privilege that allowed him a second opportunity.

He not only did everything asked of him on and off the field to the best of his ability, he consistently put his ego on the back burner and put his teammates first. He demonstrated the highest level of commitment, limitations and all, to become a true leader when Notre Dame needed one the most.

Ultimately, his journey is representative of the best of what Notre Dame has to teach and offer: the value of forgiveness, responsibility, sacrifice, faith, hard work, commitment, loyalty and perseverance.

Lastly, Notre Dame man could be a title for quite a few players on the team these past few years. Theo Riddick, Zach Martin, among others certainly come to mind.

I wish GAIII nothing but the best, and hope he achieves his goals and learns from his experience at ND. Without the snark, why doesn't he pursue a path to the Summer Games? Is it too late for him to focus on track again? He clearly has a gift for speed.

 

[ulukinatme]

I think Rees hitting a cop pretty much put Notre Dame man out the window...

You in law enforcement, NDhoosier? Just wondering, based on your avatar. I can understand if you would look at Tommy differently in that case. I never took the arrest as Tommy physically assaulting the officer. I understood it as Tommy trying to escape, he gets tackled by the cabbie and in the midst of trying to apprehend Rees the cop gets a knee to the chest. In his intoxicated state I wonder if he believed he was escaping from the cabbie and got the officer in the tussle instead. I mean, how else do you take a knee to the chest unless you're on the ground already? I doubt, even in an intoxicated state, Tommy just approached the officer with the intent to harm him. Does that excuse his behavior? Certainly not, I'm just trying not to make a mountain out of a molehill. Alcohol is never an excuse for poor judgement, and yet it does lead to some poor judgements never the less.

 

[Old Man Mike]

"High", scared, trying to run from what he senses is a disaster for him, tackled, rolling to try to get up, "opponent" catches a flailing leg to his torso, Rees submits then immediately, police guy writes it up as bad-sounding as he can, rumor mill catches the worst interpretation and embellishes it further, whole deal turns an event which should have never happened [crummy way to enforce a poor law] into a folklore joke [aided by IE by the way], Rees somewhat scarred for life, people find "comfort" in kneejerk ability to mock and downgrade him, because all they really care about is whether ND wins football games and he didn't win them all.

Bottomline: we weren't there at the point of the "action". I've seen "he said, she said" all the time in such matters. The victor is who writes the "history". Everything that I know/hear about Tommy is that he's a good guy, a great teammate, deeply loyal to the program, and willing to do what he can do in whatever role he's given. Jumping his ass for running scared while high is bordering on a sort of hypocrisy that beggars the imagination. A mistake? Sure. Anyone thinking that they themselves can survive a "one strike and you're out world" is living in a bizarre fantasy.

Tommy might or might not deserve "Notre Dame Man" as an appreciative title for someone who did the team great service beyond what happened just on the field, but he doesn't deserve patronizing put-downs either.

Danny gets his Notre Dame Man for his own extra sacrifice for the program off the game field. Lou in his own nutty way does too. Big Lou was far more valuable to the general team "life" and chemistry than being an on-field All-American. I remember when the whole team was watching Skylar Diggins and her girlfriends play. Lou wasn't. He was playing Santa Claus for kids who needed him.

George, Notre Dame man? Weird joke.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

"High", scared, trying to run from what he senses is a disaster for him, tackled, rolling to try to get up, "opponent" catches a flailing leg to his torso, Rees submits then immediately, police guy writes it up as bad-sounding as he can, rumor mill catches the worst interpretation and embellishes it further, whole deal turns an event which should have never happened [crummy way to enforce a poor law] into a folklore joke [aided by IE by the way], Rees somewhat scarred for life, people find "comfort" in kneejerk ability to mock and downgrade him, because all they really care about is whether ND wins football games and he didn't win them all.

Bottomline: we weren't there at the point of the "action". I've seen "he said, she said" all the time in such matters. The victor is who writes the "history". Everything that I know/hear about Tommy is that he's a good guy, a great teammate, deeply loyal to the program, and willing to do what he can do in whatever role he's given. Jumping his ass for running scared while high is bordering on a sort of hypocrisy that beggars the imagination. A mistake? Sure. Anyone thinking that they themselves can survive a "one strike and you're out world" is living in a bizarre fantasy.

Tommy might or might not deserve "Notre Dame Man" as an appreciative title for someone who did the team great service beyond what happened just on the field, but he doesn't deserve patronizing put-downs either.

Danny gets his Notre Dame Man for his own extra sacrifice for the program off the game field. Lou in his own nutty way does too. Big Lou was far more valuable to the general team "life" and chemistry than being an on-field All-American. I remember when the whole team was watching Skylar Diggins and her girlfriends play. Lou wasn't. He was playing Santa Claus for kids who needed him.

George, Notre Dame man? Weird joke.

Pachuco's post is perfect, as is OMM's. Pachuco brought up an interesting question about others. Theo bled for this team; his tearful interview after the NC loss was overwhelming. And Zack Martin, is himself the foundation for a resurgence in offensive fortune. He is the player with the leadership, ability, reckless abandon that allowed the program to solidify a massive offensive line. One of the best in CFB. The man started more games than any other player, won the offensive linemen award twice, and was one of 18 guys to be captain for more than one year in the history of the program. So, then.

The highlighted part of OMM's text is the answer to every question that has been asked in this thread about ND Man.

 

[Irish To The Core]

Tommy and the cop? I would ask this; was George Gipp a Notre Dame Man? If so, forget Tommy's one bad decision because Gipp was a big time rule breaker/bender in his day.

 

[RyCo1983]

I didn't realize this was Tommy's thread...

 

[ulukinatme]

I didn't realize this was Tommy's thread...

It's GBDomer's fault

 

[Irish#1]

Time to go...nothing more or less. His best draft status is now. Him finding the field next year for ND would be tough.

He would have been returning KO's, but yeah that's about it.