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Notre Dame Football: Offseason Fact or Fiction

By Jack Leniart

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 04: Julian Love #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is knocked out of bound by John Wolford #10 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons after an interception at Notre Dame Stadium on November 4, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 04: Julian Love #27 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is knocked out of bound by John Wolford #10 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons after an interception at Notre Dame Stadium on November 4, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 07: Alize Mack #86 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish makes a catch against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the game at Kenan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 07: Alize Mack #86 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish makes a catch against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the game at Kenan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Fact or Fiction: Alize Mack will lead the team in receptions this season.

Mason: Fiction. If you look up “Alize Mack” in the dictionary, the definition you will find is one word: Disappointing. Mack was an elite recruit expected to be the next Kyle Rudolph or Tyler Eifert. He has been far from that. Last season, Mack finished with 19 receptions, which was tied for the third-most on the team with Kevin Stepherson. The only two players with more receptions were Equanimeous St. Brown and Chase Claypool. You might think with two of the top pass-catchers from last season gone, Mack is in a great spot to lead Notre Dame in receptions. That’s not going to happen. I expect other players to step up and surpass Mack. There will surely be increased roles in the passing game for players like Miles Boykin and Michael Young this season. I’ve always liked Mack as a player, but a few bad decisions and some poor performances have left a bad taste in my mouth.

JP: Fiction. Mack has a ton of potential and could have a terrific season. The fact remains that the Irish have three very capable receivers who have the ability to be high-volume targets. I’d be stunned if Mack leads the teams in receptions.

Nathan: Fiction. I love Mack’s talent and potential, but his on-field production to date has left a lot to be desired. He is due for a breakout performance in 2018, but how often do tight ends lead a team in receptions? Especially a team with multiple high-profile tight ends on the roster and about four or five receivers that will be involved in the offense. Mack caught 19 passes last year. I’m comfortable upping that number to the 30-35 range, which is solid for a tight end. However, if that leads the team in receptions, we are in for a stressful season.

Sonny: Fiction. It’s not really an indication of Mack’s abilities, it’s just because of all the other receiving options. With St. Brown gone, there is definitely going to be more targets to go around, but I think Chase Claypool will benefit the most from those.

Jack: Fiction. This is partially due to the other great tight ends on the team and partially due to the receivers that will be stepping into bigger roles this season. I will, however, play devil’s advocate for a bit. Mack is arguably the most talented pass-catcher in this Irish offense. He has underperformed the past two season, but that could mean he is due for a breakout season. There is no clear number-one option in the passing game, and it’s feasible that Mack can claim that title.

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