April 18, 2000

NOTRE DAME – Despite having only one player picked up in the NFL Draft, nine other Irish players signed with teams. The Carolina Panthers added A’Jani Sanders and Deveron Harper to their roster. Deke Cooper signed with the Cardinals. Receivers Bobby Brown and Raki Nelson went to the Packers and Eagles, respectively.

The 49ers signed Ronnie Nicks. Lamont Bryant will play for the Washington Redskins. Chicago picked up Brad Williams and Joey Goodspeed went to the Steelers.

After practice on Monday, Bob Davie spoke of the lack of Irish presence in the draft. The head coach assured that him and his staff will try everything within their power to prevent that from happening again.

SWITCHING POSITIONS

Gerome Sapp will switch from free safety to strong. While Sapp is listed as the backup for Ron Israel, many believe he is in contention for the starting slot.

Donald Dykes moved from strong safety to free safety. He will backup Tony Driver who has returned to defense after playing tailback last season.

NURSING INJURIES

With almost four full months to heal, many would believe that the Irish should have a full group practicing daily. That is not the case.

Offensive guard Jim Jones will sit out spring practice with a sprained knee. Fellow offensive lineman Kurt Vollers who has a sprained neck joins him.

Tailback Terrance Howard is taking it easy this week because of a hamstring injury. Sapp is also nursing a hamstring injury.

COACHING CHANGE

Davie enters this season with his entire staff still in tact. In the off-season only one minor change occurred. Graduate assistant Taver Johnson departed for a position at Miami of Ohio. Former football intern Dennis Moynihan steps into the role of graduate assistant after serving as the intern all last season.