Drue Tranquill: "I just love this team and University"

Notre Dame linebacker Drue Tranquill decided to return to for a fifth-year in December and will continue his legacy as a captain for another year. 

The Fort Wayne (Ind.) native was named a captain along with offensive lineman Sam Mustipher and punter Tyler Newsome on Tuesday. 

“Being elected captain last year and this year is the biggest honor of my life,” Tranquill said on Tuesday. “To be viewed like that by your teammates speaks a lot and humbles me. It makes me feel really good.

“With that comes a lot of responsibility. It’s a lot of work, and I saw that last year. I’m excited to take on this challenge with Tyler and Sam. We’re honored to represent our team and Notre Dame.” 

The 23rd two-time captain in Notre Dame history wants to increase his command, and it all starts with the valuable experience he gained in 2017.

“Having gone through it last year, I’ll understand what captainship entails and what is expected out of me,” explained Tranquill. “With that experience and knowledge, I’ll be able to expand my leadership a little bit more and help in other areas.” 

The 6-foot-2, 233-pounder always had the respect of his teammates as he has built relationships through his four years in the program. 

Tranquill will turn his focus to learning about the early enrollees and the incoming 2018 recruiting class over the next few months.

“I’d say my leadership style is relational,” Tranquill said. “I like to get to know guys one-on-one. I’m a vocal guy on the field, but I’m not a guy that’s going to get in your face. I’m continuing to build relationships and welcoming in our new guys and the new freshmen coming in. I’ll get to know the guys to know what makes them tick and what gets them going.” 

The chance to return to Notre Dame was something Tranquill didn't make quickly. 

In 2018, Tranquill recorded 85 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks from his rover position, but the chance to play Buck was a major selling point in his decision.

“When I really looked at it in terms of pursuing my dreams of playing in the NFL, the position I was going to play, I hadn’t really played at Notre Dame,” Tranquill explained. “Coach (Clark) Lea and his leadership, the ability to play underneath him, I thought to come back and play weakside linebacker and to develop another year under him was going to be huge for my game.

“I just love this team and University. There’s just something special about college football. You can’t put your finger on it until you’ve experienced and played in it. I knew in my heart I wanted to be part of this thing one more year and finish what we started.” 

It’s going to be a long road to get to the College Football Playoff, but that’s the goal and Tranquill believes the Irish are off to a great start. 

“There’s a lot of energy and great effort,” said Tranquill. “We expect it on day one, but it felt like we didn’t lose a step and picked up right where we left off at the Citrus Bowl. 

“To see the guys hungry to build and get this thing going for 2018 was good.”