2008 Signing Day Central
              Official Release       Press Conference Transcript
 Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/Previous School Video Highlights
Blanton, Robert DB 6-1 175 Matthews, NC (Butler)
Cave, Braxston OL 6-3 292 Mishawaka, IN (Penn)
Clelland, Lane OL 6-5 265 Owings Mills, MD (McDonogh School)
Crist, Dayne QB 6-5 225 Sherman Oaks, CA (Notre Dame)
Cwynar, Sean DL 6-4 283 Woodstock, IL (Marian Central Catholic)
Fauria, Joseph TE 6-7 250 Encino, CA (Crespi Carmelite)
Filer, Steve LB 6-4 220 Chicago, IL (Mount Carmel)
Fleming, Darius LB 6-2 230 Chicago, IL (St. Rita)
Floyd, Michael WR 6-3 200 Saint Paul, MN (Cretin Derham Hall)
Golic, Mike OL 6-5 265 West Hartford, CT (Northwest Catholic)
Goodman, John WR 6-3 186 Fort Wayne, IN (Bishop Dwenger)
Gray, Jonas RB 5-11 214 Beverly Hills, MI (Detroit Country Day School)
Johnson, Ethan DL 6-4 265 Portland, OR (Lincoln)
Lewis-Moore, Kapron DE 6-4 230 Weatherford, Texas (Weatherford)
McCarthy, Dan DB 6-2 190 Youngstown, OH (Cardinal Mooney)
McDonald, Anthony LB 6-3 220 Sherman Oaks, CA (Notre Dame)
Newman, Brandon DL 6-1 305 Louisville, KY (Pleasure Ridge Park)
Posluszny, David LB 6-2 214 Aliquippa, PA (Hopewell)
Robinson, Trevor OL 6-5 304 Elkhorn, NE (Elkhorn)
Rudolph, Kyle TE 6-7 235 Cincinnati, OH (Elder)
Slaughter, Jamoris DB 6-1 180 Tucker, GA (Tucker)
Walker, Deion WR 6-3 185 Christchurch, VA (Christchurch)
Williams, Hafis DL 6-4 295 Elizabeth, NJ (Elizabeth)

 BLANTON, ROBERT

DB – 6-1 – 175 – Matthews, NC (Butler)

Selected for U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio where he played both cornerback and safety … one of 11 players from state of North Carolina selected to All-Southern team by Orlando Sentinel … named to Super Southern 100 by Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of 10 cornerbacks … rated 92nd nationally by CSTV/Tom Lemming and 13th among defensive backs … considered by Rivals.com the top cover safety in nation, 22nd-best safety in country and seventh-best prospect in North Carolina … rated by Scout.com as 15th-best cornerback in country and third-best player in North Carolina … named first-team all-state in 2006 and 2007 by North Carolina Associated Press and by Charlotte Observer … named 2007 Defensive Player of the Year by Charlotte Observer … played in North-South Carolina Shrine Bowl … tallied 94 tackles, five interceptions and six blocked kicks in 2007 as senior … also gained 252 yards on 16 receptions … helped the Bulldogs reach second round of Class 4AA playoffs … as a junior, totaled 147 tackles, 12 pass breakups and seven interceptions in 15 games … caught four passes for 86 yards as a junior … named second-team all-state as a sophomore after recording 126 tackles, six interceptions, 10 pass breakups, forced six fumbles and blocked six kicks … recognized as Carolina Panthers Community Captain for his outstanding performance in classroom and in community … member of Butler honor roll and a first lieutenant in Butler’s JROTC program … received JROTC Scholastic Award … served as a coach for an 11-12-year-old football team at Youth Football Club of Mint Hill … spokesperson for Butler High’s D.R.E.A.M. Team (Daring to Role-model Excellence as Athletic Mentors) and was one of only 12 hand-selected members … recognized at Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks game for being recognized as a Panthers Community Captain … one of five finalists for Glenn Davis Award, a national award based on community service, academics and athletic accomplishment, and presented at U.S. Army All-American Bowl … participated in basketball and track … ran hurdles and was jumper on track team, surpassing 21 feet in long jump and clearing 6-7 in high jump … played for coach Mike Newsome … born Sept. 7, 1989 … son of Kathrine Edwards.

