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April 1, aside from its traditional reputation, was supposed to be about second chances and bringing some substance to dreams for Jalen Elliott. So when Notre Dame's Pro Day showcase, scheduled for that day, became a casualty of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the former Notre Dame safety and three former Irish football teammates concocted a do-it-yourself version on Thursday. The positive feedback that's rolled in from NFL scouts and coaches the past few days naturally centered on a dramatically revised 40-yard dash time for Elliott, from the 4.80 recorded at the NFL Combine on March 1 to 4.54 and 4.56 showings at the Notre Dame rugby fields.

He and defensive end Julian Okwara and cornerbacks Donte Vaughn and Troy Pride Jr. also scored big points for their ingenuity in setting up a makeshift, pre-draft NFL audition. Others, such as defensive ends Khalid Kareem and Jamir Jones, also have done taped workouts recently but away from campus, as NFL personnel are banned from traveling to pro days and prospects are unable to take in-person visits to NFL teams. "We can't always control the situation that we're in," Elliott said via telephone on Tuesday, "but I think that I made the best of the situation. And I'm going to continue to work regardless of what the circumstances are." The end game remains the 2020 NFL Draft, still on schedule to be held April 23-25, though in a much more virtual form than usual. - South Bend Tribune

(DS#10 SS) Sr/2020

SS Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame
News Source: South Bend Tribune
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03/22/20 - Jamir Jones, Sr/2020, Notre Dame, 6-3, 248 (DS#42 DE) + More +

Uncertainty was always going to accompany Jamir Jones as he prepared for a shot in the NFL. When Jones finished his Notre Dame football career with a 33-9 victory over Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl on Dec. 28, he didn't know if he would be selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. He didn't know if he would be invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. He didn't know if NFL teams would covet a defensive end with four career starts to his name. "They can see that I'm a very physical player who does his job, who's reliable and always in position to make plays," Jones said. "Hopefully I have enough film to show my position versatility. I can rush the passer effectively, stop the run and drop back into coverage."

Jones will play whatever position he's asked, but he said he's pitching himself to NFL teams as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. That would allow him to maximize his versatility as a former linebacker turned defensive end. Whether Jones gets selected in the draft or signed as an undrafted free agent will likely depend on NFL personnel being convinced that Jones hasn't reached his full potential through a journeyman college career. He will try to land in the NFL while his older brother, Jarron, who played defensive tackle at Notre Dame from 2012-16, hopes to secure a spot as an offensive lineman. - South Bend Tribune

(DS#42 DE) Sr/2020

DE Jamir Jones, Notre Dame
News Source: South Bend Tribune
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03/20/20 - *Kyle Hamilton, Jr/2022, Notre Dame, 6-4, 217 (DS#1 FS) + More +

Ed Miller's first prediction about Kyle Hamilton's Notre Dame career came true. Not only would Hamilton not redshirt, Miller believed, but he'd also make a significant impact as a freshman last season. What Miller prophesied may have seemed like a reach at the time. With veteran starting safeties Alohi Gilman and Jalen Elliott heading the position group, Hamilton's opportunities to show his prowess were limited. Yet despite playing less than half the defensive snaps, Hamilton claimed freshman All-America recognition and led the Irish with four interceptions. Miller knew Hamilton well after training him since he was in the eighth grade. After working with him during winter break and a few times since last week, Miller's ready for another prediction. "He will be a top five draft pick when he comes out," said Miller, the founder of The Rack Performance Athletic Center in Atlanta.

Hamilton's work under Miller intensified once his high school basketball career concluded last March. His progress before arriving in South Bend shows what could be accomplished by the Notre Dame trio in the coming weeks. On March 11, 2019, Hamilton recorded a 33-inch vertical, 117-inch broad jump and a laser-timed 1.76-second 10-yard dash. Three months later, he boosted those numbers to 40 inches, 122 inches and 1.66 seconds, respectively. "If you get incrementally better," Miller said, "you take that as a win. He got leaps above better." At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds this time last year, Hamilton hoped to add weight while maintaining his explosiveness. He joined the Irish at 200 pounds before making additional gains in height and weight. Now at 6-4, 215, Hamilton's looking to top out at 220 pounds. - South Bend Tribune

(DS#1 FS) Jr/2022

FS *Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
News Source: South Bend Tribune
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03/19/20 - Ian Book, rSr/2021, Notre Dame, 6-0, 211 (DS#11 QB) + More +

Sage Rosenfels' first dose of Book came at the Camping World Bowl last December. He met the Book family and watched Ian handle his alma mater, Iowa State, 33-9 in Orlando, Fla. The experience helped cement their plans to work together for the first time. Some of Book's work included prep for the next level. Book practiced his footwork when snapping the ball from under center. Film sessions featured a breakdown of coverages and studying how they were attacked by NFL quarterbacks and offenses, particularly the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, and the San Francisco 49ers.

