Notre Dame Football: The Best Irish Players To Wear No. 7

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 09: Stephon Tuitt #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs off the field after being ejected after a helmet to helmet hit against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the game on November 9, 2013 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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John Huarte, QB, 1962 – 1964

You can’t leave a Heisman Trophy winner off this list. In the early 1960s, Notre Dame was not very good. Huarte saw little action during his first two seasons, as the Irish went 7-12. Then, in 1964, he burst onto the scene and turned the program around.

Huarte threw for 2,062 yards, had 17 passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He led the Irish to a 9-1 record, was an All-American, and won the Heisman Trophy — becoming the sixth Notre Dame player to take home the award at the time.

During that 1964 season, Huarte shattered the previous Irish record for completions in a season, passing yards in a season, and passing efficiency. He would break a total of 12 school records in 1964.

Huarte was the first true passing quarterback for the Irish. He set the Notre Dame standard when it came to being a quarterback that can pass the ball and make plays — not just run the ball all day out of the Wing-T. Combine this with his Heisman Trophy, and you can lump Huarte into the conversation of all-time Irish greats, not just one of the best to wear No. 7.

Huarte was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

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