Welcome to the final edition of Wu Am I? for the 2009 season. Once again- I am trying to identify the 36 players of impact for the 2009 squad. So without any further bullshit, I open chambers 35 & 36…
Trevor Robinson #78
Offensive Guard
6’5″ 305 lbs.
Sophomore
Elkhorn, Nebraska
Wu Name: Tha Flailing Fanatical Killah
In what was arguably the nations number one recruiting class of 2008, Trevor Robinson stood out. We all knew he would become a very good player- early. In what was a hotly battled recruiting war with home state Nebraska, Notre Dame overcame the Tom Osbourne influence, as they picked up a commitment from Trevor in mid-December of 2007. Robinson played in 11 games, while starting 3 of them as well. Trevor is only the fifth ND freshman to ever start at Notre Dame. He also became the catalyst of Chris Stewart. If Stewart wasn’t playing very well, in would come Robinson- and then Stewart would come back in and kill somebody. It was frustrating at times, because Trevor looked like our best lineman and he only played half of the time.
Robinson is partaking in a completely different role this year, as he sits atop the depth chart at right guard. Time will tell if the off-season changes involving Dan Wenger, Eric Olsen, Chris Stewart, and Robinson produce the results Irish fans are looking for- but it’s a step in the right direction. They said/ we want the 5 best players along the offensive line, and Trevor certainly fits that part. I expect exceeded expectations- so should Trevor.
Scott Smith #41
Linebacker
6’3″ 245 lbs.
Senior (5th)
Highland Park, Illinois
Wu Name: Half-Cut Skeleton
Scott was one of those many 3 star prospects that made up the incoming class of 2005, so its easy to see how he has gotten lost in the shuffle of mediocrity. The Irish secured a commitment from Scott after he turned down Michigan State, UCLA, and Purdue. During his time at Notre Dame, Scott has become a special teams warrior. Sure, he has been a reserve linebacker during his tenure, but his niche has been his willingness to hurdle his body at fast speeds on the different return and kick units. His unselfishness and determination has won over the hearts of the team and the staff.
Scott was not originally on this list. He wasn’t even on my list of notable players- not on this list. However, a last minute tweak was in order after his teammates voted him as the Special Teams Captain over fan favorite, and Wu Am I member- Mike Anello. What should we expect from Scott this year? More of the same grit, but perhaps with a little more fire after his rise to a leadership position. He has proved himself to be a leader, and special teams specialists should be as respected as any other position. Sweet justice for Scott would be a game changing play (forced fumble, game-changing hit, etc.) perhaps in one of the biggest games of the year on October 17th. I think he is dreaming of this- as we all are and should be.
(Editors Note: Look for the “It’s Wu-Wrap”, an overview of the Wu Am I series coming later this week.)
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