The Team 
QB – Deshone Kizer
Honorable mention – Book
RB – Armando Allen or Josh Adams
All Purpose – Theo Riddick
WR – Michael Floyd, Will Fuller, Chase Claypool
TE – Tyler Eifert, Kyle Rudolph
K – Yoon
P – Newsome
OL – Nick Martin, Zack Martin, Mike McGlinchey, QuentonNelson, Ronnie Stanley
DL – Ian Williams, Sheldon Day, Stephon Tuitt, Romeo Okwara
LB – Jaylon Smith, Manti Te’o, Drue Tranquill
CB – Kavarie Russell, Cole Luke
S – Harrison Smith, Matthias Farley
Strong of Heart Team – Joe Schmidt, Josh Anderson, Shaun Crawford, and Danny Spond
The Dos Leprechauns team has compiled a list of players from each position that we feel best represent the best of Notre Dame Football from 2010 – 2019. DL staff has spent quite a bit of time researching statistics, accolades, professional football accomplishments, and accomplishments off the field in completing our list. We tried to keep this “just business” and kept our feelings and our personal favorites off the list whenever possible. Please enjoy the Dos Leprechauns selections for the Notre Dame Football all decade team:
The Positions
Quarterback: Deshone Kizer
Hard to argue with the numbers Deshone Kizer accumulated as a starting quarterback for the Irish in 2015 and 2016. In an alternate world, this list could have been much different, with Malik Zaire earning the honors as the all Decade Quarterback selection, but the unfortunate injury he suffered cut his season and arguably his career short. Not many of us knew much about Kizer as Malik was the jewell of the QB recruiting class. Kizercame in and surprised everyone becoming one of the top QB’s in college football over his two year span as a starter. Kizer threw for over 5,800 yards and 47 TD’s with a 147.7 passer rating and just 19 interceptions over a two year span. He also rushed for 997and 18 TD’s.
Honorable mention for the QB category is current ND starter (and hopefully next year’s) Ian Book. The subject of much scrutiny this season, Book is quietly having a legendary Notre Dame career. Ian already has 56 passing tD’s (33 this season and counting) with just 17 Interceptions. Most importantly, Ian has just 3 losses in his ND career. Our belief is that if Ian returns for his senior season, he will go down as a top 10 Notre Dame QB of all time.
Running Back: Josh Adams
33 Truckin’ captured the hearts of ND fans with a 1,000 yard plus rushing season in 2017. Any time Josh touched the ball, he had a chance to take it to the house. In 2017, Josh rushed for 1,430 yards with 9 TD’s. He was also a solid blocker and by all accounts, an excellent teammate and leader. Josh’s NFL career has been hampered with injuries, but we are hopeful that we have not seen the last of Josh Adams in an NFL uniform.
Wide Receivers: Michael Floyd, Will Fuller, and Chase Claypool
Michael Floyd is one of the best WR’s Notre Dame has ever produced. Floyd entered as a Freshmen at ND in 2008, but his two years in this decade qualify him as one of our top recieversfor this list. In 2010 as Junior, Floyd had 1,025 yards receiving and 12 TD’s. In 2011 he had an even better season with 1,147 yards receiving, and 10 total TD’s (one on a jet sweep, 9 thru the air). Floyd was selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2012 draft by the AZ Cardinals. So far in his NFL career he has 25 TD’s and just short of 4,000 yards receiving.
Will Fuller is one of the fastest WR’s we’ve every seen play for the Irish. Fuller is responsible for one of our favorite plays in recent memory, when his TD catch from Deshone Kizer caused a Virginia fan to, well, faint! Fuller’s 2015 campaign is one of the best (statistically) seasons by an ND receiver ever. In 2015 he had 1,258 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns. “Will the Thrill” was a highlight reel waiting to happen, burning opposing cornerbacks on deep balls on a regular basis. Fuller finished his ND career with over 2,500 yards receiving and 30 TD’s. Fuller has experienced quite a few injuries so far in his NFL career, but he has still been able to bring in over 2,000 yards receiving and 16 TD’s. When healthy, he is a top 10 reciever in the league.
