Playing in the NorthSouth game was discussed with and approved by the Notre Dame coaching staff BEFORE Jack's shoulder issue was found and surgery was performed. Although he is doing extremely well in recovery/rehab and competing daily in offseason workouts, his official 6 month release to return to full contact date is August 3rd. Thus he withdrew from the voting as he knew in advance he could not participate. In addition, the game was important enough to Jack (both his older brothers played in the game) that he made the trip to North Central and support his teammate and coach who were part of the North squad.
Overall it was a very competitive game. The kicking was outstanding and the best combined I've witnessed at the game since I've been attending/watching starting in 2006.