I always saw the "Notre Dame Man" title as something befitting a player that showed excellence on and off the field, persevering through some hardship during their career and/or showing exceptional leadership. Spond obviously fit the bill for the way things abruptly ended for him and he chose to coach Jaylon up with his knowledge. Rees was not necessarily the greatest QB ever to put on an Irish uniform, but he constantly found himself having to take the field due to injuries, suspensions, and brain farts by other players....despite tremendous backlash from fans. Day had his share of injuries that hampered his career, and he plays a position that is often thankless at DT, yet he always gives 110%. Day has shown great leadership too. Teo certainly fit the mold, although the catfishing thing made the exit a bit weird. I don't think ZMart had to necessarily persevere through any road blocks really, but he showed great leadership in his time at ND as 2 time captain.
Honestly though, any man that comes through the university and completes his degree is a "Notre Dame" man. To make it a participation award is kind of lame though, I think if you're going to make such a distinction it should fall to those memorable players that left an indelible mark during their time here. Jaylon is an exceptional player, but is he an exceptional leader? Has he persevered through hardship, other than having to play under BVG for 2 years? I would certainly give Farley and Day that title this year, especially with both completing their degrees.
