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5 Breakout Candidates for Notre Dame Football in 2021

By Connor McJunkin

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
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 /
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Jordan Johnson figures to play a more prominent role in 2021.  Mandatory Credit: Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jordan Johnson figures to play a more prominent role in 2021.  Mandatory Credit: Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via USA TODAY NETWORK /

Notre Dame football breakout candidates: Jordan Johnson, WR

Irish fans grew loathsome of Jordan Johnson‘s inactivity and inability to see the field last season. It has been a long-standing criticism of Kelly to not play young receivers over the years, even when the Irish passing attack is stuck in a rut as it was early in 2020.

As the highest-rated wideout recruit for the Irish under Brian Kelly, the St. Louis native should greatly benefit from the departures of Skowronek and McKinley and see plenty of playing time in 2021.

At 6-2, and a full year of Notre Dame’s strength and conditioning program upcoming, Johnson should be able to add on more size to his current 180-pound frame.

Kevin Austin will serve as the primary big-body receiver heading into 2021, but his track record of staying healthy and being a consistent source of production is not great. He only recorded one catch in 2020 and the long-term plans for the Irish should favor Johnson seeing more reps if he proves he’s ready.

All signs point to a breakout season for Johnson in 2021 and his style of play and talent should have every Irish fan excited for what he can do.

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