 CAVE, BRAXSTON

OL – 6-3 – 292 – Mishawaka, IN (Penn)

Selected to play in Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando … placed on Scout.com All-America second team … named to Indiana top-50 all-state team by Indiana Football Coaches Association … one of 12 finalists for Indiana’s “Mr. Football” award … runner-up for Offensive Lineman of the Year Award sponsored by Indianapolis Star … placed a close second finishing with 93 votes, two behind winner … Rivals.com rated him second-best player in Indiana and fourth-best center in the nation … chosen for Rivals 250 by Rivals.com recognizing him as one of the top 250 players in country … ranked by SuperPrep the 25th best offensive lineman in nation, third-best offensive lineman in Midwest and 14th-best prospect in Midwest … ranked by Scout.com as the number-two center in nation and second-best player in Indiana … rated 125th on ESPN 150 list … helped guide the Kingsmen to an undefeated regular season in his senior season and final 12-1 record … named after former Notre Dame football player Braxston Banks … also participates in track where he has thrown the shot put over 51 feet and tossed discus 145 feet … attended same high school as current Irish offensive lineman Thomas Bemenderfer and former Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike Rosenthal … born July 29, 1989 … played for coach Cory Yeoman at Penn … son of Rick and Kim Cave.

 CLELLAND, LANE

OL – 6-5 – 265 – Owings Mills, MD (McDonogh School)

Named to U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … rated the 94th-best prospect in the nation by CSTV/Tom Lemming … named an all-Baltimore County performer as a junior by Baltimore Sun … named first-team all-metro by Baltimore Sun following his senior season … three-year starter at McDonough … Rivals.com rated him the premier lineman in Maryland and the fifth-best prospect in the state … chosen for the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com recognizing him as one of the top 250 players in the country … considered by Scout.com the second-best player in Maryland and the 18th-best offensive tackle in the country … ranked the 13th-best offensive lineman in the nation by SuperPrep as well as the fourth-best prospect and second-best offensive lineman in the Mid-Atlantic region … high school team finished his senior season ranked eighth in the state … set school record for pancake blocks as a junior … also played defensive end as a junior where he tallied 20 tackles, five sacks and 10 tackles for losses … successful heavyweight wrestler who was 35-15 as a junior … brother, Lance, was an offensive lineman at Northwestern … attended the same high school as Brittany Mallory, a freshman standout on Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team … played for coach Dominic Damico at McDonogh … born Feb. 5, 1990 … son of Linda Clelland.

 CRIST, DAYNE

QB – 6-5 – 225 – Sherman Oaks, CA (Notre Dame)

Selected to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … one of six finalists for the 2008 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award … one of seven finalists for the Joe Montana Quarterback of the Year Award … selected to the Parade All-America team as one of 58 players and seven quarterbacks named to team … named to the Scout.com All-America second team … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … one of 20 players selected to Best in the West first team by the Long Beach Press-Telegram … only player projected to play quarterback in college who was named to the Best in the West first team … named second-team all-state by CalHiSports.com as a senior … placed on all-Southern California team by Southern California Football Coaches Association and Orange County Register … completed 57.8 percent of passes for 2,178 yards with 16 touchdowns and one interception in 10 games in 2007 … also rushed for 454 yards and scored four touchdowns in 81 rushing attempts … against Saugus, completed 18-of-27 passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and also rushed for a score while leading the Knights to a 38-35 win … passed for 253 yards and four touchdowns while completing 17-of-25 passes and also gained 50 yards on six rushes in a 33-6 win over St. Francis … rated as the eighth-best player and second-best quarterback in the nation by Tom Lemming … Rivals.com ranked him the 25th-best prospect in the nation, second-best pro-style quarterback in the country and fourth-best recruit in California … rated the 22nd-best player on the ESPN 150 list … ranked the 45th-best player in the nation by Scout.com and Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … rated by SuperPrep the 48th-best prospect in the nation, fourth-best quarterback in the country, eighth-best player in the far west and top quarterback in the far west … ranked the seventh-best prospect in California and third-best quarterback in the nation by Scout.com … played in seven games as a junior, passing for 1,270 yards with 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions while completing 52.9 percent of his passes … also rushed for 230 yards and four touchdowns … against Bishop Arnat as a junior, completed 6-of-11 passes for 236 yards and five touchdowns in 49-0 win … over his final two seasons, passed for 3,448 yards in 17 games with 33 touchdowns … completed 56.1 percent of his passes with only four interceptions in 351 pass attempts … amassed a 14-3 record as a starter for the Knights as a junior … filled in as a starter for three games during sophomore season and led team to three wins when starter Garrett Green (now at USC) was injured … high school teammate of future Irish linebacker Anthony McDonald … played for coach Kevin Rooney at Notre Dame High School … born Oct. 9, 1989 … son of Tim and Karen Crist.