At 6-foot, 206 pounds, Book observed shorter quarterbacks that compare with him in size, like Russell Wilson (5-11, 206) of the Seattle Seahawks and Drew Brees (6-0, 209) of the Saints. "Maybe after watching all that NFL film," Rosenfels said, "he probably got to think, 'OK, I probably need to move around the pocket better and stay in throwing position like Drew Brees does, rather than taking off and running." The main criticism surrounding Book last season became apparent to Rosenfels after they studied his games against Georgia and USC. Book sometimes struggled with anticipating open wide receivers and leaving the pocket prematurely. - South Bend Tribune

(DS#11 QB) rSr/2021

QB Ian Book, Notre Dame
News Source: South Bend Tribune
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03/08/20 - Kevin Austin Jr., rJr/2022, Notre Dame, 6-2, 209 (DS#23 WR) + More +

John Garrish heard what some of Notre Dame's draft prospects were saying about Kevin Austin Jr. at the NFL Scouting Combine. All he could do was nod in agreement. "Kevin Austin is going to be a star," said wide receiver Chase Claypool. "I've been saying it all along. He's a super good player." Garrish, who met Austin as a sophomore at Coconut Creek (Fla.) North Broward Prep, felt just as strongly about Austin's future back then. Following a freshman year at Davie (Fla.) Western, Austin transferred to North Broward Prep, where Garrish led the strength and conditioning program for all sports in addition to his work as the head coach for the track and field team.

Not long after Garrish was introduced to Austin, he challenged the young player to touch the ceiling in the weight room. Garrish isn't sure how high the ceiling was. He estimated it was closer to 11 feet than 10. What Garrish does know is he's never seen anyone else touch it. "It wasn't really a testament to what we were doing training-wise," Garrish said. "It was just a testament to what he had athletically and the work he put in before." - South Bend Tribune

(DS#23 WR) rJr/2022

WR Kevin Austin Jr., Notre Dame
News Source: South Bend Tribune
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12/31/19 - Tony Jones Jr, rJr/2020, Notre Dame, 5-10, 220 (DS#40 RB) + More +

Running back Tony Jones Jr. became the second player for No. 14 Notre Dame to forego his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. Jones made the announcement Tuesday on Twitter. On Monday, senior safety Alohi Gilman declared for the draft, which is April 23-25. The announcements followed quarterback Ian Book's declaration Sunday night on social media that he would use his fifth year of eligibility to return in 2020. The 5-foot-11, 224-pound Jones scored an 84-yard touchdown run early in the second half that gave the Fighting Irish (11-2, No. 15 CFP) breathing room in their 33-9 victory over Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl on Saturday. Jones finished with 135 yards on 11 carries, his fifth 100-yard rushing effort in a season when he finished with a team-leading 857 yards with six touchdowns in 12 games despite missing the Virginia Tech game with a rib injury. He finished his Notre Dame career with 1,481 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns along with 27 receptions for 273 yards and two scores. - AP College Football

(DS#40 RB) rJr/2020

RB Tony Jones Jr, Notre Dame
News Source: AP College Football
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12/31/19 - Alohi Gilman, rJr/2020, Notre Dame, 5-10, 201 (DS#5 FS) + More +

On Monday, senior safety Alohi Gilman declared for the draft, which is April 23-25. The 5-foot-10 1/2, 202-pound Gilman finished his second season as a starter with 74 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and three fumbles caused, one that led to Notre Dame's opening touchdown against the Cyclones. Gilman had a year of eligibility left after sitting out the 2017 season following his transfer from Navy, where he started 12 games in 2016 as a freshman. - AP College Football

(DS#5 FS) rJr/2020

FS Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame
News Source: AP College Football
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12/30/19 - Ian Book, rSr/2021, Notre Dame, 6-0, 211 (DS#11 QB) + More +

One Notre Dame offensive standout is planning to return to school. It remains to be seen if another will join him. Quarterback Ian Book posted on his Instagram and Twitter accounts that he plans to be back for the 2020 season. Book posted a signed picture taken from Notre Dame's win over Boston College with captions, "See you in 2020" and "Go Irish." It also listed his location as Dublin, Ireland, the site of Notre Dame's season-opening game against Navy on Aug. 29 and included a hash tag "#BeatNavy." Book, who passed for 247 yards and a touchdown in a Camping World Bowl win over Iowa State on Saturday, has a redshirt season remaining after sitting out his 2016 freshman year.

