Notre Dame’s season-end awards went largely as expected Friday night. Of the 13 honors on which this space offered predictions, nine were correct in some variety. Two of the remaining four were behind-the-scenes recognitions, ones a bit tougher to prognosticate.
As was deserved, senior receiver Chase Claypool headlined the evening, winning the Monogram MVP award.
RELATED READING: Projecting Notre Dame’s Awards Season
By the end of the night, the focus was already on what lies ahead, even beyond the Irish bowl date with Iowa State on Dec. 28. Most notably, fifth-year cornerback Shaun Crawford opened the figurative door to returning for a sixth season. With three years lost to three separate injuries in his career, Crawford will certainly have a strong case for an NCAA waiver granting him the additional season, a process that has already begun, per a report from the South Bend Tribune’s Eric Hansen.
In accepting the Pietrosante Award for leadership and courage, Crawford spoke broadly, though positively. By the end of the weekend, he had sent out a vague tweet, one that logic suggests is looking toward the Camping World Bowl as “1 more,” not all of 2020.
Made a commitment to my faith, family, and teammates. Let’s get 1 more... Go Irish!☘️ pic.twitter.com/BFgnsqRvc0
— Shaun Crawford (@ShaunCrawf20) December 16, 2019
If and when Crawford’s return becomes confirmed, he will shore up a cornerback position that will otherwise be a concern next season, even with a trio of signees expected to officially join the fold this week during the Early Signing Period beginning Wednesday.
Elsewhere, Notre Dame senior long snapper John Shannon won the Mannelly Award, naming him the country’s long snapper of the year. Despite having another season of eligibility available, Shannon will not return in 2020.
“He’s decided that he would like to move on and he already got placement in law enforcement in Evanston, Ill.,” Irish head coach Brian Kelly said Saturday. “Pretty excited about that, he will be moving on to a full-time position in law enforcement.”
Pending 60 minutes in Orlando, Shannon has made 395 snaps in his career, with only one off-target.
JOHN. SHANNON.
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 15, 2019
Our Stanford game ball recipient is the inaugural winner of the @MannellyAward, honoring the top FBS long snapper.#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/OrTvH0ShNs
THE ECHOES AWARDS WINNERS
MVP: ClaypoolOffensive Player of the Year: Ian BookDefensive Player of the Year: Khalid KareemSpecial Teams Player of the Year: Bo BauerImpact Offensive Player: Cole KmetImpact Defensive Player: Alohi GilmanOffensive Newcomer of the Year: Jarrett PattersonDefensive Newcomer(s) of the Year: Drew White, Kyle HamiltonOffensive Lineman of the Year: Robert HainseyDefensive Lineman of the Year: Julian OkwaraNext Man In: Jamir JonesBack of the Year: Tony JonesRockne Student-Athlete: Chris FinkePietrosante Award: Shaun CrawfordFather Lange Iron Cross Award for work in the weight room: Asmar BilalIrish Around the Bend for community service: Jalen ElliottHumble & Hungry Award: Trevor RuhlandWalk-On Player of the Year: Mick AssafOffensive Scout Team Player of the Year: Brendon ClarkDefensive Scout Team Player of the Year: Isaiah Foskey
Coming to a 📺 near you… #NDEchoes19.
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 15, 2019
📆 Saturday
⏰ 3 p.m. ET
📺 @NBCSN#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/1cvv5PAyUD
INSIDE THE IRISH READING
— How close was Notre Dame to the Playoff?— Notre Dame and Chip Long to split ways— Notre Dame’s offense excelled under Chip Long, except when it mattered— Projecting Notre Dame’s Awards Season— Notre Dame’s offensive coaching a ‘collaboration’ through Camping World Bowl
OUTSIDE READING
— Will Notre Dame be turning the corner with Shaun Crawford after all?— The Athletic’s 2019 college football freshman All-America team ($)— Bowl Watchability Rankings