Notre Dame Has Even More Rebuilding to Do

A few problems are pretty obvious for Notre Dame going into next season. First is finding a replacement for Brady Quinn. Just as important is adding speed to a defense, particularly the secondary, that was beaten by offenses all season.

And now it looks like the Irish are going to need to find a new running back too.

According to a source inside Notre Dame, Darius Walker will be announcing that he's leaving school early to join the NFL Draft. A press conference is scheduled for later today.

Walker ran for 1,267 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. He also had 56 receptions for 391 yards and a touchdown.

If there's any good news to come from this, it's that the same source says Walker will be the only member of the junior class leaving early this season.

Elsewhere in college football, a few other juniors have declared for the NFL draft: running back Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma; quarterback JaMarcus Russell of LSU; and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett of USC.

Ohio State WR Ted Ginn Jr. is still considering it. Ginn's sprained foot could play a role in his decision, since he probably won't be able to work out for teams for awhile.

Any junior that wishes to declare himself for the draft, must do so by Monday.