PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007: RB Darius Walker -- He rushed for 128 yards in the Sugar Bowl loss to LSU and is the fourth Notre Dame running back to reach 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. He's not a blazer, but he has good vision and usually gets the most out of what is available. Walker, who will be a senior in 2007, rushed for 1,267 yards this season.

WR David Grimes -- The sophomore developed into the third player in Notre Dame's receiver rotation this season, catching 26 passes for 336 yards. He had a 36-yard touchdown reception against Navy and scored on a 24-yard pass against LSU.

CB Terrail Lambert -- The sophomore had a penchant for big plays in 2006, including his go-ahead interception return against Michigan State and returning a blocked field goal for a TD against Air Force. Good things are also expected from Darrin Walls, who played at corner as a true freshman in 2006 and is a speed upgrade in the secondary.

LB Maurice Crum -- The junior led the Irish in tackles with 100, including 10 for loss and four sacks. He played middle 'backer this season, but could shift back to the outside as a senior.

PRO PROSPECTS
QB Brady Quinn -- Could be the first quarterback selected in 2007. Quinn has excelled the past two years in coach Charlie Weis' pro-style system. He has the arm, the height (6-foot-4), the decision-making, the poise and the smarts to make it in the NFL -- and his wheels aren't bad, either.

WR Jeff Samardzija -- He's an amazing athlete at 6-5, 215. The question is whether he'll completely focus on football and give up his professional baseball career as a pitcher. He certainly has the physical tools to make it in the NFL, and he is as good as anybody in college at using his body to shield defenders to make the catch.

OT Ryan Harris -- He's been a four-year starter at LT, and coach Charlie Weis says Harris can play the left side in the NFL. He could be a top-five tackle prospect, but he'll have to show consistency in his offseason workouts. His quick feet are his biggest asset, as he has the tools to hold off pass rushers.

SS Tom Zbikowski -- Has shown a penchant for the big play, both as a defender and as a punt returner. His toughness is unquestioned, as his pro boxing career shows. He is listed as a senior, but does have a year of eligibility remaining, if he wants it.

DE Victor Abiamiri -- Has played in every game in the past four years, but still has room to improve -- which is an encouraging sign. He had 10.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss this season, developing a variety of pass-rushing moves. Size and strength could be a bit better, but scouts like his athleticism and his upside, making him one of the most coveted prospects at DE.

ROSTER REPORT
So, who will be the quarterback in 2007? Super-recruit Jimmy Clausen, from Westlake Village, Calif., is expected to enroll in January and go through spring ball, which should put on equal footing with the three other QBs on the roster. Evan Sharpley, who will be a junior, has been Brady Quinn's backup, but more fans are interested in seeing what 2006 recruits Demetrius Jones and Zach Frazer can do. Jones, if he doesn't win the QB job, needs to be on the field somewhere because of his athleticism. ...

TE John Carlson, who suffered a knee injury in the first half of the Air Force game on Nov. 11, returned for the Sugar Bowl against LSU. He caught one pass for 13 yards, boosting his season total to 47 receptions for 634 yards.

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