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Notre Dame Football: Chase Claypool caps stellar rookie season

By Brad Weiss

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Receiver Chase Claypool #83 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish catches a pass during a college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Receiver Chase Claypool #83 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish catches a pass during a college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame football star Chase Claypool capped off a terrific rookie season on Sunday night in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Cleveland Browns.

While Chase Claypool may not have been the biggest name in terms of the wide receiver spot in the 2020 NFL Draft, he certainly put together the best season of them all. The former Notre Dame football star stepped in as a rookie in Pittsburgh, becoming a favorite target of Ben Roethlisberger, and became one of the better wideouts in the AFC North.

Claypool burst onto the scene as a rookie this season, scoring nine touchdowns through the air, and two more on the ground. He was targeted over 100 times during the regular season, catching 62 balls for nearly 900 yards, including a season-high 84-yarder.

With Pittsburgh getting out to such a strong start, we knew we would see him in the playoffs, and in his playoff debut, Claypool continued his terrific rookie season. As the Steelers mounted their comeback from a 28-0 deficit, there was No. 11, hauling in tough passes from Roethlisberger, and having his star shine bright when it mattered.

Two touchdowns in playoff debut

Sure, we see rookies come in and make an impact right away, especially during the regular season. However, when the bright lights of the NFL Playoffs turn on, we can see young players disappear, but that was not the case for the former Notre Dame football standout on Sunday night.

Claypool was a major part of the Steelers’ offense, hauling in five receptions for 59 yards, including a 29-yarder. In addition to his 11.1 yards-per-reception, Claypool also brought in two touchdowns, giving him 13 total for his rookie season.

Pittsburgh has some solid young weapons on the outside, and Claypool definitely showed he not only belonged in the NFL this season but is someone to really keep an eye on moving forward.

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Nobody really knows what the future holds for Roethlisberger, as he really faltered down the stretch, and looked downright old at times. However, no matter who is under center in Pittsburgh moving forward, they have a legitimate budding star in Chase Claypool on the outside.

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