Notre Dame Football: Projecting the 2021 starting lineup
By Andrew Hall
The Fighting Irish offense features 8 players with starting experience.
Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees needs to remake the Irish offense in 2021. The team loses Ian Book, Liam Eichenberg, Aaron Banks, Tommy Kraemer, Robert Hainsey, Tommy Tremble, Ben Skowronek, and Javon McKinley.
Replacing these eight contributors will be difficult.
- Quarterback: Jack Coan
Brendon Clark, Drew Pyne, and Tyler Buchner were slated to vie for the starting quarterback spot over the spring and summer. However, Jack Coan jumps the line and starts for the Irish.
- Running Back: Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams will need to find other ways to make a tremendous impact as he did in 2020. With a newly formed offensive line, Williams will not have massive holes to run through.
- Left Tackle: Jarrett Patterson
Although Jarrett Patterson started at center this season, left tackle is his best position. Patterson replaces Eichenberg in 2021 and gives whoever is under center a talented player protecting their blind side.
- Left Guard: Dillan Gibbons
Dillan Gibbons returns to Notre Dame for his fifth year. Against Florida State, Gibbons replaced Banks when he slid over to left tackle after Liam Eichenberg suffered an eye injury.
- Center: Zeke Correll
Zeke Correll started two games last season, North Carolina and against Alabama in the Rose Bowl. He would have played against Syracuse and Clemson if he did not suffer an ankle injury. Correll played well in two starts and will only get better.
- Right Guard: Quinn Carroll
The second guard position is up for grabs. If Notre Dame decides to go with size at the position, Quinn Carroll fits the bill. Andrew Kristofic, John Dirksen, or Rocco Spindler could also fit here.
- Right Tackle: Josh Lugg
Josh Lugg was Notre Dame’s sixth-best offensive linemen in 2020. In 2021, Lugg can play at his best position of the right tackle and should be a cornerstone on this offensive line.
- Tight End: Michael Mayer
Michael Mayer made a huge impact during his freshman season at Notre Dame. He finished the year with 42 receptions for 450 yards and two touchdowns. He is a guy who the new quarterback is going to rely on heavily in 2021.
- Wide Receiver (W): Kevin Austin
Kevin Austin is a potential game-changer at the wide receiver position. However, his game-changing ability has been on the bench with numerous injuries and suspensions. If he is healthy and ready to go in 2021, he could have a breakout season.
- Wide Receiver (X): Branden Lenzy
Brenden Lenzy lost his starting position due to injury in 2020. McKinley and Skowronek were used instead of Lenzy, but he can bring lots of speed to the field and will have every opportunity to be a starter in 2021.
- Slot Receiver (Z): Avery Davis
Avery Davis took the slot receiver position by storm last season, paving the way for what should be an excellent 2021 campaign. The real competition in 2021 will be between Davis and the second tight end for who is one on the field more often.