Earlier this week we had Texas Tech Coach Mike Leach pulling a kicker out of the stands and slapping a uniform number on him. Now Notre Dame, plagued by ghastly kicking performances this season, has turned to a former high school soccer player for help against Washington this Saturday.
(Brandon Walker’s epic suck has ND desperate as ever)
David Ruffer didn’t kick in high school and only played soccer for one season. But after trying out this week during an ND practice, he’s landed a spot on the travel roster to Washington this Saturday.
Ruffer had contacted the Irish coaches about walking on before. And recently Notre Dame’s special teams coach went and scouted Ruffer at an intramurals game on campus. He came away impressed and invited Ruffer to try out this week.
NW INDIANA TIMES excerpt:
“You’ve never seen the kid before in your life. Maybe a couple of kids know him from campus. All of a sudden the kid hits a 25-yarder, then it’s a 35-yarder, then it’s a 45-yarder and you’re looking, saying, ‘Where has this kid been?’”
Does the whole thing sound a little bizarre? Yeah, almost as bizarre as Notre Dame hiring a head coach who never played college football. Could you imagine that?
8:33 pm on October 24th, 2008
With ND playing Washington this week, Ruffer should get plenty of practice kicking extra points.
8:36 pm on October 24th, 2008
Wouldn't it be great if Washington's only win this year came against Notre Dame tomorrow. That would be classic.
8:37 pm on October 24th, 2008
Has Charlie Weis thought about signing up Kathy Ireland? She did such a great kicking job in "Necessary Roughness".
8:40 pm on October 24th, 2008
Notre Dame and Texas Tech should join the CFL. At least a missed FG can score you a single-point rouge.
8:43 pm on October 24th, 2008
I remember an old Disney movie about a field-goal kicking mule. Dick Butkus was in it, as was Tom Bosley, so you know it's good. Maybe ND should give him a try.
8:45 pm on October 24th, 2008
All this talk about kicking woes, and no one's brought up the sad legacy of Florida State. Wide Right I, II & III, anyone?
9:14 pm on October 24th, 2008
Rod:
That won't work, since there's already a big ass on the Irish sidelines.
9:18 pm on October 24th, 2008
BA-ZING!