The “Canadian Slayer” is a physical phenomenan. Chase probably could have started on the ND basketball team if he had chosen to do so. Chase had enjoyed a solid ND career, but he has broken out in 2019. Currently sitting at 891 yards receiving this season and 12 TD’s, he’s single handedly taken over games this season. Chase is a leader off the field as well, and is a fierce competitor. We believe that Chase will have a huge game against the Cyclones and end up at over 1,000 yards receiving for his ND career. We also project that Chase will be a steal in the 2nd round of the NFL draft come April.
Tight End – Tyler Eifert
The “Eifert Tower” was an absolute force at tight end at “Tight End University”. Being named to an all decade team amongst some elite players. Tyler was a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches, often lined up as a Wide Reciever. Eifert played for the irish from 2010 – 2012 and had 1,840 yards receiving and 11 TD’s. As a pro, Tyler Eifert has had an up and down career mared by several injuries. In 2015, Tyler was selecte to the pro bowl team in a season in which he had over 600 yards receiving and 13 TD’s.
Offensive Line: Nick Martin, Zack Martin, Mike McGlinchey, Ronnie Stanley, Quenton Nelson
Our list consists of a who’s who from their careers in College Football, but now also as pros. Nick Martin started 11 games as a center in 2013. In 2014 Martin was named a team captain. In 2015 Martin helped anchor a rushing attack that rushed for 207.6 yards per game. Nick was drafted by the Houston Texans and has a solid NFL career.
In 2011, Zack started 13 games at tackle and was part of a unit that allowed just 17 sacks during the season. Running backs in 2011 averaged 4.8 yards per carry. In 2012, Zack was anmed a team captain and started all 13 games for the BCS Irish team. In his senior season, Zack becamse a two time captain and was part of an offensive line that allowed just 8 sacks. Zack was named the MVP of the 2013 Pinstripe Bowl. Zack was a second team all American selection in 2012 and was drafted by the Cowboys in the 2014 NFL draft as the 16th overall pick. Zack has been named to six pro bowls including during the 2019 season. Zack is considered amongst the elite offensive linemen in the NFL.
Ronnie Stanely started all 13 games his sophomore year at right tackle. He quickly established himself as a dominant linemen. As a junior he was moved to the left side and allowed just one sack all year. In 2015, Stanley was named a concusnse All American. Ronnie was the sixth overall pick taken in the 2016 draft by the Baltimore Ravens and has been selected to two pro bowl teams including the 2019 campaign
Mike McGlinchey is a monster player on the field with a monster heart off the field. McGlinchey (cousin of Drew Brees) started 39 games for the irish during his five year career. He played left and right tackle and was an anchor at both. He was named a team captain his 5th year earning concneus all American status in 2017 as a senior. Mcglinchey was selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2018 draft by the 49ers and was immedaitley named to the All Rookie team. McGlinchey has started every game in his NFL career aside from injuries.
There is no other way to describe our final Offensive line selection other than “BEAST”. Nelson was often highlighted by other teams defensive coordinators as a “gamebreaker” and the “film don’t lie”. A quick youtube search for Nelson will find a number of highlights of Nelson mauling an opponent, often 5-10 yards down the field. Nelson started 25 games for the irish at guard earning unanimous all American honors in 2017. Nelson was the 6th overll pick in the 2018 draft by the Colts and has earned Pro Bowl honors each of his first two seasons in the NFL. Nelson also earned all Rookie team honors in 2018. He is widely considered to be one of if not the best offensive linemen in football.
Kicker – Justin Yoon
One of the only no brainers on this list, YOOOOON finished his career with 322 career points, and the honor of being ND’s all time leading scorer. Justin was named to the ESPN Freshmen All-American team and the Freshmen All-American team. As automatic as they came, Yoon was a fan favorite for good reason. It’s still a mystery to this staff why more NFL teams have not given Yoon an opportunity.
Punter – Tyler Newsome
Newsome got 30 reps at the NFL combine bench press station (225lbs), so for that stat alone, he should be considered for this honor. Tyler had a great career as a punter for the Irish. In 2018, Tyler set himself apart as an elite punter with an impressive stat line of 44.7 yards per kick, including 13 fair catches, and placing 19 of his 53 punts inside the 20 yard line. Newsome was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers, but did not make the team out of camp. We are hopeful that Tyler will get an opportunity with a team sometime soon.
Defensive Line: Sheldon Day, Stephon Tuitt, Julian Okwara
Sheldon Day was an easy selection as the all decade interior defensive line selection for this staff. Day was a tackling machine for the irish, constantly applying pressure on opposing offenses. Sheldon had a solid career, but as a senior, he separated himself as an elite defensive player. Earning second team all American honors by compiling a stat line that included 45 tackle, 15.5 for loss, and 4 sacks. Sheldon was selected in the 4th round of the 2016 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is now a starter for the 49ers and has 52 tackles and 6 sacks in 4 years as a pro.
Stephon “Doc Nation” Tuitt burst on to the scene as a freshmenat ND in 2011. During his freshmen campaign in which he earned third team freshmen all American honors, he had 30 tackles and 2 sacks, as well as 5 QB hurries. As a sophomore, Tuitt had 47 tackles, 12 sacks, and the infamous 77 yard fumble recovery for a TD vs Navy in Ireland. Tuitt finished his ND career in 2013 as a Junior with a season that included 49 tackles, 8 sacks, and an interception against Michigan. Tuitt played a combination of Tackle and End during his career at ND. Tuittwas selected as the 46th ovrrall pick in the 2014 draft and has played his entire career with the Steelers. Thus far in his career, Tuitt has 200 tackles, 23 sacks, 1 interception, and 4 forced fumbles.
Okwara’s career was cut short due to a season ending injury his senior year, but Julian has done more than enough to earn a spot on the all decade team. As a sophomore, Julian had 17 tackles, 3 sacks and an Interception. Last year, Julian was an absolute force at the D End position with 38 tackles and 8 sacks. As a senior, Okwara only had 18 tackles, but added 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. More importantly, Julian has been a locker room leader helping Coach Lea acclimate some of the talented underclassmen to the team, scheme, and overall expectations of the program. We expect Julian Okwara to be a first round draft pick come April.
Linebackers: Manti Te’o, Jaylon Smith, Drue Tranquill
Perhaps the most talent collectively at any position this decade was from the LB group.
Manti Te’o was a prized recruit for the Irish as he was coming off being named the USA Today Defensive player ot the year in high school. Te’o played in all 12 games as a freshmenfinishing with 63 tackles and 1 sack. He was named to the Freshmen All Amrican team. As a Sophomore, Te’o led the Irish in tackles with 133, ten of those tackles for a loss. As a Sophomore Te’o was named a Second Team All-American and a finalist for the Butkus Award. As a Junior, Te’o once again was named a second Team All-American. His Senior season is when Te’o truly cemented his place as an Irish legend as he was the heart & soul of an elite defensive unit. Including over 100 tackles, Te’o also had 7 iterceptions as a senior. In 2012, Te’owon the Lott Trophy, the Maxwell Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Nagurski Tophy, and the Butkus Award. Te’o was a finalist for the Heisman trophy as a Senior, but eventually lost to Johnny Manziel. Te’o has had an up and down pro career but is currently on the active roster for the New Orleans Saints and will have an opportunity to compete in the playoffs.
