Alex Bullard Transferring to Tennessee

According to various internet reports, Notre Dame sophomore offensive guard Alex Bullard is transferring from Notre Dame to Tennessee after being released from his scholarship yesterday.

Bullard lost his father this year and is transferring to be closer to home.  Considering the former four star lineman is from outside of Nashville, the transfer to Tennessee makes a lot of sense.

This is a very sad story, and Bullard will be missed at Notre Dame.  Hopefully for Bullard and his family a return home does him good.

Unfortunately for Notre Dame, the Irish are thin in the middle of the offensive line making the lose of a talented guard like Bullard a big loss.  The Tennessee native had not seen the field yet, but had received some positive reviews in practice reports the last two fall camps.

Bullard’s departure increases the likelihood of Andrew Nuss returning for a 5th season next year.  If Nuss returns, Notre Dame will have Nuss and Trevor Robinson in their final years of eligibility along with Lane Clelland with two years left and Chris Watt with three years left.  Mike Golic Jr could also provide some depth at guard.

Dan Wenger is also planning on applying for a 6th year of eligibility from the NCAA after missing the 2010 season due to concussion issues.

Right now, Notre Dame has just once interior lineman in this year’s recruiting class – Conor Hanrattay.

Look for Notre Dame to continue looking for additional offensive linemen in this class.  Earlier this week it was reported that both Chase Hounshell and Jake Fisher were considering the Irish after previously committing to Florida and Michigan respectively.