im gonna miss him
Austin The Mexican Leprechaun | Email | Homepage | 12.21.07 - 7:43 pm | #

Let's hope Trevor gets the last laugh on draft day.
E | Email | Homepage | 12.21.07 - 8:25 pm | #

While media fueled AA lists have chosen to punish a great player on an under-acheiving team, NFL scouts certainly will not. While the scouts often seem to miss on the "premier" players (QB, RB, WR), they rarely miss spotting the men in the trenches! I, too, will miss Trevor, but I look forward to seeing him on Sundays...especially if the Bears land him. (I'm sure that they will be looking for their next overrated RB though!)
Keeping the Faith | Email | Homepage | 12.21.07 - 8:37 pm | #

who should he replace on other traditional AA teams?
VAMAN | Email | Homepage | 12.21.07 - 9:27 pm | #

Well...ND's record not withstanding, I would say pretty much every player that was listed. By statistics, he was, IMHO, the best DE in the country...specifically, tackles. Considering ND's record, as Pat's article eludes to, Laws was an over-acheiver with a competitive drive that smelled pretty good in the compost heap of the season. Through all of the talk about CW "losing" the team, Laws stands as a shining example of an ND player who would never give up, never take a down off...no matter the circumstances. BTW, ND's schedule was very highly rated, so while many struggled with the competition, TL still thrived (as one of the few people offenses would actively avoid). Just my completely biased opinion.
Keeping the Faith | Email | Homepage | 12.21.07 - 9:47 pm | #

VAMAN-

Laws is better than either of the two DEs`who got AA. Laws played in games with at least one of the D-Linemen, the SCal lineman. Watch the game tapes. NBC has a bunch. Laws will be rewarded on draft day. Maybe as replacement for Bryant Young who is soon to retire for SF49ers.

GO IRISH!
Doc Possum | Email | Homepage | 12.21.07 - 10:19 pm | #

Trevor may be my favorite player all-time at ND. Which is saying something. Partly because I follow ND more than ever now, partly because that man played every down, as Pat said, like the NC depended on it.

Even my girlfriend loves Trevor Laws. She's never watched football in her life until this year and even she knows an AA when she sees one. It's hard not to know when every big play on the D starts with "Trevor Laws in on the....."

Here's to hoping justice is served on draft day.
jaisn | Email | Homepage | 12.21.07 - 10:35 pm | #

I'm going to be very interested to watch how he does in the draft. As a Ravens fan (3-4, you must have heard of it), I hope they nab him quickly. I'm assuming he may drop below where we hope him to go, but end up with a team that can really use his immense talent.

Thank you Trevor for that motor.
Piyachi | Email | Homepage | 12.21.07 - 11:19 pm | #

Thankyou Trevor! You are All American in my book and you will undoubtedly be going in the first round on draft day!
Jim | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 9:45 am | #

My wife and I join with all of the positive posts about Trevor. His greatness as a player is documented. What we also saw this past season at the four games we attended was a player who was smiling as the players took that special walk after leaving the Basilica. Considering the season and negative hype the Irish were experiencing, it was special to see that smile and then to see that effort on the field later in the day. May a high draft choice and a great NFL career be Trevor's legacy. I hope he is drafted by the Packers or the Browns.
Ted | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 11:00 am | #

VAMAN - I don't think Trevor should have replaced Dorsey or Ellis on any of the 1st team lists. Even injured, Dorsey is one heck of a player.

But I do think that Trevor should have garnered at least 3rd Team honors, if not a few honorable mentions.

For example, Frank Okam of Texas earned at least one mention on an All-American team even though the Longhorn defensive tackle didn't even make first team all-conference.
Pat | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 11:52 am | #

Any else hear about Omar Hunter "wavering" on his commitment and taking a visit to Florida?
I don't know if he is seriously considering them or not.
I live here in GA - maybe I should take a personal visit to his house and try to sway him? Any NCAA rules that prohibit fans from in-home visits? :)

Anyone know how Justin Trattou did this year? Did he see the field? if not, maybe we could prop him up as an example in bench warming as a freshamn. Nothing personal towards Trattou, Im sure he will be a good player,if not already. Then again, we can prop our 3-9 record in front of Hunter as incentive for early playing time!!

