A senior captain, Alohi Gilman earned his third career Echo, this one for Impact Player on Defense. Gilman totaled 66 tackles, including his first career sack, in 2019, and also posted an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
After tying the Notre Dame record for touchdown catches by a tight end in a season (six), junior Cole Kmet earned the Echo for Impact Player on Offense. Kmet also tied the program mark for catches by a tight end in a single game with nine at Georgia, and helped the Irish tight ends produce the highest number of touchdown receptions by the position group in a season in Notre Dame history (11). The previous highs came in 2013 and 1991, both with eight.
Following in the veteran players’ footsteps, linebacker Drew White and safety Kyle Hamilton were named Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year. The first Echo award for them both, the two defensive staples made their mark with consistent performances punctuated by impressive plays.
Hamilton’s four interceptions led the Irish defense, and he is one of only two true freshman in the FBS to reach the four-interception mark this season.
White started 11 games this season, leading the Irish in tackles with 75 and adding two sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Anchoring an offensive line that permitted just 1.25 sacks per game even through personnel changes, sophomore center Jarrett Patterson earned his first career Echo for Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
Senior Julian Okwara is taking home the Echo for the Moose Krause Defensive Lineman of the Year Award, presented by the Moose Krause Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. In his nine games played, Okwara, a captain, totaled four sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick.
Offensive Lineman of the Year was awarded to junior Robert Hainsey, his first career Echo. In 423 snaps over eight games played, Hainsey surrendered no sacks, just two quarterback hits and six quarterback hurries.
After totaling four games with more than 100 rushing yards each, senior running back Tony Jones Jr. earned the Back of the Year Echo. In 2019, he posted 133 rushes for 722 yards and five touchdowns, including a career-high 176 rushing yards vs. Southern Cal. Over his career, Jones Jr. has totaled five 100-yard rushing games.
A staple on special teams, sophomore Bo Bauer was responsible for several special teams tackles to pin opponents deep in their own territory, setting the Notre Dame attack up for success. His on-field prowess earned him the Echo for Special Teams Player of the Year, his first career Echo.
Honoring a student-athlete who displays a strong work ethic and commitment to the team before self, Trevor Ruhland embodies the traits of the Humble and Hungry Award. After battling setbacks previously in his career, Ruhland stepped into a starting role on the offensive line this season, allowing just five pressures in his eight games played, good for his first career Echo.
Senior defensive lineman Jamir Jones earned the Next Man In Echo. Jones played in 10 games this season and started three games after injuries on the defensive line. He totaled 24 tackles and 4.5 sacks, as well as two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Presented to a walk-on team member who has made a sustained impact on the field, Mick Assaf earned the WOPU (Walk-On Players Union) Player of the Year award. Assaf, who won the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year in 2018, saw action in all 12 games this season, totaling nine carries for 34 yards.
Given to the student-athlete who best demonstrates a yearlong commitment to pursuit of the traits in his preparation, graduate student Asmar Bilal earned the Father Lange Iron Cross Award. Bilal received the game ball for his on-field performance against Boston College and ranks second on the team in total tackles with 72. Bilal played in his 50th career game at Stanford, a mark only five other Notre Dame student-athletes have reached.
Graduate student Shaun Crawford earned his first Echo, taking home the Nick Pietrosante Award. The Pietrosante Award is given to the student-athlete who best exemplifies courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and pride in relation to his team. In 10 games played this season, Crawford posted 25 tackles and snagged an interception against New Mexico, the third of his career. Crawford was also named a nominee for the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year award.
