After playing the best game of his career against Michigan, Manti for the 2nd week in a row was named The Ronnie Lott Impact Player Of The Week which propelled him to the SI Cover. Now this could be good or bad–a lot of jinxes associated with being Cover Boy. Let’s hope Manti slides by this downside.

He certainly deserves these accolades and boy does he represent ND in a positive light. Now there is also some Heisman talk–c’mon ND publicity dept start the promotion.

Next Manti was named The Chuck Bednarik National Defensive Player Of The Week. Great honor– for Bednarik was an All American at the University of Pennsylvania and an All Pro with the Phila. Eagles.

Here’s short video of Chuck Bednarik for the youngsters out there.

Manti going full out should easily win the Butkus Award, perhaps just before the Heisman.

Also for the youngsters here’s a short video on Dick Butkus All American at Illinois and All Pro with the Chicago Bears. Butkus from Chicago really wanted to go to ND but at the time ND frowned on married players–so off to Illinois. Enjoy the video.