Slap the Sign
Fansided

Notre Dame Football: Ranking 2020’s most impactful players 25-21

By Jack Leniart

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: TaRiq Bracy #28 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after breaking up a pass in the end zone during the Camping World Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame defeated Iowa State 33-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: TaRiq Bracy #28 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after breaking up a pass in the end zone during the Camping World Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame defeated Iowa State 33-9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Notre Dame football
ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Lawrence Keys III #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks for yards during a first half run against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

23. Lawrence Keys III (Wide Receiver)

Best Ranking: 17

Worst Ranking: Unranked

Lawrence Keys III was a four-star recruit out of New Orleans and a member of Notre Dame’s 2018 recruiting class. He was one of four receivers in that recruiting class, and he currently leads the other three players in total receptions.

Keys arrived in South Bend as a relatively small receiver – weighing just 160 pounds. After two years in Notre Dame’s strength and conditioning program, he has added on 13 pounds. While that is great progress, he likely still needs to add another 10-15 pounds.

As a sophomore last season, Keys had 13 catches and 134 receiving yards working most of the time as a slot receiver. In addition to that, he had six rushing attempts that resulted in 45 total rushing yards.

Former offensive coordinator Chip Long liked to utilize the speed of receivers like Keys and Braden Lenzy in the running game. Time will tell if new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will draw up similar plays this season.

In addition to being an integral part of the wide receiver rotation, Keys will also being returning punts for the Irish this season. That job was previously held by Chris Finke, who was a very consistent punt returner but not a home run threat. I think the staff is hoping Keys can bring some explosiveness to the punt return team.

Home/Notre Dame Fighting Irish