Javon McKinley was the Unsung Hero for Notre Dame vs. New Mexico
By Carlee North
Javon McKinley was an absolute game-changer for Notre Dame against New Mexico.
The first home game is in the books for Notre Dame and the wait was worth it. The Irish were too much for New Mexico, pulling away after the first quarter and winning 66-14. It seemed like it was going to be another “here we go again” after the first few offensive possessions and another shaky start for Ian Book, but it eventually started to click and never really let up for the rest of the game, even with the backups.
There’s one player that finally showed what we’ve all been waiting for, coming out of high school as a top recruit, but having never really put it all together. On Saturday, he put it together and made some big-time plays in the passing game for the offense.
For that, Javon McKinley is the unsung hero against New Mexico and well deserved.
McKinley only had two catches, but those two were for huge touchdowns. His first one came on a crossing route over the middle of the field, and he made a highlight reel catch and run for 65-yards.
Coming out of high school, he was always a playmaker when he got the ball into his hands. We finally got to see him do that in a Notre Dame uniform on Saturday. Five players had a chance to bring him down, but his size and speed were just too much. Just an outstanding individual play.
His second touchdown was a back shoulder, 20-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the endzone. The 6’2″ senior is going to win jump balls more than he loses them, and he just needed a shot. He got that opportunity against New Mexico on Saturday and took advantage.
The Notre Dame offense needs someone to step up at wide receiver outside of Claypool. McKinley took that much needed step as someone the Irish should count on.
Next. Hayes was Defensive Player of the Game vs. New Mexico. dark
It’s a big positive moving forward for the Irish offense and it’s another reason why McKinley was the unsung hero. Now, can he get those opportunities against Georgia on Saturday and make the most of it? We will see, as the Irish head between the hedges for one of the biggest college football games of the year.