Hoyte, Stevenson, Fitzpatrick, Mays, and Stovall.
Irish Readying For All-Star Games
by TODD D. BURLAGE BlueAndGold.com Assistant Editor
There’s more than a little irony and intrigue as the rosters and coaches begin to trickle in for this year’s post-season senior all-star games.
In one game, an Irish linebacker and an Ohio State linebacker will be playing side by side.
In another game, two Notre Dame players will get another crack at their former coach.
Most of the rosters are still being built and commitments still being finalized, but at least five Irish players have at least one more college game remaining.
<TABLE class=photocredit style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD></TR><TR><TD>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>These all-star don’t typically provide much intrigue, but there are a couple of interesting story lines surrounding the five Notre Dame players already committed to playing in these games.
Linebacker Brandon Hoyte and offensive guard Dan Stevenson will play for the East team in the East/West Shrine game (Jan. 21, 4 p.m., ESPN2) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
The game will serve as the latest chance for both players to make an impression on the many NFL scouts that will be in attendance. Both are considered bubble players in terms of “draftability” and a good showing here could move them into better draft standing.
Depending where you look, Hoyte rates as the No. 20 to No. 30 outside linebacker in the draft and Stevenson anywhere between the No. 15 and No. 22 guard.
Hoyte and Stevenson will be coached by Houston Nutt of Arkansas. In an interesting side note, Hoyte will play alongside Ohio State linebacker Anthony Schlegel. Buckeye safety Nate Salley will also be on the East squad.
Following the East/West Shrine game, Irish kicker/punter D.J. Fitzpatrick and linebacker Corey Mays will take the field and play in the Hula Bowl (Jan. 21, 7 p.m., ESPN) at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.
Similar to Hoyte and Stevenson, these two players are also trying to make a name before the draft and pre-draft workouts begin next month.
Fitzpatrick could play his way into a potential late-round draft pick or a least a free-agent shot because of his versatility as both a placekicker and punter. Leg strength could be an issue for Fitzpatrick and the late-season injury didn’t help him any.
Mays typically rates in the top 30 among inside linebacker but not much higher. Those who have watched him all season know how talented he can be. Mays seems like a good candidate to excel in this type of game and setting.
Fitzpatrick and Mays will play for Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. They will play against West coach and former Notre Dame frontman Tyrone Willingham for the second time this season. It’s unclear how coaches are selected for this game.
A week after these two all-star games, Maurice Stovall will take the field for the final time while wearing a Notre Dame helmet. He will take part in the Senior Bowl (Jan. 28, 3 p.m., ESPN) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
After a breakout senior season and a splendid Fiesta Bowl, Stovall has the chance to be the first Irish player drafted. Where he lands will likely depend on pre-draft workouts but he rates anywhere from about 8th to 15th among the eligible receivers.
The Senior Bowl will be highlighted by the participation of several top-tier running backs, most notably DeAngelo Williams of Memphis. Williams led the nation with 1,964 rushing yards. He is fourth all time with 6,026 rushing yards and the NCAA record-holder with 7,573 all-purpose yards for his career.
Irish Readying For All-Star Games
by TODD D. BURLAGE BlueAndGold.com Assistant Editor
There’s more than a little irony and intrigue as the rosters and coaches begin to trickle in for this year’s post-season senior all-star games.
In one game, an Irish linebacker and an Ohio State linebacker will be playing side by side.
In another game, two Notre Dame players will get another crack at their former coach.
Most of the rosters are still being built and commitments still being finalized, but at least five Irish players have at least one more college game remaining.
<TABLE class=photocredit style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD></TR><TR><TD>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>These all-star don’t typically provide much intrigue, but there are a couple of interesting story lines surrounding the five Notre Dame players already committed to playing in these games.
Linebacker Brandon Hoyte and offensive guard Dan Stevenson will play for the East team in the East/West Shrine game (Jan. 21, 4 p.m., ESPN2) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
The game will serve as the latest chance for both players to make an impression on the many NFL scouts that will be in attendance. Both are considered bubble players in terms of “draftability” and a good showing here could move them into better draft standing.
Depending where you look, Hoyte rates as the No. 20 to No. 30 outside linebacker in the draft and Stevenson anywhere between the No. 15 and No. 22 guard.
Hoyte and Stevenson will be coached by Houston Nutt of Arkansas. In an interesting side note, Hoyte will play alongside Ohio State linebacker Anthony Schlegel. Buckeye safety Nate Salley will also be on the East squad.
Following the East/West Shrine game, Irish kicker/punter D.J. Fitzpatrick and linebacker Corey Mays will take the field and play in the Hula Bowl (Jan. 21, 7 p.m., ESPN) at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.
Similar to Hoyte and Stevenson, these two players are also trying to make a name before the draft and pre-draft workouts begin next month.
Fitzpatrick could play his way into a potential late-round draft pick or a least a free-agent shot because of his versatility as both a placekicker and punter. Leg strength could be an issue for Fitzpatrick and the late-season injury didn’t help him any.
Mays typically rates in the top 30 among inside linebacker but not much higher. Those who have watched him all season know how talented he can be. Mays seems like a good candidate to excel in this type of game and setting.
Fitzpatrick and Mays will play for Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. They will play against West coach and former Notre Dame frontman Tyrone Willingham for the second time this season. It’s unclear how coaches are selected for this game.
A week after these two all-star games, Maurice Stovall will take the field for the final time while wearing a Notre Dame helmet. He will take part in the Senior Bowl (Jan. 28, 3 p.m., ESPN) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
After a breakout senior season and a splendid Fiesta Bowl, Stovall has the chance to be the first Irish player drafted. Where he lands will likely depend on pre-draft workouts but he rates anywhere from about 8th to 15th among the eligible receivers.
The Senior Bowl will be highlighted by the participation of several top-tier running backs, most notably DeAngelo Williams of Memphis. Williams led the nation with 1,964 rushing yards. He is fourth all time with 6,026 rushing yards and the NCAA record-holder with 7,573 all-purpose yards for his career.
