Brian Kelly

NEW YORK -   Former University of Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.  Floyd is the highest-drafted player from Notre Dame since defensive tackle Bryant Young was the seventh-overall selection by San Francisco in the 1994 draft. Floyd is the first Notre Damewide receiver to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since Tim Brown in 1988 (sixth overall by Oakland) and is the earliest an offensive player from Notre Dame has been drafted since quarterback Rick Mirer and running back Jerome Bettis were selected with the second and 10 th  picks, respectively, of the 1993 draft by Seattle and the Los Angeles Rams.

ORLANDO - Regardless of how this game plays out on Thursday, one thing cannot be denied: The Notre Dame players and coaches alike have had a fantastic time down here. And on the eve of the bowl game, Irish coach Brian Kelly was quick to reiterate, for bowl season there is no place like here in Orlando. "I've been fortunate enough to be part of six consecutive bowl games," Kelly said. "And the Orange Bowl and the Sugar Bowl. And if you can't be playing for a BCS, come to the Champs Sports Bowl.

Women's football is coming back to Notre Dame. Irish coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui will serve as the hosts at the second-annual "Football 101" event on June 14 at Notre Dame. The event will run from 5-10 p.m. Minimum age is 21. Football 101 will give women a tutorial on the basics of football, allow them to meet the Irish coaching staff, learn more about the Notre Dame football program, get a behind-the-scenes look at the program's athletic facilities, and enjoy a reception with food provided by some of Michiana's best restaurants.

When the dust settles, there may be only two undefeated teams left to play for the national championship.  In fact, there may be fewer than that.  But as it stands right now there are three, and Notre Dame appears to be on the outside looking in.  I never thought I'd see the day where an undefeated Irish team would be on the outskirts, but that's another column, (and hopefully not for another day). Brian Kelly's done a fantastic job of keeping his team grounded and focused throughout all the speculating and projecting of the past few weeks.  However, it's time for him to do more.

Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd is back working out with his Irish teammates, although he's not yet back on the team. “Michael has made steady progress towards modifying his behavior and he may participate in the voluntary workouts being conducted by his teammates as well as the summer strength and conditioning program, if he so chooses," head coach Brian Kelly said. "However, Michael still has steps to take before he can be considered for reinstatement to our football team.

Sophomore QB Andrew Hendrix made the most triumphant debut for a Notre Dame QB since Ron Powlus' four-touchdown arrival in 1994. Before we go anointing Hendrix with two Heismans…let's not forget he's NOT the starter, and barring something unforeseen, he WON'T be at any point this season. But he absolutely should be a part of Notre Dame's game plan for the final six games. Hendrix has, what Tommy Rees doesn't: Speed. And speed kills in college football.  He was averaging 7 yards per carry BEFORE that 78 yard run raised the average to ridiculous!

Navy starting QB Kriss Proctor will not play against Notre Dame this Saturday.  Proctor injured his elbow during the 2nd quarter of Navy's loss to East Carolina last Saturday. Navy radio play-by-play announcer Bob Socci broke the news tonight on WSBT Radio AM960's Weekday Sportsbeat . Shortly after, Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo confirmed the news. "Kriss has literally left his body on the field for this team," Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said on the university's website.

NOTRE DAME - Gunner Kiel has a chance to be the starting quarterback at Notre Dame.  But day one of spring practice is all about baby steps for the Irish freshman. "For him it's just understanding the language", Brian Kelly said when asked of his impressions of Kiel's first day.  "Right now that's a bit overwhelming for him.  But when we can get him comfortable, he's got all the tools". That much was evident to players and coaches alike.  Kiel spent most of day one participating in individual drills, while his more experienced teammates Tommy Rees and Andrew Hendrix split the first team reps and Everett Golson worked with the 2nd team offense.

The first mention of the quasi-historic wrinkle to Notre Dame football’s annual Blue-Gold Game isn’t unveiled until the third paragraph of the press release, but it’s worth the wait. For the first time in the 83-year history of ND’s intrasquad spring-practice capper, the game will be televised nationally. The Versus network will telecast the game live on April 16, beginning at 2 p.m. EDT. Additionally, Versus will rebroadcast three Irish classics on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. -- the 1992 Penn State game, since dubbed "The Snow Bowl" (5 p.m. EDT)

For the third year, Notre Dame is helping fight breast cancer with football. Hundreds of women came to campus to learn more about the game while raising money for the Kelly Cares Foundation. Nearly 600 women took to the gridiron at Notre Dame to learn the X and Os of football from the experts. All with the goal of tackling breast cancer. The event allowed women to run several football drills led by Irish coaches and players. But more so to bring together those affected by breast cancer.