Report: Notre Dame TE Rudolph is NFL-bound

Kyle Rudolph scores a touchdown against Michigan. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune)

By Brian Hamilton

The first out-route of Notre Dame's offseason reportedly has been run.

Kyle Rudolph, projected to be the first tight end off the board in the NFL Draft despite missing most of his junior season after hamstring surgery, will skip his senior season with the Irish and turn pro, according to Irish Illustrated.

Rudolph missed the last seven games of the 2010 season and also suffered a severely separated shoulder as a sophomore that required offseason surgery. Those injuries and the likelihood that he would not slip past the second round in April likely prompted Rudolph's decision.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, Rudolph and Rudolph's father could not be reached for comment immediately.

Rudolph finishes his college career with 90 catches, 1,032 yards and eight touchdowns.

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/01/report-notre-dame-te-rudolph-is-nfl-bound.html

James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown