What The Loss of Corey Robinson Means for the Irish

What does the loss of Corey Robinson mean for the Irish?

Yesterday we learned that senior wide receiver Corey Robinson would be retiring from football due to multiple concussions, and you really can’t blame him. Concussions can be a tricky thing and if you’re not careful with them, they can really screw you up in the long run. So Robinson is making the smart and right decision by stepping away from the game.

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Robinson was slated to be one of the most experienced receivers on the roster in 2016, but his loss is not the end of the world for the Irish. Robinson had a breakout year in 2014, catching 40 balls for 539 yards and five touchdowns, but dropped off mightily last season. Last year Robinson only caught 16 balls for 200 yards and a touchdown, so the Irish aren’t losing much in the production department. But nevertheless a loss of a player always brings up the question, “what does this mean going forward?”

Well the Irish are still looking pretty good when it comes to wide receiver position. They are loaded with talent at wide receiver. It may be unproven talent, but still the potential is there. The sophomore class specifically will be counted on to step up in a big way. Equanimeous St. Brown, Miles Boykin and C.J. Sanders will all have their opportunity to make an impact this upcoming season.

St. Brown, Boykin and Sanders are all true wide receivers. St. Brown and Boykin are the prototypical wide-outs in that they are big bodies that can run and catch. St. Brown is a name that excites everyone because he’s huge at 6’4″ 205 lbs and he also possesses blazing speed. He is expected by many to be the next great Notre Dame wide receiver. St. Brown missed the second half of 2015 with a shoulder injury, but is expected to be back at 100%.

Boykin has drawn comparisons to Michael Floyd or Maurice Stovall, as he is similar in body type at at 6’3 225 lbs. Sanders is more of a slot receiver with exceptional speed. Look for him in more of an expanded role due to the loss of Amir Carlisle.

The other guy who will also throw his hat into this mix is Alize Jones. Now Jones isn’t a true wide receiver. He was recruited and has been working out as a tight end, but the coaching staff sees him more as a Tyler Eifert type of tight end in that he can split out on the outside if you need him to. With this ability, Jones gives the Irish another big and athletic body out at wide receiver.

Corey Holmes is another guy who has impressed the staff thus far. Holmes has played sparingly through his first two seasons, but has all the talent in the world to make an impact in 2016. He is the fastest man on the team with a 40 time of 4.39. Holmes also possesses a 41-inch vertical.

Notre Dame is also bringing in three wide receivers this season as well. Chase Claypool, Kevin Stepherson and Javon McKinley will all look to make their mark this fall.

Next: Corey Robinson Makes Another Smart Decision

The loss of Robinson does hurt from a leadership aspect, but the Brian Kelly has done a great job of accumulating depth and talent at wide receiver. Irish fans shouldn’t worry when it comes to wide receiver in 2016.