Wonder Boys

By Davin Edwards

Another outstanding win for the Fighting Irish, and the Notre Dame football team has become eligible for a BCS Bowl. Looking towards getting into the Fiesta Bowl in January, ranked #8 in BCS standings, Notre Dame is on fire, and no other team is capable of putting out their flame. There are many stars on this team, but there are few who stand out among the winning roster, encompassing incredible, dynamic, power.

Having an enviable record-breaking career, quarterback Brady Quinn seems invincible, and has rapidly risen to the ranks of being a top contender for this year’s Heisman Trophy, and almost a guarantee for next year’s Heisman, as well as this year’s Davey O’Brien Award. He joins the elite group among the top spots that include Matt Leinart, USC quarterback, and Vince Young, Texas quarterback. A group of athletes that at times seem better then the NFL professionals. To be included in such a prestigious group, Brady Quinn, the barely known quarterback last year, has erupted into gaining massive attention this year.

What has added to the change, we all know the answer, coach Charlie Weis. There has not been a quarterback out of Notre Dame since Joe Montana that has gained such recognition for his outstanding performance. Quinn who looks more like a model, stands 6’4 with a rippling abdomen, could easily grace the pages of GQ or Esquire. Instead, this impeccable athlete is getting roughed up every Saturday as he goes out onto the field for almost four hours a game, never once slowing down in speed.

Brady Quinn is not alone on this magnificent winning team, as his teammate wide receiver Jeff Samardzija, is his number one man to throw to every week. Samardzija plays football like a professional; he also throws balls like a professional as a pitcher on the Notre Dame baseball team, playing both sports equally. Multi-dimensional, this talented young athlete who stands 6’5 with a candescent smile on his face that never fades, has a bright future ahead of him. Unlike most people, he is lucky that way, and can either pursue a dream in football, baseball, or something else, Samardzija will always stand out among a crowd.

A well-turned out young man, who’s nickname is “shark,” Samardzija is very close with his family, and is a top contender for this year’s Biletnikoff Award for outstanding wide receiver. Breaking school records for touchdowns just this season, Samardzija will also be considered a top draft pick if he decides to go that way after college. And he will be sadly missed if he does not pursue a career in football; the NFL needs an athlete of his depth, his passion, and his conviction.

Then there is defensive back Tom Zbikowski, who is a more handsome version of actor Josh Hartnett. 6’0 Zbikowski is majoring in sociology and computer applications, and is one of Notre Dame’s football teams most relied on and sought after players. The defense would be lost without his impeccable guidance, his innate ability to make winning touchdowns from a single kick-off. He always finds his man, giving Notre Dame the edge, making other team’s offense scramble under pressure. Zbikowski will definitely be on every coach’s list when he places himself in the draft, but he is also interestingly interested in pursing a career in the secret service or CIA.

And who knows, maybe all three of these star athletes will make it onto the same NFL team? We can only hope. We can only dream. We can only wait and watch these juniors, what a powerhouse team that would be. First up, the BCS Bowl, and from there, who knows…there is nothing out of these Fighting Irish Wonder Boy’s reach?

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