Nov. 26, 2003
Notre Dame, Ind. – Notre Dame offensive lineman Ryan Harris (St. Paul, Minn.) was named today to the Rivals.com 2003 Freshman All-America first-team, while Irish defensive end Victor Abiamiri (Randallstown, Md.) earned honorable mention freshman All-America team honors.
Harris, who joined former Irish players Brad Williams and Mike Rosenthal as the only true freshman in school history to start on the offensive line, made his first career start against Pittsburgh, and helped senior tailback Julius Jones set a school record with 262 rushing yards. Harris, who has started the last six games for the Irish at right tackle, also helped Jones rush for 221 yards against Navy and 161 versus BYU. Jones is only four yards away from becoming only the eighth player in Notre Dame history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Called undersized by many, he stands 6-5 and weighs only 275 pounds, often times giving up 30 or more yards to his counterpart on the defensive line.
In 10 games this season, including four starts, the 6-5, 245-pound Abiamiri has recorded 18 tackles and three tackles for loss. He recorded the first sack of his career against Pittsburgh, causing a nine-yard loss on the play. His first career tackle came against Michigan and he tallied a career-high seven tackles against Michigan State in his first career start. Abiamiri is only the third true freshman to start on the defensive line for the Irish since 1991.
The 2003 Rivals. Com Freshman All-America Team
Offense
QB – Chris Leak, Florida
RB-Lynell Hamilton, San Diego State
RB, Laurence Maroney, Minnesota
WR- Charles Gordon, Kansas
WR- Ryan Moore, Miami
TE- Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
OL- Ryan Harris, Notre Dame
OL- Justin Blalock, Texas
OL- Mike Maddox – Illinois
OL- Mike Otto – Purdue
OL- Andrew Carnahan, Arizona State
Defense
DL- Mario Williams, North Carolina State
DL- Jermaine McElveen, Alabama-Birmingham
DL- Brian Smith- Missouri
DL- Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State
LB- Ahmad Brooks, Virginia
LB- Channing Crowder, Florida
LB- Justin Warren, Texas A&M
DB- Leon Hall, Michigan
DB- LaRon Landry, LSU
DB- Brandon Browner, Oregon State
DB- Darnell Bing, USC
Special Teams
K- Jon Peattie, Miami
P- Eirc Wilbur, Florida
RS- Ryne Robinson, Miami
Honorable Mention All-America (Notre Dame Players Only): DE Victor Abiamiri
For all teams, please visit www.rivals.com