Anello Named to Lott Trophy Watch List
Notre Dame 5th year senior Mike Anello was named to the Lott Award Watch List on Wednesday. Here’s an excerpt from the official release from Notre Dame.
The Watch List is made up of 42 of the nation’s top defensive players who have had the biggest IMPACT on their teams on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Anello, a 5-10, 170-pound cornerback, has been a standout special teams player for the Irish and graduated with a finance degree in three and a half years. The former walk-on player from Orland Park, Ill. was rewarded with a scholarship prior to the start of the 2008 season. Anello has totaled 29 tackles, including 19 solo stops, with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as a member of the punt and kickoff coverage units.
Anello is currently recovering from a broken leg which he suffered against USC, but should be ready to wreck havoc on opposing kick and punt return teams for the start of the season. Anello became a fan favorite last year for his outstanding play on both return unitsand will be counted on heavily to provide a similar impact this season.
While some have labeled Anello another “Rudy”, the characteristic is not at all accurate. Anello’s presence on the coverage units causes opponents to take notice and alter their blocking schemes. Notre Dame’s special teams units were much improved last year and Anello was a major component making him very worthy of this recognition.
Frank Vitovitch has been Co-Owner and Editor in Chief of UHND.com since joining forces with Kyle Flavin in 1999. Since that time, he has written over 2,000 articles covering Notre Dame football, recruiting, and basketball. He also works with all staff and external writers on all articles published on UHND.com. Frank's love for Notre Dame football started at a young age watching Rocket Ismail give opposing coaches ulcers in the late 1980's. By day Frank works in marketing and holds a degree in Digital Media from Drexel University. Frank's work has been cited by online/print editions of NBC Sports, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated and has been quoted on air by ESPN's Collin Cowherd. He's conducted interviews with Notre Dame legends Rocket Ismail, Randy Kinder, Lee Becton, Reggie Brooks, Michael Stonebreaker, and Ned Bolcar among others over his 20+ years of covering Notre Dame football. He's also been published in the print edition of USA Today Sports Weekly and the USA Today College Football Preview multiple times. Other Published Works/Citations for Frank Three Reasons Notre Dame Will Beat Alabama - USA Today Notre Dame Suspends WR Kevin Stepherson, RB C.J. Holmes Indefinitely - Bleacher Report Notre Dame / Ohio State Fiesta Bowl Preview - Eleven Warriors Brace Yourself: The Fighting Irish are Relevant Again - Sports on Earth Interviews with the Enemy: A Q&A with Frank Vitovitch of UHND - Yahoo! Sports Five Good Minutes: Notre Dame Football Preview With UHND.com - BC Interruption Vicious Electronic Questioning with UHND - MGO Blog
good job mike!! “TENACITY” is most definately applicable to Anello’s game.
Kudos Frankie,
Mike Anello is a dynamic player and I am thrilled to see him back. I wish him another great year.