Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Taylor McNamara's Enthusiasm Is Contagious

Watching film can tell you a lot about a player. On film Taylor McNamara is the ideal tight end. At 6'5" and weighing in at 235 pounds, McNamara's precision routes and great hands look good on tape. What film doesn't show is a players attitude.

A recent conversation with Taylor McNamara showed a lot of things that you never see in a film session. His love of the game is evident in his tone of voice when talking about everything: from his training regime to passing out eye glasses to children in need.

When asked about his goals for 2011 McNamara quickly stated, "To be better than last season. To be the best we can possibly be. I want to do whatever I can to help the team, offense or defense. Whatever it takes."

McNamara was a three sport athlete earlier in his prep career but has trimmed it down to solely football for right now. He might play basketball again as a senior, though. His athleticism is evident in his ability to separate from defenders and the crisp routes that he runs.

Just how did McNamara get to this point where his routes look like they were cut with a utility knife? "Lot's of hard work with my coaches," McNamara said. "Repetition. I keep running those routes until they become second nature. When game time comes I don't even have to think about it, I just do it."

While Westview High School in San Diego benefits from McNamara who carries a 3.0 GPA, the community benefits also. McNamara spends time helping at the Rest Haven Children's Health Fund, a group that helps children with medical needs. Taylor and his mother pass out eyeglasses to children that would otherwise be left without. He spoke with pride about spending time with his mom and assisting others at the same time.

With 16 offers on the table right now and more sure to come, McNamara's services are being sought from coast to coast. I asked him if he planned to stay warm. "I' wouldn't say that. I'm open to anything," McNamara said. "I just want find the right fit for me."

When asked where Notre Dame stood on his list, McNamara said, "Definitely in my top five. I plan on using one of my official visits to Notre Dame. I'd like to get there more than once if I can."

McNamara seems to fit the mold for the Notre Dame tight end. The Irish have been a pipeline at that position to the NFL for some time, largely because of upperclassmen taking freshmen under their wing and passing on the tradition.

In a year that tight ends coming out of high school are plenty, Taylor McNamara separates himself from the others the same way that he separates himself from would-be defenders.