Wasn't Omar one of the first to give a verbal?
Frank | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 12:00 pm | #

Blue and Gold says No on the Hunter rumor. He's Irish, as is Walker. Just saying.
By the way major kudos to Ty Law, on a great ND career. Another example of the type of player that Ty was fortunate to have commit to ND. If people bash Ty for his overall recruiting performance, they must recognize the quality character of the recruits + that one class was super.
jim masterson | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 12:22 pm | #

Thanks for clearing that up Jim....much appreciated....
Maybe it's just me, but I am not even interested in any bowl games this year..for me, the season as a whole, is over and the only thing I am paying attn to is recruiting. I forget which site (it was a ND site though) I read where Hunter was taking a trip to Florida, but I don't want to be known as one to start rumors for sure, but I was very concerned after reading that "news"
Frank | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 1:12 pm | #

Every game this year my son (6 years old) would say "number 98 again Dad! He's the best tackler". Thanks for being that example I could show him as someone who never quits. You're no "buster", and I hope we can transplant your attitude into the rest of returnees.

Same kind of shout out to Evan S., just for standing up like a man when things didn't go the way you would have liked.
graNDFan | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 1:20 pm | #

I've been a TLaws fan since my senior year at ND (Charlie's first). Look at some of the pictures after that big win at the Big House, not only did Trevor have a good game, he had a gigantic smile across his face the entire time. That smile is legendary, indicative of his attitude, as much as his effort is.

He's a classy guy who does well in school and even better on the field.

My 2 cents about his location: I'm irrationally hoping he heads to Seattle so I have a reason to start going to Seahawks games.
yak | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 1:33 pm | #

Its sad that he got shafted.

One of the things that really hurt him was the lack of "flashy" stats. a few of us commmented on this over at Irish ROundup.

WHile his tackles were well beyond anyone else at his position, he lagged behind others in the "glamour stats", like sacks. If i remember correctly he only had 4.

I was shocked when I saw that. I could have sworn he was close to double digits. But i was wrong.

He got the job done in an outstanding way, but it wasn't flashy in the way that some other Dlinemen were.

When you're on a team that only wins 3 games, that is just not enough, I guess.
domer03inbmore | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 2:10 pm | #

I would like to know how Trevor compares to the rest of the DL in NCAA D1 ball in one stat:

Tackles/minute played

or maybe make that

Tackles/plays

ND's defense was probably on the field a lot more than other teams. So was Trevor making plays just because he had more opportunities to? Or was he doing at a rate that was still better than anyone else out there?

If I'm an NFL scout, THAT is what I want to know. I guess I would also want to see his game tape against teams like USC and UM.
atepesm | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 3:27 pm | #

@ bmore -- do they keep stats on passes deflected or batted down? It seems like TL had quite a few of those, too.

On a personal note, I saw Laws by the library one weekday last fall. I was horsing around with my 2-year-old, and he walked by and said something nice to my son, with that big smile. Given that my son was holding a long tree branch, I was mostly hoping that Laws didn't get close enough to get poked in the eye... He seemed like a really pleasant person, apart from his great play on the field.

Pat, I think you are right to just say "thanks" for any positive recognition that ND gets this season. By the way, there's an interesting financial analysis of NBC's broadcast deal on BusinessWeek.
Louie | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 4:05 pm | #

Sadly, I don't think NFL scouts are going to rate Laws any better than the AA lists did. While he was a dominate run stopper, he was a poor pass rusher, notching only three sacks if I remember correctly. The Pros, and the media for that matter, consider the defensive end position to be primarily a pass-rush job. Some team running a 3-4 or who are willing to give him a shot as an undersized tackle might take him early, but that's about it.
Billy | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 4:23 pm | #

In case we lay an egg next year, is Brian Kelly of HC of Cinci worth a look?

