Kyle Rudolph

A high school All-American who was as productive a playmaker for the Irish as most expected he would be when he arrived in South Bend. Injuries, however, cost him nine games over the past two seasons. Rudolph decided not to return to Notre Dame, taking advantage of a less-than-stellar tight end class despite missing several games with a hamstring injury in 2010. Rudolph got off to a great start, becoming the first true freshman to start the opener at tight end in Notre Dame history. He started all 13 games, catching 29 passes for 340 yards and two scores. Despite missing two games with a shoulder injury, Rudolph caught 33 more passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore. A consensus 2010 preseason All-American, Rudolph nearly matched his freshman year totals in the first six games (28-328-3) before missing the final seven games with a torn right hamstring that had actually bothered him since preseason practices. Rudolph's pre-draft predicament is not unlike former Arizona tight end Rob Gronkowski, who missed his entire junior season with a back injury but still opted to enter the draft early. The Patriots picked Gronkowski in the second round (No. 42 overall) last April, and appear to have a bargain. Rudolph's ability to stretch defenses and give some in-line blocking could land him in the top 40 overall in the 2011 draft.

after the catch

A bullish runner, he gives good effort to get yards after the catch. Not in the Tony Gonzalez category in terms of athleticism and elusiveness, but flashes the ability to make the first man miss with a stiff arm or quick stop. Churns his legs to keep moving forward after contact; does not break as many tackles as you would expect and his height makes him lose the leverage battle.

route running

Runs like a receiver, stretching the field vertically and pressing safeties and linebackers before stopping on square-ins. Lines up with his hand down, in the slot and in the backfield. Often used on short outs to move the chains. Gets his head around quickly to see the ball. Sells jerk routes with head fake to move safety inside or outside, though his movements are not sudden. Tough matchup down the seam because of his height and ability to grab passes above his head. Runs a lot of rounded and straight-line routes.

intangibles

Solid locker room presence; has the work ethic and intelligence to succeed at the next level. Had surgery on a separated left shoulder before the 2010 season, another surgery on a right hamstring avulsion, which means the muscle detaches from the bone.

hands

Generally reliable move-the-chains receiver who also makes plays down the field. Keeps his hands in front of his body to snatch passes, even when facing the quarterback. Able to reach the ball forward with one hand for scores or first downs. Makes the circus catch in traffic. Adjusts much better to high passes than those thrown low or behind him. Will drop the occasional "head scratcher" when feeling a hit or trying to run before securing the ball.

release

Gets off the line well for his size, whether lined up with his hand down or standing up. Gets up the seam in a hurry if unchecked at the line. Flexible enough to run around traffic off the line to get into his route, but must prove he can handle physical NFL linebackers.

blocking

Has the size to be an effective in-line blocker at the next level. Capable of firing off the ball to seal defensive ends. Widens his base on the edge, uses long arms to hold off college defenders. Needs a lot of technique work as an open-field blocker. Gives some effort when engaged, but does not sustain or win battles as often as he should given his size. Stays too upright when approaching defenders and seems uncertain of his target, misses the inside man too often.

Chosen to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio

named first-team All-American by USA Today after totaling 37 catches for 673 yards (18.2 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns as a senior

placed on the Scout.com All-America first team

lone tight end among the 11 finalists for the high school Maxwell Award

one of five future Irish players placed on the EA Sports All-America third team

named the second-best player and top tight end in the Detroit Free Press' Best of the Midwest Top 20 list

considered the No. 1 tight end in the recruiting class by Tom Lemming/CSTV, Rivals.com and Scout.com

rated by Lemming/CSTV and Rivals.com as the 20th-best prospect in the nation

ranked 21st in the country and No. 2 in Ohio by Scout.com

considered the 23rd-best player by Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE.com

No. 105 on the ESPN 150 list

received first-team all-Southwest Ohio as a senior after being named second team as a junior

named second-team all-state by the Associated Press following his senior year

caught four passes for 57 yards including two touchdowns to help Elder defeat Charlotte (N.C.) Independence, 41-34 in overtime, to end Independence's 109-game winning streak (at the time, Independence was ranked No. 3 in the nation). Gained 111 yards receiving and a touchdown to help the Panthers knock off Moeller

caught five passes for 120 yards and three TDs in Elder's 49-34 victory over Cleveland Benedictine

helped lead team to the playoffs where they lost in the first round to the eventual state champions

as a junior, caught 30 passes for 400 yards and seven TDs en route to earning first-team all-city and all-conference honors

an accomplished basketball player who played center for his high school team and was the conference player of the year three times and all-Southwest Ohio in 2007

is the second-leading scorer in school history and became just the second Panther to surpass 1,000 career points

set the school record for most career rebounds when he corralled his 568th rebound on Jan. 11, 2008

against Moeller (No. 1 in Ohio, No. 9 in the nation) on Jan. 25, 2008, scored 25 of Elder's 52 points as the Panthers almost upset the top-ranked team in Ohio, 58-52

played for coach Doug Ramsey at Elder.

Born Nov. 9, 1989

member of National Honor Society

son of Dan and Jamie Rudolph

oldest of three children

enrolled in Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management-consulting.