Jaylon Smith might be the most athletic defensive player the Irish have every had on roster. He is also one of the smartest LB’s we’ve seen play the game, an instinct for where to be on every play, when you want to teach a young athlete how to play LB, you have him watch Jaylon Smith play the game. Jaylon finished his ND career with 292 tackles in 3 seasons, 25 of which were for losses, 4.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. He also had one career interception. Jaylon was a consensus All American in 2015, and also won the Dick Butkus award that year. Jaylon suffered what many thought would be a career ending injury in the Fiesta Bowl in 2016, but thru hard work, determination, and sheer talent, Jaylon fought his way back from the injury, impressing Jerry Jones and the Cowboys enough to draft him 34th overall. Since 2016, Jaylon has compiled 322 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 12 passes defended. Jaylon is widely regarded as one of the best LB’s in the pros.
Drue Tranquill is one of the best represetnatives of what it means to be a student athlete at Notre Dame. A man of strong faith, Drue is one of the true “good guys” that Notre Dame has produced. During his ND career, Drue earned first team Academic All American honors in 2016 and has the prestigoughonor of being named an ND captain twice (’17 and 18’). He won the Wuerffel Trophy in 2018 and was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy in 2018 as well. Drue suffered several injuries during his career at ND, but constantly fought hard to come back and be an event better player and teammate. Drue’s best statistical season at ND came as a 5th year senior where had had 86 tackles, 9 for loss, and 4 sacks on an undefeated regular season Irish squad. Drue was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers and has had a solid rookie campaign, being named a finalist for the pro bowl for Special Teams. Dos Leprechauns staff is confident that Drue Tranquill will have a long and productive career in the NFL.
Cornerback: KeiVarae Russell, Cole Luke
KeiVarae Russell was moved from RB to CB after a season ending injury to Lo Wood in Summer Camp. As a true freshmenhe started all 13 games and was named a Freshman All-American. As a sophomore, Russell started all 13 games and had 51 tackles, 1 interception and 8 pass break-ups. Russell was suspended as part of the “frozen five” issue, but returned starting 11 games before suffering an injury and missing his final two games. In 2015, Russell had 60 solo tackles, 3.5 for loss, 2 interceptions, and six pass deflections.
Cole Luke had a very underrated career as an ND Cornerback. Cole appeared in and started the final 36 games of his college career. He ended his ND career with 105 solo tackles, 5.5 for loss, had 1 sack, and 8 interceptions. Cole has spent 3 seasons with the Carolina Panthers bouncing back and forth between the practice squad and active roster.
Safeties -Harrison Smith, Matthias Farley
Harrison Smith is one of the more versatile players to play for the irish. Smith was recruited as an LB, and actually started his career as an LB for the Irish. Smith made a name for himself as a Safety however. In 2010, Smith had 91 tackles and 7 interceptions, he also deflected 7 passes. As a Senior Smith was named a team captain and racked up 90 tackles, 3 of which were for loss and also forced 3 fumbles. Smith was the 29th overall pick in the 2012 draft and has had a stellar NFL career. Smith as appeared in 5 pro bowls (including this season) and was named to the All-Rookie team in 2012.
Did it seem to anyone else that Farley played for about 10 years for the Irish? Matthias was the source of much critique during his career for occasionally missing tackles and not being as athletic as some of the younger players under him on the depth chart, but he was also a very consistent, smart, and hard nosedplayer. Farley was also a leader of the team, being named a team captain. Farley finished his career with 192 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 8 Interceptions, he also forced a fumble, and had some crucial pass deflections (5 total during his career). Farley has played for three different NFL teams in his career and was a pro-bowl finalist for the Colts in 2017.
Strong of Heart Team – Danny Spond, Joe Schmidt, Shaun Crawford
The following links are great articles in the past written about our Strong of Heart Team candidates. Enjoy!
http://strongofheart.nd.edu/profiles/danny-spond-2013/
http://strongofheart.nd.edu/profiles/joe-schmidt-2014/
https://www.ndinsider.com/football/keeping-the-faith-inside-shaun-crawford-s-journey-back-to/article_207a3fef-2007-5010-aeff-9f41e17f52e8.html
Dos Leprechauns 