So does running back Tony Jones Jr., who rushed for 135 yards against Iowa State on 11 carries, including an 84-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Notre Dame initially posted a story late Saturday on its athletic website that hinted Jones was foregoing his fifth season at Notre Dame. But athletic spokeswoman Clare Kramer, the story's author, said Monday that Jones has not made a decision. “Tony Jones Jr. does have one year of eligibility remaining,” Kramer said. Jones finished the season as Notre Dame's leading rusher with 857 yards on 144 carries (6.0 average) and six touchdowns in 12 games, missing one game with a sore hip. He went over 100 yards five times, with a career-best 176 on 25 carries against Southern California Oct. 12. - AP College Football

(DS#11 QB) rSr/2021

QB Ian Book, Notre Dame
News Source: AP College Football
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12/28/19 - Ian Book, rSr/2021, Notre Dame, 6-0, 211 (DS#11 QB) + More +

Ian Book threw for 247 yards and one touchdown and Tony Jones Jr. scored on an 84-yard run, helping No. 14 Notre Dame dominate Iowa State 33-9 on Saturday in the Camping World Bowl. Book completed 20 of 28 passes without an interception, including a 27-yard TD throw to Chase Claypool as the Fighting Irish (11-2, No. 15 CFP) wrapped up another double-digit win year on a six-game winning streak. Claypool had seven receptions for 146 yards and was named game MVP, while Jones finished with 135 yards rushing. Brock Purdy was 17 of 30 for 222 yards and no interceptions for Iowa State (7-6). However, the sophomore quarterback was unable to get his team into the end zone after throwing for a Cyclones' single-season record 27 TDs during the regular season.

Notre Dame's defense was superb, forcing two first-quarter fumbles that helped the Irish build a 20-6 halftime lead. Jones scored on Notre Dame's first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, circling the left end and heading up the sideline in front of the Iowa State bench. Cornerback Tayvonn Kyle caught up to the 5-foot-11, 224-pound Jones at the Cyclones 10 yard line but was unable to fight off the running back's stiff arm and was carried into the end zone. Jafar Armstrong also scored on a 1-yard run for the Irish, who got four field goals from Jonathan Doerer. Connor Assalley kicked field goals of 41, 26 and 42 yards for Iowa State. - AP College Football

(DS#11 QB) rSr/2021 QB Ian Book, Notre Dame
News Source: AP College Football
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12/20/19 - Jon Sot, rSr/2023, Notre Dame, 5-11, 198 (DS#999 P) + More +

2019 ALL-IVY LEAGUE FIRST TEAM (COACHES): Jon Sot, Harvard (So., P - Clark, N.J.),...Played in nine games, attempting a team-high 29 punts...Averaged 42.3 yards per punt with a long of 76, coming at Holy Cross...Put seven punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line… Earned his second first-team all-Ivy selection in as many seasons. - Harvard Football

(DS#999 P) rSr/2023

P Jon Sot, Notre Dame
News Source: Harvard Football
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12/18/19 - Cain Madden, rSr/2022, Notre Dame, 6-2, 310 (DS#30 OG) + More +

2019 ALL-CONFERENCE USA SECOND TEAM (COACHES): OL Cain Madden, R-Jr., Marshall,...Offensive lineman Cain Madden, linebacker Omari Cobb and tight end Armani Levias were named to the conference's second team, while defensive lineman Darius Hodge and defensive back Nazeeh Johnson were given honorable mention consideration. - Marshall Football

(DS#30 OG) rSr/2022

OG Cain Madden, Notre Dame
News Source: Marshall Football
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12/16/19 - Blake Grupe, rSr/2023, Notre Dame, 5-07, 152 (DS#16 K) + More +