His bio and record on the Bearcat website is pretty impressive.
Any insights?
Dana Payne | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 6:29 pm | #

You dont want Brian Kelly. Michigan didnt want him.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 9:09 pm | #

What a lot of you guys are missing is that he was a DE in a 3-4. Kind of a DT/DE hybrid. Knowing that, you can't compare him to what a traditional DE will do. His sack numbers are low for a DE but not a DT. His tackle numbers are out of this world for either position. Add in the blocked kicks and there is no excuse for him not being at least a 2nd team AA. If he were putting up those numbers listed as a DT he would have been a shoe-in.

Ah well though. Like has been said, it doesn't really end up mattering. He will be a great DE in a 3-4 or a great DT in a 4-3.

Thank you, Trevor, you are one of my all time favorite players.
Oreo | Email | Homepage | 12.22.07 - 9:57 pm | #

You're right oreo--He's really a DT who was shifted to DE because of lack of numbers and a new system. I think he may get drafted low, but he'll see the field immediately because of his effort in kick blocking.

Plus, the effort he puts out, 4-3 or 3-4, he'll make it to the field. He's that much of a workhorse.
yak | Email | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 2:57 am | #

Trevor Laws made the entire '07 season watchable for me, which is really saying something. I would have watched anyways without him, but he made it halfways enjoyable at times. He really meant it when he hit the "Play Like A Champion Today" sign, because that's what he did, every game. He'll always be one of my favorite Irish players, all time.

My two favorite teams are the Browns (mostly just for BQ, and that's not going well) and the Colts. I could realistically see him going to either one, so that makes me happy.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 9:32 am | #

Trevor Laws is truly a Notre Dame MAN!!!
Lush | Email | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 1:58 pm | #

Well said, Pat.

Thank you, Trevor! We'll miss you. All the best next year!
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 2:44 pm | #

Nedu had a pick in today's win over the Browns. He returned it like 40 yards almost for a TD.
Champ | Email | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 7:41 pm | #

Brady probably had to suppress himself watching Nedu go to the house......
mikes1160 | Email | Homepage | 12.23.07 - 9:43 pm | #

Nedu also had another int in the endzone and had 10 tackles today. Hes made the most of his opportunities this year and watching him play is awesome. He's always around the ball and plays with a big smile on his face. As a bengals fan watching his development has been the bright spot for me this season
mudomer | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 12:48 am | #

ryan grant also had another stand out day, despite the pack's loss

great to see him doing well.
domer03inbmore | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 2:44 am | #

I like to think of Ndukwe's 2 INTs yesterday as him doing his part to make sure Brady gets the starting job in Cleveland. I hope Brady bought him dinner after the game or something, because after that stinker of a game from Anderson, the Browns might be out of the playoffs. And that will be hard to forget in Cleveland.
Jade | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 12:51 pm | #

To all of my fellow bloggers, especially VIW, OCmj, Erik04, domerplayer,Lush,atepsm and jim masterson. May the peace and joy of the season be with all of you today and always. Merriest of Christmases and the happiest and safest of holidays. Go Irish! Merry Christmas to all.
Doug | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 1:42 pm | #

Nedu and Ryan Grant are guys that I did not think would make it in the NFL, and I am more than happy to eat crow. Grant's physical strength seems to have increased immensely, and Nedu seems more "fluid" in the way he patrols the secondary. Nedu, being only a year removed from N.D. is quite the shocker. I hope Tommy Z becomes a great pro next year. His instincts, speed, and toughness are probably all greater than Nedu's, and thus he has all the tools to fluorish at the next level. Some of the most memorable plays EVER in N.D. football lore belong to Zibby, and I will miss #9's presence next year.
Voice in the Wilderness | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 1:50 pm | #

As far as Omar Hunter, he is as good as gone. He should probably be on the Florida commit list at this point.

On the bright side, the staff has wasted no time looking for a replacement, as it appears current Michigan commit, DT Mike Martin (Rivals 250 member) will be taking as a visit to ND in January.

Datone Jones (UCLA soft verbal) will also be visiting ND if current UCLA D-Coordinator is not retained by the new head coach (Neuheisel?).

