Newsstand: Former Notre Dame standout reacts to flurry of team’s transfer portal entries

by:Kyle Kelly•05/01/23•

ByKyleKelly

During the aftermath of Notre Dame running back Logan Diggs’ announcement to enter the transfer portal — which came hours after quarterback Tyler Buchner revealed his intentions to join Alabama — one former Fighting Irish player took to Twitter and disclosed his thoughts.

Jonas Gray, who played running back at Notre Dame from 2008-11, reflected on what route he might choose if he played during the transfer portal era. Gray’s first three seasons with the Irish included splitting carries with Armando Allen, Robert Hughes and Cierre Wood. His chance at opportunity did not come without patience.

“I’m honestly asking myself if I would (have) transferred from ND back when I played,” Gray said, ”because I definitely didn’t touch the field right away or sometimes at all. But because I stayed (at) ND, the school, the degree, the connections have honestly played a huge part in my life.

“Some of these guys are getting tick (playing time). Playing well, and just riding out way too soon. Sometimes you gotta stick with it to see if you actually have it. Do you have what it takes to get to the next level? Can’t transfer in the NFL. Just my thoughts. I know everybody has to do what’s best for them.”

Background on former Notre Dame running back Jonas Gray

After his collegiate days. Gray ended up on NFL squads from 2012-15. However, he only appeared in 16 regular season games between 2014-15. The highlight of his professional career was a four-touchdown performance in which he also exceeded 200 rushing yards against the New York Jets on Nov. 16, 2014.

Gray did not play during the 2012 season due to his recovery from a knee injury sustained against Boston College in Notre Dame’s home season finale in November 2021. Still, the Dolphins signed him as an undrafted free agent.

He spent parts of the 2013 season on the Ravens’ practice squad and had stints on the Dolphins’ and Jaguars’ active rosters during the 2015 season.

Following his four years at Notre Dame, Gray graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science. He has held several positions after his professional football career. Now, he specializes in holistic athletic performance training.

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In addition to Buchner and Diggs, athlete Lorenzo Styles, linebacker Prince Kollie and offensive tackle Caleb Johnson entered their names into the transfer portal this spring. Styles decided to continue his football career at Ohio State. Meanwhile, Diggs, Kollie and Johnson have not found their destination schools.

Notre Dame Tweets of the Weekend

Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans quote tweeted Styles’ announcement that he had joined Ohio State.

Sept 23rd just got a whole lot better. Best of luck to ya https://t.co/vzbOBdF0Xo
— Mitchell (@mitch88evans) April 30, 2023

Irish legacy Bryce Young verbally committed to Notre Dame on Saturday. He received approval from his father, Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bryant Young.

Congratulations, @BryceYoung_22! Keep working hard to accomplish all God has for you. I love you, son. #Prouddad ☘️☘️ https://t.co/2uxVUAOAEO
— Bryant Young (@Bgr8t) April 30, 2023

On Saturday, the Houston Texans selected former Notre Dame offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson with the No. 201 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.