 CWYNAR, SEAN

DL – 6-4 – 283 – Woodstock, IL (Marian Central Catholic)

Picked to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, becoming the first player from his area to be selected for the prestigious game … named to the Detroit Free Press’ Best in the Midwest Top 20 team as the 18th-best player … rated the 89th-best player in the nation by Tom Lemming … Rivals.com ranks him the 12th-best defensive tackle in the country and the fourth-best player in Illinois (two of three players ahead of him are future teammates – Steve Filer and Darius Fleming) … chosen for the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com recognizing him as one of the top 250 players in the country … Scout.com labeled him the fourth-best player in the Land of Lincoln and the 14th-best defensive tackle … led Marian Central to state finals as a junior and semi-finals as a senior … high school team had nickname “The 300 Spartans” because they played with only 23 players on the roster … two-time defensive lineman of the year in the Suburban Catholic Conference … member of the Chicago Tribune’s all-state first team … named to the Chicago Sun-Times all-area football team in 2007 … named the recipient of the inaugural Mr. Football award, edging out two other finalists including future classmate Steve Filer … tallied 82 tackles with 16 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in senior season … also served as the team’s placekicker after the original placekicker left the team … two-time selection to the Northwest Herald’s all-area first team … named to Chicago Tribune all-state special mention team following junior year … as a junior, totaled 102 tackles with 17 sacks and was named all-state, academic all-state and all-conference … didn’t play organized football until ninth grade … played for coach Ed Brucker at Marian Central … graduated from Marian Central in December and enrolled at Notre Dame in January … born Nov. 15, 1989 … son of Fred and Nancy Cwynar.

 FAURIA, JOSEPH

TE – 6-7 – 250 – Encino, CA (Crespi Carmelite)

Helped lead his high school to an 11-3 season and won the Serra League title while advancing to the Pac-5 final … high school finished the season ranked sixth in California … named first-team all-state as a multi-purpose player by CalHiSports.com … placed on all-Southern California team by the Southern California Football Coaches Association and Orange County Register … rated the seventh-best tight end in the nation and 24th-best player in California by Rivals.com … chosen for the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com recognizing him as one of the top 250 players in the country … recognized by Scout.com as the 11th-best tight end in the country and 19th-best player in California … as a senior, totaled 35 receptions for 516 yards and eight touchdowns while adding five sacks on defense … chose to bypass both the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the Under Armour All-Star Game to focus on his basketball season … as a junior, recorded 22 catches for 329 yards and four touchdowns … his uncle, Christian, played at Colorado and in the NFL … played for coach Jeremiah Ross at Crespi … born Jan. 16, 1990 … son of Julie Fauria.

 FILER, STEVE

LB – 6-4 – 220 – Chicago, IL (Mount Carmel)

Selected to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named Gatorade Player of the Year for Illinois in 2007 … selected to the Parade All-America team as one of the 58 best players in the nation and one of eight linebackers named to list … one of 30 players named to the EA Sports All-America first team … named a second-team All-American by USA Today … ranked No. 7 on the Detroit Free Press’ Best of the Midwest Top 20 and the top linebacker on the list … rated by Rivals.com as the third-best player in Illinois, the eighth-best inside linebacker in the country … considered the 24th-best prospect by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … ranked as the 37th-best player in the nation by Tom Lemming and CSTV … Scout.com tabbed him as the 72nd-best prospect in the country, the third-best player in Illinois and the fourth-best middle linebacker in the nation … finalist for the inaugural Mr. Football award (won by future teammate Sean Cwynar) as a senior … named to Chicago Tribune first team all-state squad … guided team to a 12-0 record before falling in the state semifinal … helped the Caravan complete a 4-0 league mark to win the Chicago Catholic Blue division … notched 107 tackles in senior season and returned his only interception for a touchdown (in a win over Darius Fleming’s high school) … led his high school to the state finals as a sophomore and junior … tallied 87 tackles and eight sacks in his junior season … earned second-team junior All-America accolades from Rivals.com in 2006 … named a second-team all-state performer by Chicago Tribune following junior season … recorded 104 tackles and 10 sacks as a sophomore … three year starter at inside linebacker … played for coach Frank Lenti at Mount Carmel … attended same high school as NFL players Donovan McNabb and Simeon Rice … born June 4, 1990 … son of Steve and Debria Filer.