Kapron Lewis Moore (Texas A&M soft verbal)is visiting ND on the 19th of January and I would not be surprised if he committed them.

Also, seems to be some heavy fire that Deion Walker has in fact committed to Notre Dame and will be announcing at the UA Game on January 5th.

Gerrell Robinson also announcing that day, at the Army game, between ND and Arizona State.
Jason | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 1:54 pm | #

Just stopped by to say Merry Christmas. Oh, and 38-0.
ts | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 2:35 pm | #

Voice, you probably already saw the ESPN article about Zibby's preparations for the NFL. It sure made me feel bad for my knee-jerk negativity when Zibby played QB at the end of the Duke game. It seemed out of place, but the article gives a little glimpse into how the '07 season was torture for him. I join in wishing Zbikowski success in the next level.
Louie | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 2:36 pm | #

Thanks, Doug! Merry Christmas to you and everyone else out there!
Erik '04 | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 2:59 pm | #

I just have to add my thanks to you Trevor and also my certainty that you will have a stellar career at the next level. I think more than a few GMs that see how teams got steals in the draft by gambling on Nedu and D. Walker will be licking their chops to get you on the roster. May you get overlookes and be srafted by the Colts! Congrats and may the wind be always at your back.
indy | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 4:34 pm | #

dang mac chicklet keyboard at the relatives' house.
indy | Email | Homepage | 12.24.07 - 7:32 pm | #

If I'm not mistaken when Charlie was speaking about the meaning of "commitment" last February he said something to the effect that if a recruit commits and then says he is going to "look around" then the Irish coaches were also going to "look around", for another player. In the case of Hunter and any other recruit who wants to "look around", that is their option to do so but then they should not be surprised if CW goes out and offers another player at their position and that scholarship is no longer available. Commitment runs both ways as Charlie stated and if a high school recruit wants to shop around then the Irish coaches should do the same. And yes, always get the ring back!!
Knoxville Irish | Email | Homepage | 12.25.07 - 6:09 pm | #

Doug, thanks for the wonderful holiday wishes. I look to you, BGS and the rest of my fellow bloggers to keep me(in)sane until the beginning of next season. We're off to Chicago where my ND beanie will get a lot of use. At least I can suffer through New Year's bowl games surrounded by family and good beer.

Peace.
OC mj | Email | Homepage | 12.27.07 - 1:01 am | #

Just an update that some of you have probably seen...

Mike Farrell from Rivals said that a solid source told him that Charlie will pull Omar Hunter's scholarship offer if he visits Florida.

I think it's great to see Charlie sticking to his policy. It is a good move not only to stand by his word, but I think it also gives us a slightly better chance to keep Hunter, though I still consider him gone. And at the very least, it definitively opens up another spot for other recruits at DT.
breck | Email | Homepage | 12.31.07 - 11:25 am | #

Breck:
If Hunter visits Florida, his scholarship should be pulled. While 18 and 19 year olds have a lot of growing up ahead of them, they are not too young to understand the meaning of commitment.
Lush | Email | Homepage | 12.31.07 - 3:03 pm | #

Guys:
Anyone care to comment as to why Willingham and UW are being given a free pass by the media. The Husky Nation has clamored for TW's firing just THREE years after he was hired and UW's program was in far worse shape than ND's when TW took them over. This year's defense was the worst in the school's history. He appparently is allowed to stay on the condition that he fire assistants including long-time assistant Kent Baer. If he does not win 7 or 8 games next year, he is gone. I suspect ND asked him to make some staff changes but he refused. Why isn't UW accused of being bigoted by the likes of Mike Wilbon??
Lush | Email | Homepage | 12.31.07 - 3:08 pm | #

Lush:

I agree 100% with you that his scholly should be pulled.

The only real hope that I hold for keeping him Irish is that I read somewhere that he and Braxton Cave are rooming together and the Under Armor AA game. Cave seems to be one of those kids that recruits very hard for the Irish, along with Crist.
breck | Email | Homepage | 12.31.07 - 3:50 pm | #