Mike Anello Renews "Rudy" Legacy at Notre Dame

He didn't play football his junior year in high school, and in fact, called wrestling his main sport. In his senior year of high school, he played football, and was elected captain for the majority of the games.

The next logical step, of course, was to try out for Notre Dame football on a wing and a prayer. 

All athletes have delusions of grandeur, that one shining moment where they defeat all the odds and become a hero to a nation of football worshippers.

But almost all athletes realize, after they wake up to the reality of the day, that it's just wishful thinking. Nothing more.

Amidst the crisp autumn breezes on the Notre Dame campus, with the magic of the golden dome sparkling from the sun as if a beacon to all football greats, this under-sized wrestler/football player thought he could play with the big boys?

A sophomore who practiced with the squad but never suited up for a game? A 5-foot-10, 170-pound walk-on thinks he can mix it up with five-star blue-chippers?

It was not until his junior year that Mike Anello was noticed by Charlie Weis. Who was this bright flash of speed hurling down the field and causing chaos on special teams coverage?

Just a guy trying to make the dream come real. To play a game for Notre Dame and become part of the legendary stories of greatness. Is that too much to ask? Just a chance.

While this scenario sounds eerily similar to one of the greatest sports movies of all time, Rudy, the different outcome is a celebratory explanation point on what perseverance and drive can achieve.

While Rudy never received a scholarship, Anello did.

While Rudy only played the last half-minute of a game, Anello has been the starting gunner since last year's Michigan game, where ironically he wore Rudy's No. 45 jersey - and is now the object of opposing coaches' game plans.

Against San Diego State two weeks ago, Anello had four special teams tackles, with two of them inside the 20-yard line.

And then, as if the magical aura of Notre Dame waved its magic wand, the fans asked for more. Ask, and you shall receive.

Anello played in the Michigan game. The big rivalry game. It was written in the cards. In the script.

Get your hankies out and let it flow. Drench your popcorn in tears of joy.

Anello was a blur on the field. He recovered a fumble on a kick-off which led to Notre Dame's second touchdown, forced another fumble on a fourth quarter kick-off, made three tackles and probably signed an agent after the game.

Anello, of course, is non-plussed about the whole Rudy comparisons.

Like Rudy, he was mistaken for just a regular college student, not an Irish warrior. Security at Notre Dame Stadium regularly stop Anello because his small stature and demeanor don't fit the prototype football player.

And now?

They still don't recognize him, but everybody wants to be like Mike.

Football fans know who Mike Anello is. He officially wears No. 37, but reminds us of No. 45. His name is whispered in awe from sportscasters, coaches and the faithful fans.

Anello has now given hope to every "tweener," "undersized," or "on-the-cusp" wanna-be gridiron great. He has forced coaches to take a second look at some of those eager-beaver bench-warmers who just want one down to prove their worth.

"Put me in Coach, I'm ready to play" is the new battle cry.

Yeah, all of a sudden those scout team players who take a beating every day might just be a little undervalued. Another Mike awaits?

In a time where every Irish fan wants to forget last year's dismal season, along comes a former walk-on and reminds us all how indeed, Notre Dame football can be capture the pure essence of sportsmanship, and recapture those glorious days of yore.

It's not just about the game, it's the little stories that come out that make you shake your head and smile. They are the stories movie studios can't wait to get a hold of.

It's about being in a zone, and not letting that feeling go. It's about being an athlete cursed by a smaller body, but blessed with physical toughness and a lion's heart.

Courage has a new hero. Notre Dame has a new hero.

And America gets to watch Mike, not Rudy, in real time.

The movie sequel can wait.