Sixteen Former Irish Players To Take Part In Notre Dame's Pro Day
Notre Dame announced Tuesday that 16 former players will return to campus for the school’s pro day festivities March 31.
In addition to the 10 players that were invited to the NFL Combine last month — running back C.J. Prosise, receivers Will Fuller and Chris Brown, offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley and Nick Martin, defensive linemen Sheldon Day and Romeo Okwara, linebacker Jaylon Smith and defensive backs Elijah Shumate and KeiVarae Russell — the Irish will also welcome back six others.
Those not invited to the NFL Combine that will participate at Notre Dame’s pro day include receiver Amir Carlisle, safeties Matthias Farley and Eilar Hardy, quarterback Everett Golson, linebacker Jarrett Grace and defensive lineman Ishaq Williams.
Carlisle, Farley and Grace were all members of the 2015 Irish squad, but Hardy, Golson and Williams return after varying amounts of time away from the program.
Golson started on the 2012 team that went 12-1 and reached the BCS National Championship Game before losing to Alabama 42-14. After sitting out the 2013 season due to an academic suspension, he returned in 2014. That season, he became a Heisman Trophy contender while Notre Dame began the season 7-1 with the only loss being a controversial defeat at No. 2 Florida State. Turnover woes, however, led to Notre Dame’s 1-4 finish and, ultimately, Golson’s transfer to Florida State.
With current players DeShone Kizer, Malik Zaire and Brandon Wimbush ineligible to compete in pro day to throw to receivers, Golson will handle those duties.
Hardy, like Golson, used his graduate transfer to play elsewhere. In 13 games, he recorded two interceptions for Bowling Green.
Hardy and Williams were both suspended as part of the 2014 academic investigation. While Hardy was cleared to return midway through that campaign, Williams never regained eligibility at Notre Dame. The Irish were hopeful that the NCAA would clear him to compete in 2015, but that appeal was denied.
Williams finished his degree at Notre Dame last semester and is currently working out in Florida.
Brown and Russell will take part in the on-field aspects of the NFL Combine after not being able to do so in Indianapolis.