With Kevin Bauman retiring following yet another season-ending injury, Eli Raridon was freed up to show Notre Dame football faithful what he can do.
However, Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock made it clear during a Sunday press conference that Raridon didn't get the starting tight end job because Bauman was injured. Raridon is "the man" because he's shown "elite" ability this camp. There was no player that Denbrock mentioned while addressing the media that he was effusive in praise for.
Eli Raridon earns starting role as Notre Damefootball's next elite tight end
"He measures up both physically and athletically to do all the jobs," Denbrock said of Raridon, who he believes could be the next great Notre Dame tight end.