Notre Dame (UHND.com) – When Rhema McKnight went down with a knee injury in the second game of the year last season, the Irish lost a receiver who had 89 catches for 1,210 yards and 6 touchdowns in the preview two seasons. After the offensive explosion that was the 2005 season, those numbers seem paltry, but when you consider the fact that Jeff Samardzija and Maurice Stovall COMBINED for just 67 catches for 1,061 and 4 touchdowns in that same span, the talent McKnight posses becomes more evident.
We’ll never know just how many yards McKnight would have had a season ago had he stayed healthy. We’ll also never know just how many yards Jeff Samardzija, who started the season as the #3 receiver, would have had either. Both of those points became moot the moment McKnight planted awkwardly in on the Michigan Stadium turf midway through the second quarter of the Irish upset of the Wolverines.
McKnight attempted a comeback in time for the USC game, but he was not 100% and the decision was made to pack it up for the season and concentrate on a 5th year in 2006. Since that September afternoon, McKnight has been rehabbing with one thing in mind, getting back on the field.
“He was our No. 1 wide receiver in the second game last year, to be honest with you he is in a lot better shape now than in game two last year, because he’s on a mission. He’s had a long time to get ready for this. And no one is more ready than him. I mean, he’s in phenomenal shape,” was how Charlie Weis answered a question posed to him about what McKnight’s status was.
Lost in the hoopla of having two 1,000 yard receivers last year is the fact that McKnight was the BEST wide receiver on the Notre Dame roster until his injury. No other wide receiver had his combination of size, speed, and quickness. Since then Jeff Samardzija exploded onto the scene and is now the star of the receiving corps.
With their roles reversed from what they were last season, opposing defenses would not be wise not to forget about #5. “I hope they double team Jeff every day because Rhema will have a field day,” Weis said with a grin.
Weis isn’t the only one excited to have McKnight back. Brady Quinn remarked that, “Hopefully people haven’t forgot, he was our leader for the first two years I was here. Really coming into the season, I’m excited about the opportunity to work with two guys who have caught the most balls for me in the past three seasons.”
McKnight’s presence is not only felt in the box score however. He was a leader in the locker room before his injury and even when he was injured, he still remained a leader among the players. “Biggest thing, I don’t know if you realized how big of a leader he was on this team, even without him being on the field. He’s such a special personality on this team,” is how his quarterback described his presence.
Climbing Up the Record Books
Heading into 2006, the Irish starting receivers sit at 9th and 10th respectively McKnight (103) Samardzija (101) in receptions in Notre Dame history. Tom Gatewood holds the Notre Dame record with 157 meaning McKnight needs just 55 and Samardzija 57 to pass Gatewood for the all time lead. Considering Samardzija hauled in 77 passes in 2005, it seems very likey these two receivers will finish their careers first and second all time in receptions – in what order they finish we’ll have to wait and see.
