Notre Dame Football: Receivers Are Loaded & Ready To Roll

When reviewing the Notre Dame Football roster, it becomes apparent that one of the great strengths of this year’s team is it’s eight wide receivers. We’re going to review these receivers and for purposes of this article, divide them into two groups – slot receiver and wide-out receiver.

Slot Receivers –

C.J. Prosise (6’0”, 220-lbs.) – The Redshirt Junior was recruited as a safety, but was moved to wide receiver his freshman year. Last year, Prosise caught 29 passes for 516 yards and two touchdowns. This spring, Brian Kelly cross trained Prosise at running back. He did so well that he is under consideration to be part of the running back rotation. Prosise has presented the coaching staff with a positive problem that will help the Fighting Irish at either position or both positions.

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Amir Carlisle ( 5’10”, 190-lbs.) – The fifth year Senior had a decent year rotating with C. J. Prosise. Carlisle caught 23 passes for 309 years and three touchdowns. He will continue to be part of the slot receiver rotation and will earn much more playing time if Prosise becomes a permanent member of the running back rotation.

Torii Hunter, Jr. (6”0”, 190 lbs.) – The son of Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter has been the hard luck member of the receiving corps. Hunter suffered a severe leg injury at the U.S. Army All-star game his senior year of high school. He redshirted his freshman year and has had difficulty earning playing time. He is also a member of the Notre Dame baseball team. With his ability and speed, Notre Dame fans can expect a great season from Hunter this fall.

Wide-Out Receivers –

Will Fuller (6’0”, 190-lbs.) – The Junior had one of his greatest seasons by a wide receiver in Notre Dame history. The 2014 Offensive Player of the Year caught 76 passes for 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 15 touchdowns tied Jeff Samardzija, Rhema McNight, and Golden Tate for the most ever by a Notre Dame receiver. His season was topped off by catching three touchdown passes against Northwestern. With his speed, great route running and hands, fans should expect something close to last year’s numbers.

Fuller is backed up by two sophomores, Justin Brent (6’1-1/2”, 205 lbs.) who played mostly on special teams last season. The Hoosier-state product should push for more playing time this season. Brent shares time with fellow sophomore Corey Holmes (6’0”, 185 lbs.) who played in only two games last year. He also has good speed and should see more playing time this season.

It looks like a two person race for starter on the other side of Will Fuller between Senior Chris Brown and Junior Corey Robinson. Chris Brown (6’1-1/2”, 195 lbs.) caught 39 passes for 548 yards and one touchdown. Four of his receptions were for 30 yards or more.

Corey Robinson (6’5”, 215 lbs.) had a very productive season with 40 catches for 539 yards and six touchdowns. Robinson, the son of NBA hall of famer David Robinson, is probably remembered for the touchdown that didn’t count, a pass he caught against Florida State in the final seconds that was nullified by a Notre Dame penalty. Robinson’s length and great catching ability, along with Brown’s speed, will provide the Fighting Irish with a great tandem of wide receivers.

This past February, Notre Dame signed four wide receivers. They are Equanimeous St. Brown (6’5”, 205 lbs.), Miles Boykins (6’4”, 220 lbs.), C. J. Sanders (5’9”, 175 lbs.), and Jalen Guyton (6’0”, 190 lbs.). As these four receivers approach their first summer camp, there really is no room for them to start. There may be some playing time for a few but most will be red-shirted, or play just on special teams.

With Malik Zaire at quarterback, Notre Dame may run more than they did with Everett Golson. But when they do pass, the talented and experienced receiving corps will help the inexperienced Zaire and provide some fireworks for Notre Dame Football in 2015.

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