Senior SS Kyle McCarthy is tied for third in the Football Bowl Subdivision with a team-high five interceptions. Only once in the past 20 seasons has a Notre Dame player recorded more than five picks in a season (7 by Shane Walton in 2002).

Five Football Student-Athletes Approved For Fifth Year

April 8, 2009

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Five seniors on the University of Notre Dame football team have been approved to return for a fifth year by the school’s Faculty Board on Athletics, the University announced Wednesday.

Cornerback Mike Anello, offensive tackle Paul Duncan, safety Ray Herring, safety Kyle McCarthy and linebacker Scott Smith have either already graduated or will graduate this May. The quintet will then enroll in the graduate studies program at Notre Dame.

“Today I received the news that five of our current seniors who applied for a fifth year have all been approved,” Irish head football coach Charlie Weis said. “We are happy to officially include all five players onto our roster. Their leadership is greatly appreciated.”

Notre Dame concludes spring practice with the 80th annual Blue-Gold Game on Saturday, April 18 at 1:35 pm. The Irish open the 2009 season vs. Nevada on Sept. 5 at Notre Dame Stadium.

-ND-