Notre Dame Football: A way-too-early look at the Irish offensive depth chart
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame football depth chart: Running Back
The running back spot is the most established position unit on the Notre Dame football team. Last year, that notion appeared absurd, however, after a productive season from Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree, the Irish running back is extremely solid.
Senior C’Bo Flemister provides great depth for the Fighting Irish.
New running backs Logan Diggs and Audric Estime may figure into the mix as well, as Diggs and Estime probably possess more talent than Flemister. Are their work ethic, intense running style, and knowledge of the offense enough to overtake Flemister?
He may lack the same talent but dominates in these categories.
- Kyren Williams (RS So.)
- Chris Tyree (So.)
- C’Bo Flemister (RS Jr.)
- Audric Estime (Fr.)
- Logan Diggs (Fr.)
- Kendall Abdur-Rahman (RS So.)
As for running back Kendall Abdur-Rahman, he might change positions or find himself buried on the depth by younger players.
Notre Dame football depth chart: Wide Receiver
There are two ways to view the Irish receiver position. The pessimistic take sees that Notre Dame is missing their top 2 wide receivers from 2020 with Avery Davis being the lone hold-over. In a more optimistic look, the remaining wide receivers are extremely talented and possibly game-changers.
At the top of this list is senior wide receiver Kevin Austin. Austin is extremely talented but has yet to make an impact because of injury and academic issues. If he makes it healthy for the 2021 year, he likely leads the team in receptions.
In addition to Austin, fellow wide receiver Braden Lenzy hopes to make a bigger impact this year. Like Austin, Lenzy needs to stay healthy.
- W (Boundary): 1. K. Austin (Sr.), 2. X. Watts (So.), 3. J. Wilkins (RS Jr.), 4. D. Colzie (Fr.)
- X (Field): 1. B. Lenzy (Sr.), 2. J. Johnson (So.), 3. J. Brunelle (RS Fr.),
- Z (Slot): 1. A. Davis (RS Sr.), 2. L. Keys III (Sr.), 3. L. Styles (Fr.), 4. J. Thomas
Behind Austin and Lenzy is a talented corps of unproven players. 2nd-year players Xavier Watts and Jordan Johnson hopefully break into the depth chart. It is unrealistic to expect anything from the trio of Colzie, Styles, and Thomas, though these low expectations are not a reflection of their talent level, but the lack of freshman wide receiver success under Brian Kelly.