South Bend, IN

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish suffered another big blow after sophomore wideouts Davonte' Neal and Justin Ferguson decided to leave the program, head coach Brian Kelly confirmed.

Neal and Ferguson became the latest players to abandon the football program.

Gunner Kiel, the second highest rated player from Notre Dame 2012 class, and cornerback Tee Shepard also decided to transfer.

In addition, Fighting Irish defensive end Chase Hounsell will be sidelined the entire 2013 season after sustaining a shoulder injury.

"I'm just really disappointed for him because he worked so hard to get back there," Kelly said Wednesday.

Notre Dame toppled all opponents in the regular-season before bowing to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the BCS Championship game last January.

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Notre Dame Losses All Four 2012 Class Players