Golden is thy Tate

Golden Tate continues to pick up hardware on his way to the NFL. He became the first Irish receiver to win the Biletnikoff award. The Shark was a two time finalist but never took home the trophy. Golden has also been named to the AFCA Coaches, FWAA Writers, CBS Sports, and the Walter Camp 2009 All-American first team. Golden's ability to not go down was what set him apart this year. He would be stood up constantly with the play being whistled dead more times than he was actually brought to the ground. This frustrated corners and safety's and made for some great TV. For that Golden, you win the Kelly Green and Gold Awesome Award. Golden I am sure is most proud of this prestigious award. 

Tate holds ND records for single season receptions and receiving yards and would be in contention for the all-time records if he came back next year. Tate only ran the Golden Go route his freshman yeah but managed to pull in highlight real type plays. His sophomore year he blossomed into a polished route runner and ND fans got to really see his best asset, his hands. His junior year he became the play maker that we all know and love. Golden is one of the first receivers that made me believe in the fade route and the bomb. This year Jimmy was able to just throw it up there and know that Golden would come down with it. He constantly caught balls he shouldn't have and he left us stunned when he actually failed to make a grab. For someone who played running back in high school he really could catch just about anything. Give Weis and Ianello credit for recruiting an athlete out of Tennessee and developing this future Biletnikoff winner.

Golden was fun to watch but he will be great on Sundays. How he transitions will depend on where he ends up. Molded in the likes of all everything collegiate receiver turned consummate pro, Steve Smith, Golden could dominate as a teams flanker. He could easily fill the roll of the number one guy in a receiving corps. However, Golden's versatility has some teams salivating for the next Percy Harvin type of player. Percy has done well playing every position this year for the Vikings and Golden could easily be as successful. Golden lined up in 7 different positions this year, Flanker, Slot, Split end, QB, RB, Kick and Punt returner. Golden lines up all over the field and still makes plays. NFL team should take notice of the way he dominated this year after Michael Floyd went down. Golden faced rolled coverage every game after ND failed to fill Floyds role but he still excelled. His draft stock is at an all time high and NFL teams should use Golden's ability as a play maker to its fullest.

The Irish will miss Jimmy Clausen next year but I think they will feel the loss of Golden just as much. As the leader of this team, he was a play-maker on any down. It was great watching his years at ND and we wish him all the best. Golden dominated from all points on the field this year and he put a fear into collegiate bands known across the world. The NFL is lucky to have him one year early.