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Notre Dame Football: Ranking who will be most impactful in 2020 (15-6)

By Jack Leniart

ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Drew White #40 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts in the second half while playing the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Drew White #40 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts in the second half while playing the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 27: Kevin Austin #4 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball in the 1st half against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

11. Kevin Austin (Wide Receiver)

Best Ranking: 5

Worst Ranking: Unranked

Kevin Austin was a four-star wide receiver prospect out of Pompano Beach, Florida. He was the highest rated (according to 247 Sports) member of Notre Dame’s 2018 recruiting class.

There was plenty of hype surrounding Austin when he joined the Irish. He appeared in four games as a true freshman during the 2018 season and finished the year with 5 catches and 90 receiving yards.

Austin’s potential was sky high, and fans were excited to see him involved in the offense in 2019. However, an unofficial team suspension for an undisclosed reason kept him on the sidelines for all last season.

Austin entered 2020 a year older and wiser. He was arguably the number one receiver on the team and a favorite to lead the team in receiving. Then, in August, he fractured a bone in his foot during summer practices. The injury required surgery and will keep Austin on the sidelines for 12 weeks.

There is still a good chance that Austin will be able to suit up for the Irish this season. Fans are hoping and praying that return happens before the marquee showdown against Clemson on November 7th.

Disclaimer: The main reason for the large disparity in the ranking of Kevin Austin is the timing of when these ballots were filled out. Our writers submitted their final rankings days before we learned the news of Austin’s foot injury. All voters were given an option to update their final rankings. Some did. Others did not.

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