Notre Dame Blue-Gold: 3 Offensive Players That Stood Out

Apr 20, 2013; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson (5) looks to throw in the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

– Troy Niklas

Tight End U looks to go from great player to yet another great player. Look at all of the Tight Ends in the NFL that played at Notre Dame. Anthony Fasano, John Carlson, Kyle Rudolph, and now Tyler Eifert are all currently in the National Football League. Many people think that Niklas can be the next great thing for the Irish at tight end. It started last year when he switched from outside linebacker to tight end when Alex Welch got injured. It was a great move, but a rough journey switching a position that is much different. He struggled blocking at first, but has improved drastically. Niklas is 6’7’’ 260 pounds, with good strength, soft hands, and intensity he brings every day.

-Cam McDaniel

According to the coaches Cam runs the inside zone very well. What I see in him is more shiftiness than George Atkinson III, who seems stiff and runs too high too often. I don’t think he is an every down back, but he will see the field a lot this season. Greg Bryant will arrive on campus this summer and will be given his fair shot at playing time. One of the things that really sticks out is McDaniel’s vision, which is why he is very good at running inside zone. Many people underestimate him because of his size, but he is more than willing to put his shoulder down and forge ahead when needed. He didn’t have a great game, but his demeanor and hard work will earn him a good chunk of playing time.

-Everett Golson

He might have only went 6-13 for 98 yards, an interception, and no touchdowns, but you can see he is much more confident in himself. He has Coach Kelly fully in his corner when it comes to the starting job. There will be no competition per say, but he will still have to perform to keep the job. Everett looks more comfortable in the pocket, but still struggles to throw the swing route to the running backs. He needs to put a little more air underneath the ball to give the back time to get depth. I expect great things from Golson this season.