Kyle McCarthy, SS

Irish coaches didn't have to worry about McCarthy missing his assignment as the team's last line of defense, even if the rest of the unit was more miss than hit. In fact, he led the team in tackles playing the strong and free safety positions in 2008 (115, 64 solo) and 2009 (101, 66 solo) -- that's a never a good sign for a defense.

McCarthy's underrated athleticism allowed him to succeed at a high level in football and baseball at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, including all-state recognition at quarterback and receiver. It took some time to get on the field, though, after he arrived in South Bend due to a full depth chart. After sitting out his first season and contributing on special teams in 2006, he earned more time on defense (20 tackles, one start) in 2007 before getting his chance to shine as a junior.

In addition to being a tackling machine, McCarthy was credited with five interceptions and pass breakups as a senior, always seeming to be in the right place at the right time. Adding those ball skills to his strength against the run, leadership, intelligence and underrated Combine workout (4.58 40, 6.74 three cone) means McCarthy could be drafted in the mid-to-late rounds..

Read & React: Always around the ball because he knows teams' tendencies and reacts to what he sees from the quarterback and receivers very quickly. Has enough speed to get to the sideline from just outside the hash, but not much further.

Man Coverage: Mirrors most tight ends and running backs into the flat and knows the correct angle to bring them down without much quick-twitch movement. Lining up against pro receivers in the slot will be very difficult for him, as his change of direction and plant and drive abilities are average, at best.

Zone Coverage: Finds an underneath receiver in zone, rarely gives up yards after the catch due to his proximity to the ball and strength. Baits quarterbacks into throwing passes he can undercut for interceptions. Good hands in the secondary to make QBs pay for mistakes on under- or over-throws. Bites on play-action and freelances, heading to the opposite side of the field and leaving his corner on an island.

Closing/Recovery: Does not have elite closing speed or a great burst to the ball, but his instincts allow him to swallow up quick screens and get to balls down the field. Has a nose for the ball in the air, though. Once behind a NFL receiver, he will struggle to recover to get back into the play.

Run Support: Willing and able to attack the line, although he does not make many plays behind the line of scrimmage. Can make the occasional big hit but is usually a catch-and-drag tackler. Does not take on blocks in the box well, but is willing to penetrate into the backfield to create a pile in short-yardage situations.

Tackling: Secure wrap up tackler with thick arms, usually tracks down running back if he gets through the line on his side of the field. Strong cut tackler in space, takes out legs in a hurry. Drops his hips in the open field, only allowing elusive backs to get by him when he drops his head. More want-to than strength against lineman blocks, manages to spin or work off when the ball has past rather than punch and disengage. Hustles to the ball if teammates are beaten.

Intangibles: Team captain. Excellent work ethic in the weight room, film room and practice field. Reliable played who gets through injuries. Grandfather, Jack Mayo, was an Irish baseball captain and played for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Approved for a fifth year by Notre Dame's Faculty Board on Athletics … blossomed into a very dependable and reliable safety in 2008 during his first season as a full-time starter … has appeared in all 38 games over the past three seasons and made 14 career starts for the Irish … key special teams player through his first two seasons and has registered team-best 500 special teams appearances at Notre Dame … tallied 139 career tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, two pass breakups and one forced fumble … set school record for most tackles by a defensive back in a season in 2008 … rated as the 21st-best strong safety in the country by Phil Steele for 2009.

McCarthy led the Fighting Irish with 101 total tackles in 2009. His 240 career tackles ranks second on Notre Dame's all-time list for defensive backs. He is tied for 19th in the nation this season with five interceptions and is the first defensive back in school history to post consecutive 100-plus tackle seasons (110 in 2008, 101 in 2009). The Youngstown, Ohio native is also one of only two players from a BCS school to rank in the top 100 in interceptions, total tackles and solo tackles this season.

Started in all 13 games for the Irish at strong safety … amassed a team-high 110 total tackles becoming the first Notre Dame defensive back to ever eclipse 100 tackles in a single season … recorded three tackles for a loss and also intercepted two passes … set a then career high and also led the team in tackles with 14 (10 solo, 4 assists) in the season opening victory vs. San Diego State … also assisted on a tackle for a loss vs. the Aztecs … notched his second best game in tackles with 10 (seven solo, three assists) in win over Michigan … recorded nine tackles (solo; eight assists) against Michigan State … matched his then career-high in tackles with 14 (seven solo, seven assist) against Stanford … also intercepted a ball (second of career) and recorded a tackle for a loss vs. the Cardinal … registered a career-high 15 tackles (seven solo; eight assists), including two stops for a loss against Pittsburgh … recorded eight tackles (five solo; three assists) while helping limit Boston College to just 3-of-14 on third down conversions … started for the tenth time in his career vs. the Eagles … recorded seven tackles (four solo; three assists), eclipsing 100 tackles on the season against USC … intercepted a pass vs. the Trojans as well … tallied seven tackles (six solo. Assist) and had a pass break-up in bowl game victory over Hawai'I … logged 324:04 of playing time with 156 special teams appearances.

Saw his playing time nearly double as he became a reliable defender against the run … played in all 12 games and started first game of his career (vs. Navy) … recorded career highs in all categories, totaling 20 tackles and adding one interception, one forced fumble and one pass breakup … credited with two tackles in season opener vs. Georgia Tech … made three solo tackles at Purdue and intercepted first pass vs. Boilermakers at the end of the first half … tallied three tackles vs. USC … started vs. Navy and responded with career-high seven tackles … recorded one tackle, one pass breakup and one forced fumble in home finale vs. Duke … logged 80:26 of playing time and made 177 special teams appearances - third-most on the team (Travis Thomas, 243; Tom Zbikowski, 192).

Saw action in all 13 games for the Irish on special teams … recorded a total of nine tackles (six solo) … logged 87:57 of playing time.

Did not see game action … was named the look team's player of the week for his performance at quarterback in practices leading up to the Navy game.

Graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio … as a senior, rushed 135 times for 1,273 yards and 14 TDs and completed 32 of 74 passes for 557 yards and five TDs at quarterback … on defense in 2004, he had 70 tackles and five interceptions … returned two interceptions for scores at defensive back in 2004, including a record 93-yard return in the state championship game … made 13 punt returns for 240 yards and two TDs in 2004 … was MVP of the 2004 state title game … a 2004 all-state honoree at quarterback, he was an all-conference honoree at receiver in 2003 … named the 2004 Tri-County Player of the Year … helped Cardinal Mooney to Ohio State prep title in 2004 … has a brother Brian who is an `06 Notre Dame graduate … also played baseball, setting a school record with 20 stolen bases in 2004 … as a pitcher, he posted a 3.74 earned-run average and a 7-1 record … coached in football by P.J. Fecko … earned five varsity letters at Cardinal Mooney (three in baseball, two in football).

Full name is Kyle Justin McCarthy … one of four children … born Sept. 30, 1986, in Youngstown, Ohio … enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business majoring in finance … earned 3.133 grade-point average during `06 spring semester.