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Walker's star is on the rise

Hard work has made sophomore into a solid all-around running back

Image: Darius WalkerAP file
A top-notch runner, Notre Dame tailback Darius Walker has become much more valuable to the Irish given his improvement as a blocker and a receiver, writes Pat Haden of NBCSports.com.

Help from the boys up front
The word "vision" is maybe overused when talking about running backs, but Walker see things particularly well. He really is a patient runner, and received a compliment from Weis on his patience after the win over Washington. Walker looks like he is kind of cruising in second gear, and then boom he sees a hole and he is into third and fourth gear.

I think the offensive line has done a much better job of opening holes than it did a year ago.  In fact, I think the offensive line has been collectively the unsung hero of Notre Dame's success this season. These are the same guys who held these positions last year, but they are playing much better.

And for the most part, Irish quarterback Brady Quinn is getting superb pass protection. It seems like he's getting all day to find an open receiver and throw the ball. So to me the offensive line has done a great job in blocking for both the pass and the run game.

Looking to wake up the echoes
Notre Dame linebacker Corey Mays has said the Irish are just trying to show the country who they are as a team, and with three wins in its first four games, Notre Dame has caught the attention of many around college football.

I feel Notre Dame is reflective of its coach, and because of that the Irish are a mentally tough team. Irish opponents are going to find Notre Dame playing tough for four quarters. And because of their mental toughness the Irish are going to win their share of close games.

It should just get better for the Irish as the season goes along as I think Notre Dame as a team, and Walker as a running back, are going to continue to improve.

© 2012 MSNBC Interactive


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