Who would have thought that a receiver who only caught five balls last year, would be Notre Dame's leading receiver this year? Arnaz Battle has come out with a vengeance this year, which has been evident all season long. From his game-winning touchdown against Michigan State, to his domination of a previously undefeated Air Force team, Arnaz has become a leader and a player Irish fans love.

Arnaz came to Notre Dame in the fall of 1998 recruited as a quarterback. Little did he know that he would not play many games at that position. In high school, Arnaz lead his team, Byrd High School to a record of 27-6 in the three years that he started. Early on in his career at Notre Dame, Irish fans of saw a quarterback who could scramble and was always a threat out of the backfield, reminiscent of Tony Rice.

Although everyone saw Arnaz's potential to be a great quarterback, injuries held him back. In his freshmen year, he played in four games, the most significant being the final game against USC. In an attempt to ignite the Irish offense, Arnaz entered early in the second quarter, only to be stifled by the USC defense. That game was something Arnaz would likely want to forget since that was the last time Notre Dame was shutout, 10-0.

In his second year at Notre Dame, Arnaz was the backup to Jarious Jackson. He saw limited action in seven games, and he seemed to be the quarterback that would take over for Jackson when he left after that year.

At the beginning of his junior year, it finally seemed that Arnaz was finding his place at Notre Dame. He won the starting job in practice, and was getting some quality playing time. In the second game of the season, Arnaz lead the team against a highly ranked Nebraska team. Though Notre Dame lost that game in overtime, they also lost their quarterback; Arnaz broke his left wrist and was out for the year. Luckily, for the Irish, freshmen Matt LoVecchio came in and won the next seven games he started and took the Irish to a BCS bowl game. Arnaz watched the rest of the season from the sideline, wondering if he would ever again be able to be a quarterback at Notre Dame.

Time was running out for Arnaz Battle. A sophomore named Carlyle Holiday, had taken over his job at quarterback, and coaches switched Arnaz to a wide receiver in his senior year. Arnaz played in only seven games that year, and caught just five balls and struggled with his new position along with recurring injuries. Luckily, for Irish fans all around the world, Arnaz granted an additional season of eligibility.

In his fifth and final year as a Notre Dame player, Arnaz has become a leader that no one expected. He leads the team in catches, receiving touchdowns, and in YAC (yards after catch). He has been Holiday's go-to-guy the whole year. Just last week in an interview Holiday said, "He’s the go-to-guy on this team, I think, on the offensive side of the ball. He’s been able to make the big plays all season. He saved our season on a couple occasions and I mean it’s great when you have a threat like that, and it being Arnaz makes it that much more special."

Arnaz has left Blue and Gold fans with many memories in his final year at Notre Dame. From his game-winning, season-saving touchdown against Michigan State, to his 65 yard touchdown reception on the first play against Florida State, Arnaz has become the leader of the Irish. He has erased the first four years of his career from Notre Dame fans memories, and left them with a season that will be remembered for years to come. Years from now, Notre Dame fans will not remember the first four years of Battle’s career, but will instead remember him for coming back in 2002 for his fifth year of eligibility, in which he played a major role in this Cinderella season for the Irish.