McDaniel, Okotcha taking their talents to South Bend

By Abby Drake Staff Writer Rarely do high schools get the chance to send football players to Notre Dame, but Coppell High School is sending two. Senior running back Cam McDaniel and senior cornerback Bennett Okotcha orally committed to play football for the Fighting Irish. Over 10 universities had their eye on McDaniel and Okotcha, but both decided that Notre Dame is the best school for their education, football and future. “Throughout the recruiting process I went to camps and visited schools, just waiting for the right school to come along,” McDaniel said. “Notre Dame was right for me because when it comes to football everyone knows what the football program is all about and…

Conference Tournaments: Big East

By Peter Sblendorio Number One Seed: Syracuse is a sure bet for a One seed in the 65 team tournament this March, and their place in the Big East Tournament will likely have no effect on that. Syracuse has arguably the most depth in the conference, and their low post game with Arinze Onuaku and Rich Jackson emerging has really taken off. Despite this, the fate of the Orange in the Big East Tournament likely lies with forwards Wes Johnson and Andy Rautins, who have been Syracuse’s most consistent performers so far. Bubble Teams: Villanova has been among the top ranked teams all year and Scottie Reynolds has the talent to push the Wildcats to…

Notre Dame hopes new coach Kelly has the luck of the irish

By Andy Tabor Recently, Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana hired Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly to be the successor to previous coach Charlie Weis.  Kelly has been very successful this season at the helm of Cincinnati University, as they went undefeated and earned a spot in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Florida. Kelly, a former college linebacker, has had lead his team to a 34-6 record and two big east championships in a row.  This season the Bearcats had one of the most prolific offensive attacks of the year.  With talented quarterback Tony Pike and multi-versatile receiver/returner Mardy Gilyard, the Bearcats were as exciting as they were affective. Notre Dame only signed Kelly to a…