Notre Dame long snapper Michael Vinson to return for sixth season in 2023
The man they call “Milk” will be back in South Bend for a sixth season. Notre Dame long snapper Michael Vinson announced on social media he’s returning for the Fighting Irish in 2023.
A former walk-on out of Winnetka (Ill.) New Trier High School, Vinson earned a scholarship prior to the 2022 season. He’s a three-year starter for the Irish.
“Notre Dame is a special place,” Vinson wrote in his social media message. “The brotherhood we have here is something that I will cherish forever. The relationships that I have made here with coaches and players are something I will never take for granted and will forever be grateful for.
“I love this place with all of my heart and with that being said I look forward to returning to Notre Dame for my 6th year. I am extremely grateful to be surrounded by the best teammates and staff in the country for one last season.”
Graduate transfer punter from Harvard Jon Sot credited Vinson for the best year of his college career. He did not have a designated long snapper at Harvard. Sot said working day in and day out with Vinson helped him be more comfortable when preparing to boot the ball.
Notre Dame special teams coordinator Brian Mason helped to facilitate that duo’s bond.
“Every day they come out we try to get them to be more confident and comfortable, and every day they come out they’re doing better and better,” Mason said. “So that’s exactly what we’ve been wanting.”
Vinson is the second Notre Dame player to announce he’s returning for a graduate season this week. Cornerback Cam Hart beat him to the punch Tuesday night. Hart is a two-year starter at corner going into his fifth season.
There will be several more Irish players making decisions on their future in the coming weeks. Those choices will stray all over the map from NFL Draft declarations to transfer portal entries and commitments to stay in South Bend to keep suiting up for the Fighting Irish.
It’s a busy time for roster management in college football, to say the least.
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