bigmarc27
06-13-2006, 04:04 PM
# 20 -- Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
Class: Senior
Hometown: Valparaiso, IN
High School: Valparaiso
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 216
Position: Wide Receiver
Birthdate: 01/23/1985
Career Stats:
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2003 7 53 7.6 19 0
2004 17 274 16.1 41 0
2005 77 1249 16.2 80 15
Who is he:
Possibly the biggest surpise under the new ND regime, was the emergence of this lanky WR. Samardzija, after having a total of 24 catches in his first 2 years, took well to the new scheme and had a team high 77 receptions in 2005. A favorite target of QB Brady Quinn, Samardzija found ways to get open in Weis' scheme and proved to be a difference maker the irish had been lacking under Willingham. Samardzija became one of the top threats in the nation, locking in over 1200 yards and 15 total TDs and he now looks to come back for his senior year and try to improve upon his break-out campaign in '04. He's also a first round candidate in the '07 draft, if he decides for NFL glory over the MLB.
Notes:
First Team All-American
Second team Walter Camp selection
Bilitnekoff award finalist
What to Expect in ’06:
Even though he's tall, Samardzija doesn't look to be a physical specimen out there at WR. He does, however, have an incredible knack for getting open and does well with getting seperation from defenders. I would expect another big year for the Irish on offense and if they have any hopes of a National title, the Quinn/Samardzija connection needs to at least match the '05 totals. Smart routes and good hands make Samardzija another candidate for big stats on a top offense this upcoming year.
Projection: 80 receptions, 1300 yards, 14 TDs
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/football/ncaa/specials/bowls/2005/12/29/marquee.fiesta/t1_samard_si.jpg
Class: Senior
Hometown: Valparaiso, IN
High School: Valparaiso
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 216
Position: Wide Receiver
Birthdate: 01/23/1985
Career Stats:
YEAR REC YDS AVG LNG TD
2003 7 53 7.6 19 0
2004 17 274 16.1 41 0
2005 77 1249 16.2 80 15
Who is he:
Possibly the biggest surpise under the new ND regime, was the emergence of this lanky WR. Samardzija, after having a total of 24 catches in his first 2 years, took well to the new scheme and had a team high 77 receptions in 2005. A favorite target of QB Brady Quinn, Samardzija found ways to get open in Weis' scheme and proved to be a difference maker the irish had been lacking under Willingham. Samardzija became one of the top threats in the nation, locking in over 1200 yards and 15 total TDs and he now looks to come back for his senior year and try to improve upon his break-out campaign in '04. He's also a first round candidate in the '07 draft, if he decides for NFL glory over the MLB.
Notes:
First Team All-American
Second team Walter Camp selection
Bilitnekoff award finalist
What to Expect in ’06:
Even though he's tall, Samardzija doesn't look to be a physical specimen out there at WR. He does, however, have an incredible knack for getting open and does well with getting seperation from defenders. I would expect another big year for the Irish on offense and if they have any hopes of a National title, the Quinn/Samardzija connection needs to at least match the '05 totals. Smart routes and good hands make Samardzija another candidate for big stats on a top offense this upcoming year.
Projection: 80 receptions, 1300 yards, 14 TDs
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/football/ncaa/specials/bowls/2005/12/29/marquee.fiesta/t1_samard_si.jpg