My vote is for Golden Tate - I think the kid is awesome and has the most potential of any player on the team. I think you can make an argument for a couple other guys but he is so explosive and is still rough around the edges. I can't wait to see him as a complete WR

Darrin Walls (if he's like he was before)

 

If not, Brian Smith

Based on performance to date, its probably tate on offense and b smith on d.

Based on most talented/most likely to play and contribute in NFL, I would say the discussion consists of clausen, floyd, tate, young, olsen, allen, rudolph, e. Johnson, b. Smith, fleming, walls, blanton, and h. Snith. For me I would say floyd on offense and walls, blanton, or EJ on d.

Based on his last outing I have to say Jimmy Clausen.....but I love TATE.

Golden Tate is the only player that played so well last year-- its easy to call him a GREAT PLAYER based only on his sophomore season!

 

The other excellent standard for your best player-- is the one or ones that the NFL would be happy to see come out as a junior-- that IMO is four names---Tate-Floyd-Clausen_ Rudolph---- i am hoping most if not all stay to be seniors -- but the fact that you could expect all 4 to have a decision to make after their junior seasons,--TELLS YOU SOMETHING ABOUT OUR PASSING ATTACK IN 09!!!!!

Golden Tate is the only player that played so well last year-- its easy to call him a GREAT PLAYER based only on his sophomore season!

 

The other excellent standard for your best player-- is the one or ones that the NFL would be happy to see come out as a junior-- that IMO is four names---Tate-Floyd-Clausen_ Rudolph---- i am hoping most if not all stay to be seniors -- but the fact that you could expect all 4 to have a decision to make after their junior seasons,--TELLS YOU SOMETHING ABOUT OUR PASSING ATTACK IN 09!!!!!

 

 

I want it to be said about our RB's. That's my dream for 2009...

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh-- to dream the impossible dream

to RUN where the brave dare not go

to right the unrightable wrong

to reach the unreachabe star

My vote is for Kyle Rudolph. Some people are lauding him as the best TE in the country. Aside from him, I'd say Michael Floyd. The kid looks to have Crabtree-esque potential.

 

For defense, it might very well be Manti. I think all our players are great, at least compared to whatt hey had been on previous years. If Sam Young lives up to his potential this year, maybe it's him. I could make an argument for numerous players, though, as many have shown signs of high-ceilings.

Floyd with Rudolph second

The best player on ND has to be Golden, every time that kid touches the ball he is a threat to score. Plays that come to mind with Tate: vs Mich, shoving off that DB and gaining an extra 25-30 yards; vs Mich St, the 3 and 17 were he broke two tackles and gained 25 yards for a first; vs Pitt that unbelievable catch that bounced around in the air between two Pitt DB's and don't forget about Hawaii watching him torch that corner and blazing into the endzone.

 

Face it, there are very few people in the NCAA who can say that they have a a legitimate play maker that is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, but we can.

 

Don't get me wrong I love watching Floyd and I think Rudolph will become much more important in the offense this year, but based off 08 season, very few people could argue that Tate is the best/most exciting player on the ND roster.

I think Tate is a very explosive player, and he may currently be the best player, but I think Floyd and Rudolph have a higher ceiling. Eventually I think they'll be two of the best players in the nation, if they aren't already.

 

That said, I would put Tate in the argument. He is really explosive and his speed is incredible- just look at the return AA had in the Hawaii game. Towards the end you see Tate gliding along side of him. I won't argue that the kid is amazing.

JC

Floyd

EJ

B Smith

I have to agree with your analysis nd86. It was remarkable.

well....i am going to have to go with golden tate. he posseses such versatility and has the ability to score every time he touches the ball. now u older guys probable know way more than me about notre dame past and present, im only 12. but from the games that i have watched, golden seems to be the most talented on the team and most potential to really be ''great''.

 

Now, i do think jimmy clausen has had an unfortunate two years, playing behind a struggling line and receiving core and an average defense.... it truly think this up and coming season will be his breakout year, and become a legitimate pro prospect. the guy was unbelievable as a high schooler and hopefully he can carry it on to the fighting irish!

 

so, thats my view on it.

Welcome to DD swank !!! Glad you joined, I think you are the 3rd 12 year old on here..

 

Tate is a great choice.. Probably the right choice.. For the Freshman i will go with Wood, he will be special at ND

Welcome as well Swank--you write pretty ellegant for being only 12!