Decision Day Coming for Several Notre Dame Upperclassmen

Notre Dame will wrap up the regular season on Saturday at Stanford and several Irish players will start to dive into a decision to stay, transfer or head to the NFL Draft. 

Head coach Brian Kelly has admitted conversations with players have already started, including junior Vyper Isaiah Foskey, who could go early in next spring's draft. 

"We've already started that process," said Kelly. "That started about a month ago. We've already met with the family. We weren't waiting as long as we waited with Ronnie (Stanley) on that one." 

The message from Notre Dame is likely similar to what Stanley heard as the staff feels they can boost a borderline first-round pick into a top 10 pick with one more year. 

"It's been more like talking about what's best for me and my family," stated Foskey. "What they can do for me and what I can build upon." 

Junior running back Kyren Williams 
hasn't started his deep dive into the positives and negatives of leaving, but that time is coming very soon. 

"That's something that I really haven't thought about. It might seem cliche, but we still have Stanford to play," explained Williams. "I know I'm never the type of person who thinks far into the future because I give too much power to what I think about.
 
"I try to keep it simple and to what's relevant now and where I'm at presently. It's something I do have to start thinking about. I'll sit down with my family to weigh out the pros and cons to see what's the best decision for me."

Some have felt NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) could potentially keep kids in school another year, but that won't be a factor for Williams. 

"I can't stand NIL," laughed Williams. "I don't really like it. I can't lie to you, but that's me personally because I don't like posting on Social Media. When I have to post a picture with me and some pizza, I'm like, 'C'mon. Do I really have to do this?' I'm just trying to enjoy my pizza. 

"I feel like it's awesome and people getting to understand it a little more, it's going to be beneficial for people in the future that need it." 

Senior cornerback TaRiq Bracy has put together a solid 2021 campaign and he has yet to make a decision. 

Once the season is over, Bracy will meet with his family to figure out his best options. 

"Just talking to my parents and talking to the coaches to see where we stand," Bracy said. "I haven't really made a decision on what I'm going to do next year. I just want to continue to finish out the season and go from there." 

Linebacker Bo Bauer can return for a fifth year, but his future is the furthest thing from his mind.

"It's something I have to consider, but right now, I love my team and my teammates," stated Bauer. "I want to be where my feet are, so I want to focus on being the best teammate I can be and trying to push this team to be its best." 

And yes, Bauer is really living in the present as he has yet to figure out what would be best for his future. 

"Honestly, what's best for me and my family," Bauer said of what will go into his decision. "I have no idea what that is at this time. I'm just happy where I'm at right now." 

Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Josh Lugg will have another year due to COVID and he has started to research the ins and outs of his next move. 

"I do have one more year," explained Lugg. "I've had quite a bit of conversation over the last couple of weeks. I'll make a decision in this next week." 

Lugg's final decision will be well thought out as he's factored in his future and potentially the future of others into it. 

"I think it's a lot of things," said Lugg. "Obviously, it's what can life look like after football. How long am I in the NFL if I'm in the NFL? What do I want to become after that? Where do I want to live? 

"I have another year to help freshmen coming in and younger guys on the team grow, just like how Hunter Bivin helped me when he was a fifth-year and I was a freshman. I think it's a great opportunity to help younger guys understand the standard of Notre Dame and what it means to be a Notre Dame man. 

"Why not use that opportunity to change some lives and not just grow myself, but help grow others being Notre Dame men. This world needs more of them."