Looking Back: Class of 2003 Part 1

The 2003 recruiting class for Notre Dame was one of the best this decade. After Notre Dame won 10 games in Ty Willingham's first year, the recruits flocked to Notre Dame. Many of these players are in the pros or are about to be drafted in the 2008 NFL Draft. This class led Notre Dame to two BCS Bowl games. This class was one of the most productive since Lou Holtz left.

Victor Abiamiri/DE/*****: Victor Abiamiri was one of the most dominant defensive ends in recent Notre Dame history. He improved every year and was the anchor of the Notre Dame defensive line in Weis' first two years. He had 18.5 sacks and 91 tackles in his last two years. Abiamiri was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2nd round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He had 7 tackles and 2 quarterback hurries. Abiamiri has been stuck behind Trent Cole, Juqua Thomas, and Jevon Kearse. He was also being recruited by Maryland, Miami, Michigan, North Carolina, and Stanford.

Chase Anastasio/WR/***: Anastasio was a rarely used receiver for Notre Dame. Most of his action came on special teams. He had 3 catches in four years for Notre Dame and gained 36 yards. He turned down an opportunity to play a fifth year at Notre Dame in 2007, ending his football career. He was the #21 ranked wide receiver for 2003 and was being recruited by Ohio State, Stanford, Virginia, and Virginia Tech.

Nick Borseti/LB/***: Borseti, like Anastasio, never really amounted to anything at Notre Dame. He only had 26 tackles for Notre Dame and never started a game. He was the 58th ranked middle linebacker and was being recruited by Penn State, Syracuse, Virginia, and Boston College.

Joe Brockington/LB/***: Brockington became a major contributor in 2007 in his fifth year for Notre Dame. He made the transition to inside linebacker almost seamlessly, recording 56 tackles and one sack. He had 3 more tackles in 2006, but it is mentionable that he played a different position in 2007 yet experienced almost no dropoff like the majority of the rest of the team. He was not invited to the NFL Combine, but he still could be drafted this coming April. He was also being recruited by Boston College, Georgia Tech, Maryland, and Michigan.

John Carlson/TE/***: Carlson has been a big-time performer for the Irish since Anthony Fasano's departure after the 2005 season. He caught 87 passes for 1006 yards and 7 touchdowns over the last two years. He led Notre Dame in receptions last year and was Clausen's preferred target. Carlson will be drafted in the middle of the 2008 NFL Draft, and he was also being recruited by Minnesota and Stanford.

Isaiah Gardner/CB/***: Gardner is the biggest no-name on this list. He transferred to Maryland after one year at Notre Dame and recorded 147 tackles and 3 interceptions for the Terps. He was also being recruited by Oklahoma, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Michigan, and Michigan State.

Check back later for future parts...