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Notre Dame football: Predicting five breakout players for 2016

By Greg Hadley

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Nyles Morgan (5) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Nyles Morgan (5) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Alize Jones (10) runs the ball past Temple Owls defensive back Nate L. Smith (13) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Notre Dame won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Alize Jones (10) runs the ball past Temple Owls defensive back Nate L. Smith (13) during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Notre Dame won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Alizé Jones

It’s unclear in exactly what role Jones will contribute to Notre Dame’s offense this season. But make no mistake, the sophomore will be contributing.

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After a freshman campaign in which he received limited reps at tight end, the 6-foot-5 Jones split his time in spring practice between wide receiver and tight end, and it’s still unclear which will become his primary position. On one hand, Jones’s long frame allows him to be a decent inline blocker, and he is fast and strong enough to create headaches for linebackers and safeties.

On the other, the Irish are in desperate need of wide receiver depth with the departure of Will Fuller, Amir Carlisle, Chris Brown and Corey Robinson. Jones is one of the few players left with receiving experience. He would automatically become one of Notre Dame’s taller targets and could make life very difficult for corners, especially on the inside.

In all likelihood, Jones will try a little of both this fall, as Kelly finds ways to use his unique skillset and physical size in the offensive scheme. Notre Dame has been known as Tight End U in the past, and Jones could be set to restore that title.

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