southern BEND, Ind. -- The pain was...

southern BEND, Ind. -- The pain was excruciating, in this way intense that Rhema McKnight's screams undoubtedly be sounded backed through Michigan Stadium.

It happened in the next to the first game of last season. McKnight, Notre Dame's No. 1 receiver, ran a seam way in the second quarter and got blasted in his left shoulder by dint of Wolverines defender Brandent Engelmon. McKnight remembered for what cause his right foot planted awkwardly, then doubleed over.

"I knew at that point that I was moderately beautiful much done for the pause of the game," he said.

further McKnight knew he was far from being finished.

The senior was granted a fifth year of eligibility. His recur has created a buzz at camp because he makes an already efficacious Irish offense that much better.

"To be faithful to contract with you, he is in a division better shape now than in Game 2 last year because he's onward a mission," Irish coach Charlie Weis said. "He's had a lengthy time to get ready for this. And no the same is more ready than him. I mean, he's in phenomenal shape."

McKnight wasn't about to impediment some freak injury slow him down. He's rise above a lot worse. McKnight grew up in a tough Inglewood, Calif., neighborhood. He routinely awoke to gunshot as a child.

"You hear all emblems of things living in Inglewood," he said, "but that's just things you proceed through in life."

He mov to Orange shire at age 14, found himself a worthy school in La Palma Kennedy High and a serviceable coach in Mitch Olson.

"It allowed me to extend up as a person, and it allowed me to period up here at Notre Dame," he said. "It's laughable how things work out."

McKnight believes things happen for a reason. That's on what account he didn't become too disheartened after the injury. strong there were times he be sullened wishing to be on the field. however instead of dwelling on it, he became a spiritual leader forward the sideline, in the locker space wherever he could be heard.

McKnight definitely caught quarterback Brady Quinn's ear.

"He doesn't understand to what extent his excitement, the different things he brings to this team, can impact us," Quinn said. "He was someone who was missed last season onward the field but at the same point in time, was able to degree up in a different character more or less as a leader not on the field."

McKnight tried to make a comeback before the expiration of last season. He worked religiously in the training space But every time he pondering it was back to normal, he'd be impressed a tweak.

"I had a small in number setbacks, just not ready to play yet" he said. "I just felt like it was better to take the year off"

McKnight said he's completely healthy now. Catching passes from Quinn this summer told him in such a manner But he's yet to face contact, which will be the faithful test.

Weis is convinced that McKnight is better than forever

"I gues I just have to take his word for it," McKnight said with a laugh.

With him back in the lineup, the Irish have another efficacious 1-2 combo. Last year, Jeff Samardzija earned All-America status with a school-record 1249 receiving yards. Maurice Stovall also surpassed 1000 yards and became an NFL draft pick.

Now it's Samardzija and McKnight, a tandem that could give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. McKnight, at 6-2 has enough spe to create space and is powerful after the catch. The 6-5 Samardzija has great hands, and his height makes him harder to assert one-on-one.

"I trustful longing they double-team Jeff every play," Weis said, "because Rhema will have a field day."

Samardzija doesn't care who draws the mass of the defensive attention. He's just glad to have McKnight back.

"It was great having him forward the sideline," Samardzija said, "but it's going to be whole chance better having him in pads."

vmcclure@suntimes.com

according to THE NUMBERS

Rhema McKnight's statistics:

Year G- No. Yd Avg. TD

2002 12-0 9 91 101 0

2003 12-8 47 600 128 3

2004 12-9 42 610 145 3

2005 2-1 5 69 138 1

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