 FLEMING, DARIUS

LB – 6-2 – 230 – Chicago, IL (St. Rita)

Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … selected to the Scout.com All-America second team … named to the Detroit Free Press’ Best in the Midwest Top 20 team as the 17th-best prospect and second-best linebacker on the list behind future teammate Steve Filer … placed on Chicago Tribune first-team all-state squad … rated the 34th-best player in the country by Tom Lemming and CSTV … Scout.com ranked him the 56th-best prospect in the nation … Scout.com also rated him the second-best strongside linebacker in the country and the second-best player in Illinois … considered the 89th-best player according to Rivals.com and ranks 94th on the ESPN 150 list … Rivals.com also rates him as the third-best player in Illinois and eighth-best outside linebacker in the nation … as a senior, led his high school to the Chicago Prep Bowl city championship … helped lead the Mustangs to a 6-3 regular-season record as a senior and a trip to the playoffs … named to Chicago Tribune all-state special mention team following junior season … recorded 105 tackles including 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a junior … helped lead St. Rita to the Class 7A state championship in his junior season … St. Rita’s original football stadium was used in the beginning of the movie “Rudy” … played for coach Todd Kuska … bowls in his free time and has a high game of 279 … born July 19, 1989 … son of Larry Fleming and Leona Nelson.

 FLOYD, MICHAEL

WR – 6-3 – 200 – Saint Paul, MN (Cretin-Derham Hall)

Picked to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … chosen Gatorade Player of the Year for Minnesota as a junior and senior … named Minnesota Player of the Year as a junior and senior by the Associated Press … named first-team All-American by USA Today following his senior season … placed on Parade All-America team as one of the 58 best players in the country and one of four all-purpose players … one of 30 players named to the EA Sports All-America first team … named a second-team All-American by Scout.com … earned first-team all-state accolades from the Minnesota Associated Press as a junior and senior … recipient of 2007 Minnesota Mr. Football award … named the state’s Player of the Year by St. Paul Pioneer Press … ranked the top wide receiver and the third-best player on the Detroit Free Press’ Best of the Midwest Top 20 list … rated the 15th-best player in the nation by Tom Lemming and CSTV … Scout.com ranked him as the 16th-best prospect in the country … touted as the 27th-best player in the country by Rivals.com … ranked No. 28 by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … rated the 29th-best player on the ESPN 150 list … labeled by Scout.com as the top player in Minnesota and the fifth-best wide receiver in the country … Rivals.com considers him the top player in Minnesota and sixth-best wide receiver in the nation … recorded 59 receptions for 1,247 yards (21.1 avg.) and 17 touchdowns as a senior and added 497 rushing yards on 43 carries (11.6 avg.) … returned 16 punts for 373 yards (23.3 avg.) and four touchdowns … helped lead his high school team to a 13-1 record and appearance in the state championship game … averaged over 24 points per game as a senior for his high school basketball team … named to Rivals.com junior All-America second team … caught 63 passes for 1,240 yards and 16 touchdowns during junior year … active in the community and is a member of two groups, PRIDE (People Respecting Identity Diversity & Equity) and CHOICE (Choosing to Help Others In a Chemically Free Existence) … attended the same high school as former Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke and American League batting champion Joe Mauer … former Irish football players include Ryan Harris and Marcus Freeman … played for coach Mike Scanlan at Cretin-Derham … born Nov. 27, 1989 … son of Mike Floyd Sr. and Theresa Romero.

 GOLIC JR., MIKE

OL – 6-5 – 265 – West Hartford, CT (Northwest Catholic)

Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Class S all-state team as a junior and senior … served as anchor of the offensive line on a team that averaged 23.7 points per game as a senior … led Northwest Catholic to an 8-1 league record and 8-3 overall record in final season … won the Nutmeg Conference championship for the second year in a row … ranked by Rivals.com as the eighth-best center in the nation and the fourth-best player in Connecticut … rated the sixth-best prospect in Connecticut and the 30th-best guard in the nation by Scout.com … helped lead the Indians to 10-0 record in league play and a 10-1 record as a junior … father, Mike, and uncle, Bob, both played at Notre Dame … played for coach Mike Tyler … born Sept. 28, 1989 … son of Mike Sr. and Chris Golic.

 GOODMAN, JOHN

WR – 6-3 – 186 – Fort Wayne, IN (Bishop Dwenger)

Selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … placed on Detroit Free Press’ Best of the Midwest Top 20 team as the 20th-best player and fifth-best wide receiver … moved to quarterback as a senior and guided his team to an undefeated regular season and No. 1 ranking before falling in the state semifinals … received all-state honors from the Indiana Associated Press as a senior … awarded the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel’s PrepSports Football Player of the Year as a senior … named first-team all-state by the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette … considered by Scout.com to be the top player in Indiana and the 21st-best wide receiver nationally … rated by Rivals.com as the third-best player in Indiana (one spot behind future teammate Braxston Cave) and the 51st-best wide receiver … completed 95-of-175 passes for 1,697 yards and 16 touchdowns with only two interceptions and rushed 98 times for 535 yards … during his senior season, totaled 199 yards on seven receptions, returned eight kickoffs for 191 yards and 22 punts for 309 yards … totaled 28 tackles while snagging two interceptions and averaged 35.3 yards per punt … named the state’s best defensive back and was a finalist for the Mr. Football award … earned all-conference accolades as a wide receiver following his junior season and as a quarterback after his senior season … played for coach Chris Svarczkopf at Bishop Dwenger … born July 18, 1989 … son of Andy and Julie Goodman.

