I'm often told that I don't pay enough respect to Notre Dame team's of the past and that I don't give enough credit to players of Notre Dame's "Golden Years". What I'd like to do is have some guys build an "All ND" from the 35 years prior to 1985 (both offense and defense)... Try to put together a team that would have a shot of beating my 1985-2015 team. Can't wait to see some of the squads that you put together!
Here is, in my opinion, the "All ND" team from 1985-2015...
Offense
QB: Tony Rice
RB: Jerome Bettis
WR: Tim Brown
WR: Michael Floyd
Slot: Golden Tate
TE: Tyler Eifert
LT: Ronnie Stanley
LG: Zack Martin
C: Jeff Faine
RG: Aaron Taylor
RT: Andy Heck
KR: Raghib Ismail
Defense
DE: Bryant Young
NG: Chris Zorich
DT: Stephon Tuitt
DE: Justin Tuck
SAM: Jaylon Smith
MIKE: Manti Te'o
WILL: Michael Stonebreaker
CB: Todd Lyght
FS: Bobby Taylor (At 6'3, 215lbs, he was ideal size to play FS)
SS; Harison Smith
CB: Shane Walton
Really tough team to choose and I left out a lot of amazing players, but I think that team would be as potent as they come.
- Incredible offensive line composed of all 1st round picks, the shortest of whom was Faine at 6'3 and all them over 300lbs. There wouldn't be anything close to a "weak side".
- Jerome Bettis and Tony Rice running "inside zone" and read option behind that offensive line would destroy anything in front of them.
- This team would feature arguably the 3 best wide receivers (who own every record) in schools history and easily the top tight end in the school's history as well. Rice (who I almost replaced with Brady Quinn for his passing prowess) would have an elite group of wide receivers that would be unmatched by the 1950-184 teams.
- Rocket would be my kick returner.... Enough said.
- That defensive line. Tuck and Tuitt are #1 and #2 all time in sacks and Zorich would be a menace on the inside beside the ever so steady Young. Fantastic all around group that possesses great size and pass rush ability.
- The linebackers are beyond dynamic. Te'o is widely considered ND's best ever (almost won the Heisman). Jaylon Smith would be like something from outer space for the "old guys". Most athletic linebacker in ND history. Then there is that Stonebreaker guy... He was alright too...
- The Secondary is just silly. Light and Walton would be a nightmare in press man and Taylor and Smith would be head hunting over the top. Just a complete team full of studs in every way. Big, fast, physical and extremely explosive.
Bring it on boys!
Here is, in my opinion, the "All ND" team from 1985-2015...
Offense
QB: Tony Rice
RB: Jerome Bettis
WR: Tim Brown
WR: Michael Floyd
Slot: Golden Tate
TE: Tyler Eifert
LT: Ronnie Stanley
LG: Zack Martin
C: Jeff Faine
RG: Aaron Taylor
RT: Andy Heck
KR: Raghib Ismail
Defense
DE: Bryant Young
NG: Chris Zorich
DT: Stephon Tuitt
DE: Justin Tuck
SAM: Jaylon Smith
MIKE: Manti Te'o
WILL: Michael Stonebreaker
CB: Todd Lyght
FS: Bobby Taylor (At 6'3, 215lbs, he was ideal size to play FS)
SS; Harison Smith
CB: Shane Walton
Really tough team to choose and I left out a lot of amazing players, but I think that team would be as potent as they come.
- Incredible offensive line composed of all 1st round picks, the shortest of whom was Faine at 6'3 and all them over 300lbs. There wouldn't be anything close to a "weak side".
- Jerome Bettis and Tony Rice running "inside zone" and read option behind that offensive line would destroy anything in front of them.
- This team would feature arguably the 3 best wide receivers (who own every record) in schools history and easily the top tight end in the school's history as well. Rice (who I almost replaced with Brady Quinn for his passing prowess) would have an elite group of wide receivers that would be unmatched by the 1950-184 teams.
- Rocket would be my kick returner.... Enough said.
- That defensive line. Tuck and Tuitt are #1 and #2 all time in sacks and Zorich would be a menace on the inside beside the ever so steady Young. Fantastic all around group that possesses great size and pass rush ability.
- The linebackers are beyond dynamic. Te'o is widely considered ND's best ever (almost won the Heisman). Jaylon Smith would be like something from outer space for the "old guys". Most athletic linebacker in ND history. Then there is that Stonebreaker guy... He was alright too...
- The Secondary is just silly. Light and Walton would be a nightmare in press man and Taylor and Smith would be head hunting over the top. Just a complete team full of studs in every way. Big, fast, physical and extremely explosive.
Bring it on boys!
Last edited: