Chase Anastasio

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Chasing A Bigger Role

by DAN SILVER

BlueAndGold.com Writer

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We continue our series of articles that look back at the recruitment and career-to-date of current Irish scholarship players. BGI then previews what 2006 might have in store for them. The players will be presented in alphabetical order.

 

Chase Anastasio came to Notre Dame with plenty of well-earned accolades. During his senior year at the Robinson Secondary School (Fairfax, Va.), the 6-foot-1 wide receiver/running back led his team in both rushing and receiving despite missing four games with an injury. He was named a Top 100 player by the USA Today.

 

With all of his productivity, Anastasio was the obvious focal point of the offense. Like many players who make the jump from high school to a big-time college program, Anastasio was no longer a big fish in a little pond. It meant playing time and productivity will be hard to come by.

 

 

Anastasio blocks a Huskie punt.

 

After not seeing any action as a freshman, Anastasio played in every game as a sophomore, almost exclusively on special teams. He did make his first career reception against Purdue that year. As a kickoff returner, he led the team with 19 returns and a total of 353 yards under Tyrone Willingham.

Big things were expected of him last season, particularly in the return game in which he had so much experience. Things never materialized under new coach Charlie Weis, as his appearances in the kick return game were limited after being passed by others on the depth chart. Though he has never said so, it must have been a bit crossroads mentally for him. Would he sulk or find other ways to contribute?

 

It has been said that tough times do not build character, they reveal character. In Anastasio’s case, he was revealed to have great character. He was twice named the special teams’ captain last year, and Weis is not known for handing out consolation prizes to appease players.

 

The naming of Anastasio as captain was a result of his hard work during practice and the results showed on the field. It turns out that the young man who was a threat to score in high school from any spot on the field also has a knack for blocking kicks.

 

He blocked punts at Washington and at home against Syracuse. When he wasn’t blocking punts, he was coming very close to doing so. By the end of the season, he was being marked as a threat by opponents.

 

Anastasio hopes to contribute more this fall at the wide receiver positiong. Proven veterans Rhema McKnight and Jeff Samardzija will get the bulk of the balls at receiver while a battle for the No. 3 slot exists. If Anastasio is to claim some reps, he will need to improve his ability to separate from the defensive backs and run tighter routes. Perhaps he can reclaim some of that magic that led to so much production in high school. He certainly has the speed and athletic ability to have a big season similar to that of Ambrose Wooden’s last year.

 

Without question, the senior will have a solid place on the 2006 football squad. A repeat performance of last year will go a long way in creating a successful campaign for the Irish.

 

Either way, Chase Anastasio left no doubt that he will bring a tremendous amount of maturity and intensity to the field, regardless of his role.

 

 

 

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