Irish senior linebacker Joe Schmidt received Notre Dame’s MVP award during Friday’s annual team banquet at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center on campus.
Schmidt racked up 65 tackles — which led the team — before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Navy on Nov. 1. The Irish players voted on Notre Dame’s team awards.
Other award winners:
- Offensive Player of the Year: sophomore receiver Will Fuller
- Defensive Player of the Year: sophomore linebacker Jaylon Smith
- Nick Pietrosante Award (given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and pride of the late Irish fullback): Cam McDaniel
- Lineman of the Year: junior defensive lineman Sheldon Day
- Guardian of the Year: junior left tackle Ronnie Stanley
- Next Man In Award: graduate student defensive lineman Justin Utupo
- Offensive Newcomer of the Year Award: sophomore receiver Torii Hunter Jr.
- Defensive Newcomer of the Year Award: freshman safety Drue Tranquill
- Special Teams Player of the Year: junior receiver C.J. Prosise
- Rockne Student-Athlete Award: sophomore receiver Corey Robinson
- Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year: graduate student running back Tyler Plantz
- Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year: sophomore linebacker Austin Larkin
- Irish Around the Bend Award: senior kicker/punter Kyle Brindza
- Father Lange Iron Cross Award: graduate student offensive lineman Christian Lombard
- Play of the Year: senior tight end Ben Koyack’s game-winning TD grab against Stanford