 GRAY, JONAS

RB – 5-11 – 214 – Beverly Hills, MI (Detroit Country Day School)

Picked to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named to the Parade All-America team as one of the 58 best players in the country and one of the nine best running backs … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … placed on the Best of the Midwest Top 20 team by the Detroit Free Press as the 13th-best player and second-best running back … earned first-team all-state accolades from the Detroit Free Press … named to the Detroit Free Press all-north first team as a senior … rated the 11th-best player and second-best running back on the Free Press’ Fab 50 Michigan Recruits list … helped lead Detroit Country Day to an 11-3 record as a senior and an appearance in the state championship … rushed for 305 yards on 29 carries and scored four touchdowns in the state semifinal to lead the Yellow Jackets to a 37-30 victory … gained 2,614 yards on 341 rushes (7.7 avg.) and scored 32 touchdowns during senior season … rushed for over 200 yards in five games during his final season … caught two passes for 52 yards and one touchdown and returned 10 kickoffs for 413 yards and two touchdowns in final high school season … named the top running back in Michigan by the Mid-Michigan Touchdown Club … considered the 62nd-best player in the nation by Tom Lemming and CSTV … ranked the 72nd-best player in the country, the fourth-best running back in the nation and the fourth-best player in Michigan by Rivals.com … rated by Scout.com to be the sixth-best player in Michigan and the 21st-best running back in the country … tabbed as the No. 89 player on the ESPN 150 list … gained 1,252 rushing yards as a junior as well as 19 touchdowns … played for coach Dan MacLean at Detroit Country Day … member of the 2007 state championship basketball team … attended same high school as NBA players Chris Webber and Shane Battier, actor/comedian Robin Williams and former Irish wide receiver Javin Hunter … born June 27, 1990 … son of Jerri Gray.

 JOHNSON, ETHAN

DL – 6-4 – 265 – Portland, OR (Lincoln)

Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio but could not due to injury … touted by Rivals.com as the top player in the Pacific Northwest … named to the Orange County Register’s Fab 15 team as one of he top 15 players in the western U.S. … suffered a sprained knee in the first game of his senior season that caused him to miss the remainder of the season … totaled 83 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior … earned second-team all-state honors from The Oregonian following junior year … named first-team all-conference as a junior and defensive player of the year for his conference following junior campaign … played defensive tackle as a sophomore and junior when he had 24 combined sacks before switching to defensive end as a senior in a newly implemented 3-4 defense … as a sophomore and junior starter, Lincoln registered a 21-3 record during that two-year period … labeled by Rivals.com as the top player in Oregon and the second-best defensive end in the nation … rated the 26th-best prospect by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … ranked the 32nd-best player in his class by Tom Lemming and CSTV as well as Rivals.com … Scout.com considers him the 49th-best player in the nation, the top player in Oregon and fourth-best defensive end prospect … also participates in track and field for the Cardinals … won the shot put at the Portland Interscholastic League meet and placed sixth at the state meet … spent the summer after both his sophomore and junior years working as an intern in a Portland law firm … played football for coach Chad Carlson at Lincoln … born Dec. 18, 1989 … son of Daniel and Rita Johnson.

 LEWIS-MOORE, KAPRON

DE – 6-4 – 230 – Weatherford, Texas (Weatherford)

Named to the Fabulous 55 team by the Austin American-Statesman for top players in Texas … ranked No. 33 on the Fab 55 list … considered the 29th-best prospect in Texas and the third-best defensive end in the Lone Star State by SuperPrep … named a SuperPrep All-American as the 41st-best defensive line prospect in the country … ranked the 33rd-best player in Texas by Rivals.com and the 13th-best strongside defensive end by the … rated by Scout.com as the 32nd-best defensive end in the nation … as a junior, collected 50 tackles and added six sacks, two forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles … received second-team all-district honors following junior season … helped lead the football team to the playoffs as a sophomore and junior … named honorable mention all-district following sophomore season … also plays basketball for the Kangaroos … recently led his team to a conference win after pouring in 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds … is currently averaging a double-double for the Weatherford basketball team … named newcomer of the year following his freshman season on the basketball team for district 4-5A by the Dallas Morning News … also is a member of the track and field team … played football for coach Kenny Wheaton … born Jan. 24, 1990 … son of Wanna Lewis and Archie Moore.

