Wondering About ND Juniors? Weis Isn't

Are you like us? Are you still wondering what’s the deal with defensive end Ronald Talley’s departure and why so many of his fellow Notre Dame juniors have left the program?

Okay, maybe you aren’t wondering, but that’s why we get paid the big bucks. Talley is the ninth member of the 17-player 2004 recruiting class to leave since Weis arrived after the 2004 season.

Is that a coincidence? Probably not, but Weis insists it’s no big deal. Considering this group of freshmen ranks with any in the country, considering Weis has more high-profile players set to come next season, he has a point.

“I’m not worrying about it,” Weis said. “There are a lot of guys who are a year younger who have an opportunity to play. That’s what it means.”

As far as Talley, Weis had little to add.

“We talked about three times during the year at different times," Weis said. "We had some private conversations about his future. We had our last one Thursday. We went over multiple options about where we were heading. ... He's not thrown off this team. He just doesn't want to be part of this team anymore."

See what wondering will get you?