11/10/2005
Stovall shows he can hit and catch
By TOM COYNE
AP Sports Writer
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Notre Dame wide receiver Maurice Stovall remembers his welcome to college football moment.
It wasn't landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a freshman for a catch against Michigan State. It was landing on the ground during his second practice as a freshman when he was hit by Irish linebacker Courtney Watson, now with the New Orleans Saints.
``He's like, 'Welcome to college football. This is how the hits feel,''' Stovall said.
Three years later, it's Stovall who is delivering the big hits. Against Tennessee last Saturday, the 6-5, 222-pound receiver had two blocks that set teammates free for touchdowns and another that helped teammate Jeff Samrdzija break loose for a 73-yard catch that led to another TD.
Stovall also had a leaping 35-yard TD catch in the game, falling backward into the end zone. But that's not what his teammates and coaches are talking about as the seventh-ranked Irish (6-2) prepare for Saturday's game against Navy (5-3).
Despite Brady Quinn passing for three touchdowns and Tom Zbikowski returning a punt and an interception for a touchdown, coach Charlie Weis said the player he was most pleased with in the Tennessee game was Stovall.
``He only had a couple catches on the game and one for a touchdown, but he made several critical blocks in this game and ended up leading us to having production,'' Weis said. ``Sometimes we single out stat guys rather than things that happen in a game that help us win.''
His teammates were especially impressed with the open-field block Stovall threw that allowed tight end Anthony Fasano to score from 43 yards out on Notre Dame's opening drive.
``I think that was one of the best cut blocks I've ever seen,'' tackle Ryan Harris said. ``It's just another example of Maurice Stovall being the player he is. A very unselfish player, he's a leader, if he can't help us with scoring a touchdown on that particular play he wants to do everything he can to ensure someone else is.''
Stovall, who arrived at Notre Dame as a 17 year old, played safety in high school and liked to hit. But once at college, he found it wasn't quite as enjoyable.
``I didn't like it as much because guys were bigger and stronger. As I got stronger, bigger in the weight room, it helped me out a lot,'' he said.
Stovall has opened eyes this season with both his catches and hits. Against Brigham Young two weeks ago, Stovall set school records with 14 catches and four receiving touchdowns. He finished the game with 207 yards receiving.
Heading into this season his career best was 22 catches for 421 yards. But under Weis, Stovall has flourished.
Through eight games, he has 42 catches for 666 yards, averaging 15.9 yards a catch and 83 yards a game. Heading into this season his career best was 22 catches for 421 yards.
His biggest improvement, though, may not show up on the stat sheet. Because now he again likes delivering the hits as well as making big catches.
``If you make a big block and someone scores, your block is just as good as their touchdown because you sprung them free,'' he said. ``But making a touchdown catch feels good also. Both those feel really good.''
His coaches and teammates think so too.
