COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NATION : Notre Dame’s Failla Skips 3 Practices

Paul Failla probably scuttled his chances of starting as the Notre Dame quarterback by skipping three practices for reasons the school would not specify.

Failla, a junior who turned down a professional baseball contract to attend Notre Dame, missed Wednesday’s second practice and both workouts Thursday. It was uncertain when he would return. He told Coach Lou Holtz of his decision beforehand, university spokeswoman Rose Pietrzak said. Another player, freshman fullback Ron Hardin, left the team and will transfer, Pietrzak said.

Failla, the starting shortstop on Notre Dame’s baseball team, is competing against senior Kevin McDougal and freshman Ron Powlus to replace Rick Mirer.