 McCARTHY, DAN

DB – 6-2 – 190 – Youngstown, OH (Cardinal Mooney)

Named Gatorade Player of the Year for Ohio … finalist for Mr. Football award in Ohio … earned second-team All-America honors from USA Today following senior season … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … named offensive player of the year for Division IV by the Associated Press and the quarterback on the Associated Press NE Inland Division IV all-district football team … ranked by Scout.com as the sixth-best Ohio prospect and eighth-best safety in the nation … Rivals.com rates him to be the 12th-best player in Ohio and the 14th-best safety in the country … played in first 12 games for Mooney and helped them go undefeated in those contests while being ranked No. 1 in Ohio and No. 9 in the nation by USA Today … rushed for 1,340 yards with 15 touchdowns and passed for 625 yards with seven touchdowns as a senior … posted 137 tackles and nine sacks during senior season … gained 128 yards on the ground with one touchdown and passed for 103 yards with two touchdowns to lead Mooney to a 21-17 win over Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary’s … rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns in the Cardinals 28-0 victory over Bishop Watterson in the regular-season finale … as a junior, helped lead his team to a state championship – the sixth in school history – after playing both quarterback and defensive back … in the state title game, rushed 22 times for 161 yards and a touchdown and completed two-of-four passes for 61 yards en route to the 26-12 victory … threw for 785 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 1,910 yards and 21 touchdowns during junior season and added 112 tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions on defense … brother, Kyle, is currently a junior at Notre Dame and a safety on the football team … played for coach P.J. Fecko at Mooney … born May 20, 1989 … son of John and Janet McCarthy.

 McDONALD, ANTHONY

LB – 6-3 – 220 – Sherman Oaks, CA (Notre Dame)

Selected to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … placed on all-Southern California team by Southern California Football Coaches Association and Orange County Register … named to first-team all-Southern California team by GoldenStatePreps.com … named a third-team all-state selection by CalHiSports.com as a senior … recorded 79 tackles and one sack in 11 games during senior season … named to the 2007 L.A. Times preseason All-Southland team … one of just two juniors selected to the all-CIF Pac-5 Division team after his junior season … selected to the second team all-state underclass squad following junior season in which he recorded 101 tackles, 30 tackles for loss,10 sacks and forced five fumbles … ranked by Scout.com the eighth-best middle linebacker in the country and the 16th-best prospect in California … considered the 22nd-best player in California by SuperPrep and the third-best linebacker in the state … Rivals.com rated him No. 31 in the state of California and the 11th-best inside linebacker … three-year starter for the Knights … as a sophomore starting in the Southern Section Division III championship game, recorded 22 tackles in a loss to Dominguez H.S. … father, Mike, played at USC and was a long snapper for the L.A. Rams in the NFL … high school teammate of fellow incoming freshman Dayne Crist … numerous notable alumni from Notre Dame High School include actresses Rachel Bilson and Kirsten Dunst, University of Pittsburgh head basketball coach Jamie Dixon and current NFL players Justin Fargas and Nick Folk … played for coach Kevin Rooney … born Oct. 18, 1989 … son of Mike and Cathy McDonald.

 NEWMAN, BRANDON

DL – 6-1 – 305 – Louisville, KY (Pleasure Ridge Park)

Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … one of 11 players from Kentucky named to the 2007 All-Southern Team by the Orlando Sentinel … selected as a first-team all-state performer by the Kentucky Associated Press following his senior year … received second-team all-state honors following junior season from the Associated Press … named a second-team all-state selection following his junior and senior seasons by the Louisville Courier-Journal … selected to the Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 team as the 89th-best prospect in the region and eighth-best defensive tackle in the southeast … rated the second-best player in Kentucky by Rivals.com and the 22nd-best defensive tackle in the nation … ranked by Scout.com as the 16th-best defensive tackle in the country and the third-best player in Kentucky … despite recorded 41 tackles and three sacks as a senior … placed on the preseason Tremendous 26 team, as selected by Kentucky high school coaches, prior to his senior season … posted 68 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three blocked extra points and one blocked punt as a junior … totaled 126 tackles in his high school career, including 31.5 tackles for loss … played for coach Chris Wolfe at Pleasure Ridge Park … born Feb. 15, 1990 … son of Lance Newman Sr.

