TOP 9 NOTRE DAME PLAYERS SINCE 2000: #9 is where former WR Jeff Samardzjia lands

We Are ND Nation Top 9 Notre Dame Players of the 2000s#9 – WR Jeff SamardzijaWhen Notre Dame fans think about the Brady Quinn era, one name immediately comes to mind: Jeff "The Shark" Samardzija.
Before becoming a Major League Baseball All-Star, Samardzija established himself as one of the greatest wide receivers in Fighting Irish history. His combination of size, reliable hands, and ability to make contested catches made him Quinn's favorite target and one of the most dangerous receivers in college football.
Samardzija enjoyed a breakout season in 2005, hauling in 77 receptions for 1,249 yards and 15 touchdowns, setting Notre Dame single-season records for receiving yards and touchdown catches. His remarkable season earned him Consensus All-American honors and made him a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the nation's top receiver.
He followed that performance with another outstanding senior campaign in 2006, recording 78 catches for 1,017 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the first Notre Dame player to post multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons. By the end of his career, he left South Bend as the school's all-time leader in receptions (179), receiving yards (2,593), and touchdown receptions (27).
While he ultimately chose a successful Major League Baseball career over the NFL, Samardzija's impact on Notre Dame football remains undeniable. His spectacular catches, clutch performances, and chemistry with Brady Quinn helped restore excitement to the Irish offense during the mid-2000s and cemented his place among the program's all-time great receivers.
Why He's #9: Jeff Samardzija wasn't just an elite playmaker—he redefined what was possible for a Notre Dame wide receiver in the modern era, setting records that stood until another generation of Irish stars came along. For many fans of the 2000s, "The Shark" remains one of the most exciting players ever to wear the blue and gold.