Notre Dame, Ind (UHND.com) — Junior to be running back Justin Hoskins suffered through a disappointing season in 2005 battling injuries and Charlie Weis’ doghouse and has now decided to transfer after injuries slowed him this spring according to Blue and Gold Illustrated.
Justin Hoskins came to Notre Dame with higher rankings than fellow junior Darius Walker three years ago, but has sat back and watched as his classmate has gone on to break the Notre Dame freshman rushing record and then post a 1,000 yard season. Meanwhile, Hoskins has just 6 career carries for 15 yards in 11 career games.
Things started off good for the Michigan native with him seeing time as a backup running back and as a kick returner as a true freshman in 2004. We even saw Hoskins hurdle a potential tackler on one particular kickoff leading many to believe he would breakout in 2005 in Weis’ offense.
Instead, Hoskins’ sophomore season saw him carry the battle just twice for negative yardage and return just five kickoffs. Injuries slowed Hoskins as did rumors he was in Weis’ dog house.
Where he plans on transferring is not clear yet, but with injuries again this Spring and the early enrollment of James Aldridge, the writing may have been on the wall. Still, it is a shame to see Hoskins go without really getting the chance to show us what he can do. He appeared to be a potential game-breaker for the Irish, but injuries have simply slowed his progress and allowed others to step up.
The transfer of Hoskins marks the 4th off-season defection for the Irish. Previously it was announced that running back Junior Jabbie was no longer the team, but still a student at Notre Dame while cornerback LaBrose Hedgemon decided to transfer to Jackson State.
Jabbie started his career in the defensive backfield and showed some promise in the Spring of 2004, but he asked for a position switch to running back last summer. Jabbie never saw the field on offense for Irish.
Hedgemon was suspended as a sophomore in 2004, but saw some limited action on special teams last year. With incoming freshman Darrin Walls and Raeshon McNeil primed for some playing time this year, Hedgemon would have been hard pressed to see the field for the Irish. Since Jackson State is a Division I-AA school he will be eligible to play this fall.
Sophomore Joey Hiben also left the team this off-season to concentrate on his academics and remains with the university.
