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What a healthy Cole Kmet means to Notre Dame on Saturday

By Matt Clark

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nic Weishar #82 and Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate a first down during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Stadium on September 29, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nic Weishar #82 and Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate a first down during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Notre Dame Stadium on September 29, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Cole Kmet will be available for Notre Dame tomorrow.

Coming into the 2019 season, Cole Kmet was predicted to be a key cog in the Notre Dame offense. Named to the 2019 John Mackey Award preseason watch list, experts expected the 6’6″, 256 pound tight end to be one of the top receiving options for the Irish and a productive red zone target throughout the season.

On August 8th, Kmet broke his collarbone following a hard hit by Alohi Gilman during practice. The junior, a former four-star recruit, was initially expected to miss up to 10 weeks with the injury.

However, this week, Kmet returned to practice as a near-full participant. It was announced yesterday that Kmet would play against New Mexico. This is obviously a positive event leading up to the matchup against the No. 3 ranked Georgia Bulldogs next week.

This news is especially positive, since it is coupled with the fact that starting wideout Michael Young’s recovery from his broken collarbone is estimated to be only a week behind Kmet’s. While Kelly may opt to limit Kmet tomorrow — given the expected low level of competition from New Mexico — he will be an integral part of the Irish offense as the season progresses.

Kmet is expected to be the top tight end for the Irish, replacing Alize Mack’s production from last year. Most analysts predicted Kmet to be far more productive than Mack was, with some predicting a 50 reception, 600+ yard and 5+ touchdown season.

The pedigree is undoubtedly present for Kmet, as he possesses the size, speed, hands, route running and blocking abilities of an elite tight end. Most NFL draft analysts had Kmet projected as a day-two draft pick in next year’s NFL draft, should he choose to leave Notre Dame. So far, the talent level hasn’t translated into productive numbers for him. However, that can be attributed to him previously being overshadowed by Mack and hindered by a variety of nagging injuries throughout his career, including the broken collarbone this year.

A healthy Kmet would give an instant boost to the passing attack that struggled at times against Louisville. It gives Ian Book another big body to target in the red zone and in the middle of the field. In addition, it should open things up for playmaker and top wide receiver Chase Claypool.

Not only does Cole Kmet provide assistance in the passing game, he gives the Irish solid blocking on the perimeter in the run game. Having Kmet at full capacity adds a dynamic to the Irish offense that makes them very dangerous.

Next. Saturday is the last tune up for the linebackers. dark

Long story short: Cole Kmet’s return is welcomed with great anticipation by everyone with a vested interest in Notre Dame football.

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