2019 ALL-SUN BELT FIRST TEAM (COACHES): Blake Grupe, Arkansas State (So., PK, Sedalia, Mo.),...Representing the Red Wolves' as first-team selections this year were Bayless, senior wide receiver Kirk Merritt, junior defensive end William Bradley-King, senior defensive back Darreon Jackson, sophomore kicker Blake Grupe and senior punter Cody Grace. - Arkansas State Football

(DS#16 K) rSr/2023

K Blake Grupe, Notre Dame
News Source: Arkansas State Football
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12/02/19 - Blake Grupe, rSr/2023, Notre Dame, 5-07, 152 (DS#16 K) + More +

DEC 2 SUN BELT SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Blake Grupe, Arkansas State (Sophomore, K, Sedalis, Mo.),...Arkansas State sophomore kicker Blake Grupe tied his career high with three field goals made, was a perfect 3-of-3 on extra points and scored 12 points during Arkansas State's road game at South Alabama. The Sedalia, Mo., native made all three of his attempts covering 40, 23 and 20 yards. His 12 points were only one shy of his career-high 13 and made him just the second Arkansas State player to ever post 100 points in a season. Not only did he take over second place for most points by kicking in a season at A-State, he increased his field goals made total to 17 to tie the third most in school history. He has now made 43 consecutive extra points to tie the fourth longest streak in A-State history. His career numbers increased to move him into sixth and seventh place at Arkansas State for points by kicking and field goals made, respectively. - Sun Belt Football

(DS#16 K) rSr/2023

K Blake Grupe, Notre Dame
News Source: Sun Belt Football
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11/30/19 - Ian Book, rSr/2021, Notre Dame, 6-0, 211 (DS#11 QB) + More +

Ian Book threw for 255 yards and four touchdowns and No. 15 Notre Dame reached double-digit wins for the third straight season by beating Stanford 45-24 on Saturday. Book threw two TD passes to Chase Claypool and also connected with Tony Jones Jr. and Tommy Tremble to help the Fighting Irish (10-2, No. 16 CFP) snap a five-game losing streak at Stanford Stadium. Notre Dame also put together three straight seasons of at least 10 wins for the second time in school history, having previously done it under Lou Holtz from 1991-93.

Davis Mills threw two TD passes for the Cardinal (4-8), who have lost four straight for the first time since 2007. Stanford also finished with its first losing record since 2008, ending a streak of 10 straight bowl bids. Notre Dame fell into a 17-7 hole before scoring two TDs in the final 3:01 of the first half to take a 21-17 lead at the break. Book threw a 6-yard TD to Tremble after Isaiah Foskey blocked a punt and then capped a three-play, 76-yard drive with a 41-yard strike to Claypool. Book then had a 26-yard scramble on fourth-and-2 to set up an 8-yard TD pass to Claypool that made it 28-17 in the third quarter, putting the Irish in control. - Notre Dame/AP College Football

(DS#11 QB) rSr/2021

QB Ian Book, Notre Dame
News Source: Notre Dame/AP College Football
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11/23/19 - Ian Book, rSr/2021, Notre Dame, 6-0, 211 (DS#11 QB) + More +

Ian Book threw three touchdown passes and No. 15 Notre Dame corralled Boston College star running back AJ Dillon in a 40-7 victory Saturday. The fourth straight victory by the Fighting Irish (9-2, No. 15 CFP) completed their second straight unbeaten season (7-0) at Notre Dame Stadium, where they have won 18 straight. But for the second straight week, the stadium was not filled after a streak of 273 sellouts since 1973. The announced crowd of 71,827 was 5,795 short of capacity. "We controlled the line of scrimmage," Irish coach Brian Kelly said. "We were a little uneven early on. To go undefeated at home two years in a row says everything about what these seniors mean to this program."

A total of 29 players, some with eligibility remaining, were introduced before the final home game. The group is 31-6 in three seasons since a 4-8 freshman year in 2016. One of the players taking a pre-game bow was Book, who could return next fall after not playing his freshman campaign. He now has 29 touchdown passes for the season, 14 in the four-game winning streak. "We'll see," Book said when asked if it was going to be his final home game. "You never know what can happen." - Notre Dame/AP College Football

(DS#11 QB) rSr/2021

QB Ian Book, Notre Dame
News Source: Notre Dame/AP College Football
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