Only a sophomore in college, Kyle Brindza has been a big piece of the puzzle for the national championship-bound Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

"It’s been a blessing, yet a speechless moment to be honest. (Earning a spot in the national championship) has not hit home yet and won’t for awhile," said Brindza, a 2011 Plymouth graduate. "It’s a moment in life where you know dreams do come true."

Brindza’s right foot contributes to a majority of Notre Dame’s undefeated season, kicking for over 90 points in just 12 games. He kicked 16 points (five field goals and one extra point) out of the 22 that Notre Dame scored against the USC Trojans, securing their spot in the national championship game. Brindza also made history in the game against the Trojans by kicking the second-longest field goal in Notre Dame history, and his personal best, at 52 yards.

But Brindza is no stranger to breaking records.

Just two years ago, Brindza was a senior on the Plymouth varsity football team. While handling kicking and punting duties for the Wildcats, he set the Michigan high school record with 19 successful field goals, including six of nine from 50 yards or more. That same year, Brindza helped lead the team to the state championship game with a record of 11-3. Although the Cats lost to Lake Orion in the state finals 21-13, Brindza recorded a 70-yard punt, which would set a record for longest punt in Michigan playoff history.

"Being a part of the Wildcat brotherhood really got me ready for joining the Notre Dame team," said Brindza. "Being able to trust a whole team and share a common bond has taught me to do the same at Notre Dame."

Graduating a semester earlier than his classmates, Kyle went on to Notre Dame, enrolling in classes and starting his training as a future kicker for the Fighting Irish. Although he left behind friends and family in the Plymouth-Canton area for his dreams in South Bend, Brindza still takes pride in representing his hometown and former high school.

"Representing Plymouth High School is something I have always done and has been instilled in me," said Brindza. "Always bleed black and silver. Never have and never will forget where I was made and raised to be the man I am today."

From P-CEP to Notre Dame, Kyle has brought his competitive spirit, dedication, incredible work ethic and, most recognizably, his number.

"You don’t see many people wearing the number 27," said Brindza. "It makes it a part of who I am."

Kyle took after one of his biggest role models as a kid when choosing the number 27. Eddie George wore the same number for the Tennessee Titans years before Kyle ever put on a Wildcats’ jersey. Brindza decided to keep his number when he went to play for the Fighting Irish.