 POSLUSZNY, DAVID

LB – 6-2 – 214 – Aliquippa, PA (Hopewell)

Named second-team all-state by the Pennsylvania Associated Press for Class AAA in 2007 … ranked by Rivals.com as the 22nd-best player in Pennsylvania and the 34th-best outside linebacker in the nation … rated by Scout.com as the 30th-best weakside linebacker in the country and the 36th-best prospect from Pennsylvania … named to the Pennsylvania preseason all-state football team in 2007 by SPORTSfever Magazine … received honorable mention accolades on the 2007 all-WesternPAFootball.net big school team (Class AAA-Class AAAA) … totaled 38 tackles and one sack as a senior … missed the final eight games of his junior season with a shoulder injury and missed three games during his senior campaign because of a concussion … older brother, Paul, played at Penn State and now plays for the Buffalo Bills … played for coach Dave Vestal at Hopewell … besides his brother, Paul, another Hopewell product to reach the NFL is Tony Dorsett … born Sept. 21, 1989 … son of Paul and Jacqueline Posluszny.

 ROBINSON, TREVOR

OL – 6-5 – 304 – Elkhorn, NE (Elkhorn)

Picked to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named first-team All-American by USA Today … selected to the EA Sports All-America second team … received first-team all-state accolades from the Associated Press as a junior and senior … named first-team Super State by the Lincoln Journal Star following junior and senior seasons … placed on Class B all-state team as a junior and senior and was tabbed co-honorary captain of both those squads … selected to the all-area team by the Omaha World-Herald after his junior and senior campaigns … Rivals.com ranked him the 37th-best player in the nation, second-best player in Nebraska and the No. 1 offensive guard in the country … rated the 67th-best prospect by Tom Lemming and CSTV … considered by Scout.com to be the second-best player in Nebraska and the sixth-best offensive guard in the nation … as a senior, helped lead the Antlers to an undefeated regular season and the quarterfinals of the state playoffs before losing to the eventual state champions … high school team finished the season ranked No. 3 in Class B with a 10-1 record … helped his high school average 265 rushing yards per game and blocked for a quarterback who threw for 1,594 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior … also played on the defensive line during final season and totaled 58 tackles, two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and one blocked punt … totaled 61 tackles including 14 tackles for loss and six sacks during junior year … as a junior, helped lead team to the playoffs where they lost in the state championship to finish … team finished his junior year with a 12-1 record and ranked second in the state … started as a sophomore on a team that lost in the quarterfinals of the playoffs … also played defense as a sophomore and totaled 51 tackles that year … graduated in December from high school and enrolled at Notre Dame in January … played for coach Mark Wortman in high school … born May 16, 1990 … son of Wade and Vicki Robinson.

 RUDOLPH, KYLE

TE – 6-7 – 235 – Cincinnati, OH (Elder)

Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio … named first-team All-American by USA Today after totaling 37 catches for 673 yards (18.2 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns as a senior … placed on the Scout.com All-America first team … lone tight end among the 11 finalists for the high school Maxwell Award … one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team … named the second-best player and top tight end in the Detroit Free Press’ Best of the Midwest Top 20 list … considered the No. 1 tight end in the recruiting class by Tom Lemming/CSTV, Rivals.com and Scout.com … rated by Lemming/CSTV and Rivals.com as the 20th-best prospect in the nation … ranked 21st in the country and No. 2 in Ohio by Scout.com … considered the 23rd-best player by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … No. 105 on the ESPN 150 list … received first-team all-Southwest Ohio as a senior after being named second team as a junior … named second-team all-state by the Associated Press following his senior year … caught four passes for 57 yards including two touchdowns to help Elder defeat Charlotte (N.C.) Independence, 41-34 in overtime, to end Independence’s 109-game winning streak (at the time, Independence was ranked No. 3 in the nation) … gained 111 yards receiving and a touchdown to help the Panthers knock off Moeller … caught five passes for 120 yards and three touchdowns in Elder’s 49-34 victory over Cleveland Benedictine … helped lead team to the playoffs where they lost in the first round to the eventual state champions … as a junior, caught 30 passes for 400 yards and seven touchdowns en route to earning first-team all-city and all-conference honors … an accomplished basketball player who plays center for his high school team and was the conference player of the year and all-Southwest Ohio in 2007 … is the second-leading scorer in school history and earlier this season became just the second Panther to surpass 1,000 career points … set the school record for most career rebounds when he corralled his 568th rebound on Jan. 11 … against Moeller (No. 1 in Ohio, No. 9 in the nation) on Jan. 25, scored 25 of Elder’s 52 points as the Panthers almost upset the top-ranked team in Ohio, 58-52 … played for coach Doug Ramsey at Elder … born Nov. 9, 1989 … son of Dan and Jamie Rudolph.

