John Shannon has started the last 37 games for Notre Dame, a stretch that has seen the Irish go 31-6 and compete in the College Football Playoff.
But chances are unless you’re an absolute diehard fan, that you don’t recognize the name.
That’s because aside from a speed bump late against Virginia Tech, he hasn’t messed up in those 37 games.
John Shannon is Notre Dame’s long-snapper and despite having a remaining year of eligibility, it appears he may be headed to the FBI or Secret Service instead of returning to Notre Dame for one final season in 2020.
Before Shannon ultimately makes that decision though, he’ll go down as one of the best in the country at the specific task as Monday saw him named a finalist for the inaugural Patrick Mannelly Award.
Joining Shannon as finalists are Liam McCullough of Ohio State and Steven Wirtel of Iowa State.
The Patrick Mannelly Award is proud to announce the finalists for the Top Senior FBS Long Snapper for the 2019 College Football Season!
For more information, please go to The https://t.co/NMujuIbW1B. pic.twitter.com/m6VZXtkxRo
— The Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper Award (@MannellyAward) November 26, 2019
The winner of the inaugural award will be announced December 14 in Lake Bluff, Illinois.
Patrick Mannelly is widely-regarded as the best long-snapper of the modern NFL era (Award websites words, not mine). The longtime Chicago Bears long snapper played more games as a Bear (245) than any other player in history.