Notre Dame Football: Top-5 offensive players returning in 2021

By Brad Weiss | Feb 1, 2021

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 24: Michael Mayer #87 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is knocked off his feet after a catch by Paris Ford #12 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on October 24, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

Could Jarrett Patterson be moved to left tackle? (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Jarrett Patterson will have to lead this Notre Dame offensive line

Since becoming a starter during the 2019 college football season, Jarrett Patterson had yet to miss a game, this before a devastating injury during the team’s win against Boston College this past year. Patterson’s foot injury cost him the rest of the season, as the Irish had to shuffle their offensive line.

A key on one of the best offensive lines in college football, Patterson will now be tasked with leading the group, as he is the only returning starter from a year ago. There are a lot of new faces, including some true freshmen who could get a chance to start, including guys like Blaker Fisher and Rocco Spindler.

Another wrinkle to this is whether or not Patterson stays at center, or if he makes the move to left tackle, replacing an All-American in Liam Eichenberg. No matter where he plays, he is going to have to lead a group that is a big question mark heading into next season, protecting a brand new quarterback now that Ian Book is gone.

Home/Notre Dame Football