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Cedric Hilliard |
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Named a third-team preseason All-American by Athlon
is back for a fifth-year
starting nose guard for the Irish the past season and a half
started last five games of 01 and 10 of 13 games in 02
opened a lot of eyes last season as he made immediate impact in every game he played
has 14 tackles for loss in his career and 60 tackles
strong, physical defender who has dramatically improved his fitness
named Notre Dames Player of the Game at the 2003 Gator Bowl
team leader for the Irish defensive line.
AS A SENIOR: Starting nose guard for Irish in 2002
recorded 31 tackles, including five for loss and two sacks
played 212:05 minutes in 02 and made nine special teams appearance, all on field goal unit
served as a game captain vs. Purdue and Pittsburgh
recorded three tackles, including one sack, vs. Maryland
blocked a 32-yard field goal attempt vs. Michigan
broke up a pass at the line of scrimmage on a Michigan first and goal in the fourth quarter as Shane Walton intercepted the ball to clinch the game for the Irish
also recorded two tackles, including a sack, and forced a fumble vs. Michigan
had two tackles for a loss vs. Michigan State
posted three tackles vs. Stanford, including one for a loss
recorded six tackles vs. Pittsburgh, including one sack
registered a career-high seven tackles vs. Air Force
helped Irish defense hold Air Force, which was ranked #1 in rushing offense in the nation, to 104 yards rushing, its lowest rushing total of the season
returned to action vs. USC recording three tackles including one tackle for a loss
was voted the Notre Dame Player of the Game at the 2003 Gator Bowl.
AS A JUNIOR: Reserve nose guard for Irish in 2001, until assuming starting role with five games left to play after injury to Andy Wisne before the Boston College game
finished fifth on the team with eight tackles for loss in 01
recorded first career sack vs. Pittsburgh
recorded one tackle for loss vs. West Virginia
registered a tackle vs. USC
made two tackles vs. Boston College
had two tackles and broke up a pass vs. Tennessee
recorded a career-high five tackles vs. Stanford
recorded four tackles, including one sack, vs. Purdue.
AS A SOPHOMORE: Reserve nose guard for Irish in 2000
played in first career game on defense vs. Navy, notching two tackles including one for loss
also saw time on defense vs. West Virginia and Rutgers and vs. Oregon State in 2001 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
made one tackle for two-yard loss vs. Oregon State.
AS A FRESHMAN: Did not see varsity action as rookie defensive lineman in 99.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: USA Today first-team All-America defensive lineman
listed by Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Dallas Morning News as one of top 100 national prospects
listed 21st nationally on Chicago Sun-Times list of top 100 players
rated 50th on list of top 100 national prospects by The Sporting News
rated 34th among Texas prep prospects by Austin American-Statesman
honorable mention pick on Orlando Sentinel All-Southern team
had 72 tackles, 11 for losses, in 98 as senior at Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas
won three letters in football as defensive tackle
made 70 tackles, 20 for losses, and had eight sacks as junior
team captain and MVP as senior
two-time all-conference and all-city selection
selected for Texas-California all-star game
earned three letters in track, winning all-state honors as junior
finished third in shot put in 98 Texas state track meet
at 58-11
won two letters in basketball
attended Notre Dame summer football camp
full name is Cedric Darnell Hilliard
born Nov. 19, 1980 in Memphis, Tenn.
enrolled in College of Arts and Letters majoring in sociology.
| | G-GS | Solo | Asst. | Total | TL | Sacks | PBU | FF |
| 2000 | 3-0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 | 11-5 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 8-25 | 2-17 | 1 | 1 |
| 2002 | 10-10 | 19 | 12 | 21 | 5-18 | 2-9 | 1 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 24-15 | 34 | 26 | 60 | 14-46 | 4-26 | 2 | 2 |
