The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will, once again, take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2021 season.

#65 Michael Vinson, LS

Whereas Alex Peitsch was a 5-star long snapper who was offered a scholarship to be part of the 2020 Notre Dame signee class, long snapper Michael Vinson committed to Notre Dame as a preferred walk-on in the class of 2018 with much less fanfare.

Photo by Brian Utesch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 6’2”, 226-lb senior from Winnetka, Illinois didn’t let that stop him from becoming John Shannon’s heir apparent at the position, though. Vinson spent his freshman year in 2018 on scout team special teams, waiting and watching and learning from Shannon during that CFP season. Then, as a sophomore, he made his collegiate debut in the blowout win against New Mexico, and also managed to see time late against Bowling Green.

During his first two seasons, he also was critical to team operations on the road, serving as the defensive card holder and recording stats for special teams. Furthermore, he was scout team center during road walkthroughs.

Finally, as a junior, Vinson took the reins as starting long snapper for the Fighting Irish. He started all 12 games in 2020 while helping the Irish make their 2nd College Football Playoff in 3 seasons. He even was one of 67 players nominated nationwide for the Burlsworth Trophy, which was created in 2010 to honor the achievements and successes of walk-on athletes and is presented each year to the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.

The Restaurant That Fits

The Snapper Inn

This Oakdale, NY waterfront restaurant has been owned and operated by one family continuously since 1929 — thus, it’s safe to say The Snapper Inn is pretty experienced and mature as far as restaurants go.

Similarly, Michael Vinson is a senior who’s been snapping for a while, first on the scout team and now as a returning starter from a CFP squad.

Oh, and I guess the name sort of fits too.

2021 Outlook

This one is as simple and easy to predict as they come — assuming he stays healthy, Michael Vinson will start again as a senior at long snapper, and probably once again earn himself a nomination for the Burlsworth. Ya absolutely love to see it.