Freshman to Watch: Defense

Manti Te'o
LB Notre Dame

Freshman
6'2" 244 lbs.

Week 1 vs. Nevada
2 solo tackles

This freshman linebacker didn't have the biggest impact in his first game but he is definitely going to be something special in the future. The strength and speed he has at his size is incredible. On one play he lined up at the line of scrimmage and rushed the passer, he was pushed past the passer by the OT and as the QB stepped in the pocket and took off, Te'o easily caught him from behind showing some of the most amazing burst I have seen in awhile.

Te'o is a prospect who may not see the NFL in awhile because he's said he wants to go on a two year mormon mission in 2010 which means he probably won't see himself declaring until he is about 22 or 23 (he's 18 now) but he could very well have all the essential skills needed to be a LB in the NFL, but until then he is just going to continue making plays for the a tough Fighting Irish defense.

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Michael Floyd
Notre Dame WR

6'3" 220 lbs.
Sophomore

Week 1 vs. Nevada
4 recs. 189 yards 3 TDs

Michael Floyd played opposite the incredibly talented Golden Tate during his freshman season and without a doubt learned a thing or two as he exploded out of the gate against a solid Nevada Wolfpack team for 189 yards and 3 touchdowns. He showed incredible speed, strength and poise as he hauled in 4 passes from Jimmy Clausen and bolted to the endzone.

Floyd has the typical size and speed that will no doubt make him a prospect to watch this season and next as he prepares himself for a likely long career in the NFL as draft scouts will be salivating over his potential. He could easily be the next Terrell Owens with his size and skill set and I look forward to see what he'll do to opposing defenses this season.

Notre Dame Pro Day

Despite a lack of talent available, 15 NFL scouts were treated like royalty at the Notre Dame Pro Day by head coach Charlie Weis. David Bruton is probably the only Notre Dame player who will get sniffs on the late first day, but he is likely a early-mid second day selection as he is a fast and physical safety who really opened some eyes at the scouting combine. So, without further delay here are the results courtesy of my boy, the well spring himself Gil Brandt.

S David Bruton (6-2 1/4, 219 pounds) stood on all his numbers from the combine and did only position drills. He has great range as a safety and is a special teams ace.

DB Terrail Lambert (5-10 1/4, 188 pounds) ran a 4.38 and 4.36 in the 40, had a 35-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot, 4-inch broad jump, a 4.09 short shuttle, a 6.80 three-cone drill and did 15 bench press reps.

LB Maurice Crum Jr. (5-11 5/8, 235 pounds) ran 4.85 twice in the 40, had a 28 1/2-inch vertical, an 8-foot, 9-inch broad jump, a 7.27 three-cone drill and did 18 bench press lifts.

-Matty