5 Breakout Candidates for Notre Dame Football in 2021

Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Avery Davis (3) catches a pass in the fourth quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 6

Avery Davis should have a monster year in 2021. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football breakout candidates: Avery Davis, WR

Avery Davis came to South Bend as a 4-star quarterback before making the switch to running back, then defensive back, then running back again before finally finding a home at slot receiver.

With an up-and-down pass game last season that saw most of the production come from true-freshman tight end Michael Mayer and outside big-bodies Ben Skowronek and Javon McKinley, Davis was still able to put up respectable numbers and separate himself as the best slot receiver on the team.

He finished 2020 with 24 receptions, 322 yards, 13.4 yards/reception, and two touchdowns, all career-bests or tied for career-bests. He also added 57 yards on the ground on just three carries.

With Skowronek and McKinley gone, I would not be surprised if offensive coordinator Tommy Rees altered the passing game to be more favorable for Davis and the smaller, faster-receiving corps that will be on the field for the Irish in 2021.

If he stays healthy, there is no reason why Davis can’t surpass his numbers from 2020 and turn into a dangerous weapon for the 2021 offense.

Home/Notre Dame Fighting Irish