 SLAUGHTER, JAMORIS

DB – 6-1 – 180 – Tucker, GA (Tucker)

Invited to play in the Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando … named first-team all-state by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution following his senior year … one of just six safeties named to Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 list … named first-team all-state for Class AAAA by the Georgia Sports Writers Association … chosen to the Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 where he was the ninth-ranked defensive back and the 53rd-ranked player on the list … rated the 86th-best player on the ESPN 150 list … considered by Rivals.com as the 13th-best safety in the country and the 14th-best player in Georgia … ranked the 11th-best player in Georgia and the 11th-best safety in the nation by Scout.com … helped lead the Tigers to the Class AAAA state semifinals before losing to the eventual state champions … finished the season with a 13-1 record and ranked No. 2 in the state … won region 6 as a senior with a 10-0 record and was member of a defense that allowed only six points per game (best in Class AAAA) and pitched seven shutouts … credited with 56 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass break ups during senior season … totaled 66 tackles, four interceptions and three forced fumbles as a junior … recipient of the Bob Basket Award at Tucker’s end of season awards ceremony … also runs track and has personal bests of 10.9 in the 100-meter dash and 49.0 in the 400 meters … played for coach Franklin Stephens at Tucker … born Dec. 22, 1989 … son of Debbie Garrett.

 WALKER, DEION

WR – 6-3 – 185 – Christchurch, VA (Christchurch)

Participated in the Under Armour All-American Game in Orlando … considered the 22nd-best player in the nation and the third-best wide receiver prospect in the country by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com … rated the 76th-best player by Tom Lemming and CSTV and the 14th-best wide receiver … touted by SuperPrep as the seventh-best wide receiver in the nation and the third-best player in Virginia … ranked the 58th-best prospect by Scout.com as well as the 11th-best wide receiver in the nation and the second-best player in Virginia by the internet recruiting website … Rivals.com lists him as the seventh-best player in Virginia and 25th-best wide receiver in the country … posted 15 catches for 230 yards and two touchdowns in ’07 at Christchurch High School despite injury hampering senior campaign … named first-team all-state and first-team all-conference following junior season … as a junior, helped lead the Fighting Seahorses to a 7-2 record and appearance in the VISFA division II state championship game where they lost to Saint Anne’s – Belfield School … in the 2006 state semifinal, helped Christchurch snap Liberty Christian Academy’s 34-game winning streak as he caught three passes for 130 yards and one touchdown while intercepting three passes to preserve the 10-7 victory … totaled 733 yards on 50 receptions with seven touchdowns as a junior … attended the Asheville (N.C.) School as a sophomore and played quarterback … passed for 1,800 yards as a sophomore … played for coach Ed Homer at Christchurch … named after former NFL player, Deion Sanders … his father, Art, is the offensive coordinator on the football team at Christchurch … became just the second student in the last 16 years to receive a scholarship to a football bowl subdivision university (J’Courtney Williams, University of Virginia, 2007) … also plays basketball for the Fighting Seahorses where he’s helped them to a 15-5 record so far in 2007-08 … as a junior, the basketball team were Virginia Prep League regular season runners-up but won the Prep League Tournament and made it to the state semifinals … named to the Virginia Prep League Tournament all-tournament team as a junior … notable alumni of the college prep boarding school Walker attended include two Pulitizer Prize-winning authors (William Styron and Lewis Burwell Puller, Jr.) and the attorney general of Virginia … born Feb. 26, 1989 … son of Arthur and Bethany Walker.

 WILLIAMS, HAFIS

DL – 6-4 – 295 – Elizabeth, NJ (Elizabeth)

Earned first-team all-state recognition on the offensive line from the New Jersey Associated Press following senior year … four-year starter who tallied 78 tackles in his senior year despite facing constant double and triple-teaming … rated by Rivals.com as the ninth-best player in New Jersey and the 35th-best defensive tackle in the nation … ranked the ninth-best player in the Garden State by Scout.com and the 38th-best defensive tackle in the country … selected the ninth-best player in New Jersey by SuperPrep … named a Rivals.com junior All-American following his third season in which he totaled 106 tackles and six sacks … also played offensive line and was named first-team all-conference there following his senior year … member of a state championship team as a junior and the defense he was part of pitched five shutouts … defeated Phillipsburg H.S., 14-9, to help the Minutemen claim the 2006 North II, Group IV state sectional championship … played for coach Chet Parlavecchio at Elizabeth High School … born Feb. 6, 1989.