Clausen, Tate Bid Notre Dame Adieu

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Dec 8, 2009 4:00PM

Notre Dame has already fired its head football coach and now it's losing its two biggest football stars. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen and wide receiver Golden Tate have each announced plans to forgo their senior seasons and enter next April's NFL draft. Clausen threw for 3,722 yards and 28 touchdowns this year while only being intercepted four times. He had seven games over 300 yards including a pair where he eclipsed 400 yards. Some experts project Clausen as the top-rated QB for next year's draft and ESPN suggests that St. Louis, Cleveland and Washington are potential destinations (poor kid). As for Tate, the aptly named Golden pulled in 93 catches - 15 of them for touchdowns - for 1,496 yards. Tate's draft position is less certain, though. The departed Weis said, "They made big play after big play week after week this fall -- and there's no question they are two of the best players in the nation at their respective positions." As for Notre Dame's coaching search, University of Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly confirmed he'll interview with the Irish.