Notre Dame is finding that life in 2013 is not going as smoothly as it did a year ago just a week into spring practice. Last night news broke that Davonte Neal was transferring. Last week Brian Kelly confirmed Gunner Kiel was transferring. And today you can add sophomore Justin Ferguson to the list of 2013 transfers.
Just as with the Neal transfer story last night, BGI’s Jason Sapp broke the news:
BREAKING: WR Justin Ferguson decides to transfer from #NotreDame. All the details inside… (VIP) http://t.co/na5ZbAiUUI #ND #Irish
— Jason Sapp (@Jason_Sapp) March 27, 2013
IrishSportsDaily was also quick to confirm.
Irish Sports Daily can confirm that WR Justin Ferguson is transferring from #NotreDame.
— Irish Sports Daily (@ISDUpdate) March 27, 2013
Ferguson saw the field early last season, but then was not heard from much as the season progressed. His departure likely means that wide receiver will now receive even more of an emphasis in recruiting on the heels of losing Neal as well.
Notre Dame was expected to have limited scholarships available this year, but the three transfers thus far in spring have given the Irish coaching staff some more flexibility and in turn created some more work for them.
Ferguson’s transfer does not impact the 2013 season as much as Neal’s since Neal was expected to get the first crack at the slot receiver position and was the incumbent punt returner, but it does hurt future depth. Luckily for the Irish they signed four wide receivers in the class of 2013 – Will Fuller, Torii Hunter Jr, James Onwualu, and Corey Robinson.
Look for CJ Prosise, a sophomore safety who Brian Kelly mentioned would get cross trained at wide receiver, to get an even closer look at the receiver position this spring.
To be expected as talent is stock piled.
All are recruited as the “next best thing”, and some end up as subs way down the depth chart.
They want to play, so they leave. Understandable.
Best wishes, guys. I hope you find your niche elsewhere.
Time for “next man in,” and it’s looking like Irish Mob 13 will get an early chance to contribute.
Let’s keep this rolling, maybe tomorrow the headline can read “Everett Golson and Luis Nix Transferring” LOL