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Clausen returns to Notre dame to finish degree

Posted: 9:07 PM Jan 19, 2011
Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo

Clausen returns to Notre dame to finish degree

Former Irish quarterback and current Panthers starter Jimmy Clausen was sitting in the front row at Wednesday's Irish men's basketball game.

But this wasn't just a two day venture for Clausen.

He's actually back full-time, enrolled in classes for the spring semester with the intentions of finishing his requirements to walk in May's graduation.

Clausen says he promised his parents he would get his degree and with the current labor issues in the NFL, this was the perfect time to do that.

Clausen says its fun adjusting from being a NFL starting quarterback to just being a regular student. He says he's ready again for the rigors of taking a full slate of classes.

The former Irish standout struggled in his first season in Carolina, as the Panthers finished with the worst record in the NFL. He says he learned a lot however and is excited to meet with new Panthers coach Ron Rivera next week.

Clausen says he anticipates being Carolina's starting quarterback next season.