10 Candidates For Notre Dame Football Captain In 2015
By Andrew Hall
Oct 4, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt (38) reacts after Notre Dame defeated the Stanford Cardinal 17-14 at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Schmidt – Sr. – Linebacker – Notre Dame Football
Joe Schmidt’s journey to captain may be one of the greatest in Notre Dame history. Schmidt, a Mater Dei High School alum, was a preferred walk-on in 2011. He began to play on special teams in 2012 before seeing the field at Linebacker in 2013. Schmidt was named the Team MVP in 2014.
It was clear last year that Schmidt was extremely important to the defense. With Schmidt on the field, the Irish were surrendering 21.63 points per game. Without the walk-on Linebacker, Notre Dame allowed 41.2 point per game.
There was definitely more than the loss of Schmidt that lead Notre Dame’s late defensive woes. However, it is clear that the loss of Schmidt hamstrung the Irish.
Schmidt is almost guaranteed to be a captain in 2015. He is the best example on the team. Schmidt is one of the team’s best players but is also limited physically. Schmidt has worked hard to get where he is.
Additionally, Schmidt plays at the Middle Linebacker position, which is the Quarterback of the defense. What is better than having that player as your captain?
Next: Captain Candidate #8