Notre Dame Football: 25 Most Impactful Players Honorable Mention
By Jack Leniart
3. Jack Lamb (Linebacker)
Lamb had his sophomore season cut short last year after he suffered a hip injury against Virginia Tech. In the eight games he appeared in, he recorded seven tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He was very much involved in the linebacker rotation, and was used frequently in Notre Dame’s nickel package. Lamb is one of the linebackers competing with Genmark-Heath for the starting job at the buck linebacker position for the upcoming season.
2. Javon McKinley (Wide Receiver)
No returning player on the roster had more receiving yards for Notre Dame last season than Javon McKinley. He had 11 catches for 248 yards and four touchdowns in 2019. The 6-2 and 215-pound grad student is entering his fifth year in South Bend and is hoping to have a breakout season that could propel him to a NFL career. McKinley will have additional competition in the wide receiver group this season with players like Kevin Austin, Bennet Skowronek, and true freshman Jordan Johnson in the mix.
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1. Isaiah Pryor (Safety)
Pryor was a four-star recruit in Ohio State’s 2017 recruiting class. After three seasons with the Buckeyes, he entered the transfer portal in search of a new team. Following the departures of starting safeties Alohi Gilman and Jalen Elliott, the Notre Dame staff thought that Pryor would be a great fit in South Bend. The safety will bring some additional talent to Terry Joseph’s defensive backs group, and should make an impact for the Irish defense this season. Pryor is not a lock to start, but he will definitely get plenty of playing time. His main competition for snaps this year is Houston Griffith.