The Players Who Have to Step Up In '99
by: IrishFan
July 22, 1999

The 1999 football season will not be an easy road for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Back to back games at Michigan and at Purdue in weeks 2 and 3 could be the determining point in the season as to whether ND climbs back into the ranks of the nation's elite, or stays in mediocrity for another season. The offensive line is untested, the running backs are inexperienced, the linebackers are young. This Irish team will be short on experience, but not on the will to win. Even so, for the Irish to have a success 99 campaign and allow fans to start talking national title there are a few players who must step up and take charge in 99.

The first is John Merandi. He was the most under rated offensive linemen on last year's senior filled core. He played well in his first season as a starter and proved he can be a dominating lineman. He made few dumb penalties and mental errors, but stepped his game up. He is now the elder on the line. The man among boys. He needs to set an example to the young guns coming in battling for playing time. John must lead the line and help create holes for the running back duo of Tony Driver and Tony Fisher.

Speaking of Tony Driver, he is the next player who must step it up. Tony came to ND with much praise as one of the nation's elite running backs coming out of high school. He saw a little action in 97, but nothing really big. He was moved to safety last year where he performed well. His heart was still at running back though and it was known that he wasn't too happy at safety. He got his wish in the spring as Head Coach Bob Davie moved him back to his original position. Driver must show the coaches and the fans that he is the real deal and that he can perform well at running back on the college level. If he doesn't, Fisher will get the ball.

While Merandi needs to step up on the offensive line, Brad Williams must do so also on the defensive line. Brad came to ND, like Driver, with much praise. However, he has never really shown that he can be a dominating linemen while at Notre Dame. Will this be the year?  Brad will be one of the most experienced players on a line that will be rotating as many as 8 players. Brad needs to step up and become a leader in order for the line to gel.

Last season the secondary was burned in many games most notably the Boston College game and in Gator Bowl against Georgia Tech. Brock Williams was only a sophomore then and still adjusting to the college game. This year is a different story though. Brock made many mental errors last season including many pass interference calls and needs to mature mentally and physically in order to take charge in 99. The secondary will be relativity experienced with at least 3 starters returning (Sanders, Cooper, and Williams). If Brock doesn't show signs of improvement, Clifford Jefferson will be waiting in the wings.

Notre Dame lost its leading receiver from a year ago in Malcolm Johnson, but its leader from 97 is still on the team, Bobby Brown. Bobby had a terrific season in 97 in his first season as a starter but fell off the charts in 98. Even though he didn't make a lot of catches, he did make some big ones and averaged over 20 yards per catch. Bobby needs to step up and lead this young group of wide receivers. He also needs to give star QB Jarious Jackson a dependable target who he can go to whenever he's in trouble. If Bobby can step up into this role and make a dependable 3rd down go to guy the ND passing game can be a great success.

We all know the troubles the kicking game has had in the past. There are 3 players in this year's kicking game. Jim Sanson will have to improve on his kicking or incoming freshman Nick Setta might take his starting job away. Speaking of Nick, he will most likely be handling the kick off duties and if he can consistently get the ball in the end zone the defense will have an easier time since the opposing offenses will be starting at the 20 instead of the 30 or 35. Someone will also have to  emerge in the punting game. My guess is that Nick Setta will be handling the punting duties, but fellow freshman Joey Hildbold will give him a run for his money. I also can't leave out David Miller who came in with the class of 2002.

One last player for this article is Anthony Denman. Denman saw some mop up work in 98 and performed well, but it still was second string offenses he was playing against. This year will be a different story since he will be making his starting debut. With the new 4-3 defense Denman with be one LB along with Ronnie Nicks and Rocky Boiman. Denman is going to have to be able to drop back in coverage and take away the short passing game. This was a problem area in 98. Many times opposing QBs completed short passes that were turned into long gains because of a lack of coverage and sloppy tackling.

These are just my humble opinions. If these players step up like I think they will ND could be in for a great season. If you have any comments or opinions of this article feel free to email me @ mailto: IrishFan@uhnd.com