Fort Wayne native and captain of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, Drue Tranquill, announced that he will be back in South Bend for a fifth and final year.

Drue Tranquill announces that he's returning to Notre Dame in 2018. "I'm going to be coming back home for my fifth year." — Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) December 9, 2017

Tranquill was the starting ROVER this year for new defensive coordinator, Mike Elko and his 4-2-5 scheme. In 12 games this year, Tranquill had 74 tackles (3rd on the team) 8.5 TFL, 1.5 Sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries.

Tranquill was the perfect fit for the ROVER position which is a linebacker / safety hybrid. His return in 2018 is extremely important to the development of the defense and what they can do schematically.

More important, in my view, is that Tranquill has always been one if the toughest and hardest working guys on the team. His mere presence and his leadership abilities as a captain, will keep a consistency on this team that we desperately need.