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SOUTH BEND – Notre Dame has newfound options at tight end this year.
Kyle Rudolph was essentially the Irish’s only option last season due to an injury and off-field issues affecting other players, but coach Charlie Weis will have more choices this season.
Rudolph returns as the top tight end and will be joined by junior Mike Ragone, who missed last season with an ACL tear.
Ragone, who is quick and a good blocker, should complement the sure-handed Rudolph.
“It gives you a lot more versatility schematically as far as what you can (do),” coach Charlie Weis said of having two quality tight ends. “You’re not pigeonholed to put out a one-tight-end offense all the time.”
A healthy Ragone helps alleviate the loss of Joseph Fauria and Will Yeatman. Fauria transferred to UCLA this summer after not enrolling at Notre Dame for personal reasons, and Yeatman left the team after legal issues kept him off the field for most of last season.
“It only affects you when you don’t have anyone who can replace those guys,” tight ends coach Bernie Parmalee said of losing two tight ends. “We have been fortunate the last few years to have good depth at tight end with guys who can go in at any time and do what we ask them to do.”
Rudolph proved he could step in last year and is on his way to adding himself to the program’s recent list of NFL-caliber tight ends.
Anthony Fasano was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, and John Carlson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008.
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Rudolph, a sophomore, had 29 catches for 340 yards and two touchdowns last season.
“My goal is to be the best,” Rudolph said. “I’m working on my route running, my blocking and trying to get better at everything in general.”
Ragone, a 6-foot-5, 251-pound junior, is excited to get back on the field and put the injury behind him.
He also missed his senior season in high school with a knee injury.
“I’m just worrying about football and putting the injuries in the past,” said Ragone, who played in 11 games on special teams and as a backup tight end as a freshman in 2007.
Notre Dame also could have some depth at tight end in two freshmen.
Former Bishop Dwenger standout Tyler Eifert and Jake Golic could push for playing time this season. Parmalee was mum on the plans for them.
“You don’t know how it is going to turn out,” Parmalee said.
“When it gets close to that game situation, as a staff we will decide what or who is going to give us the best opportunity to win the game.”
Note: Junior receiver Duval Kamara will miss a couple weeks of practice, Weis said. Kamara had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday after an MRI on Monday revealed “roughed-up” cartilage, according to Weis. Kamara is expected to be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 5 against Nevada.
