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Notre Dame Football: Michael Mayer was elite after contact in 2020

By Brad Weiss

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)
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) /
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As a true freshman playing at the highest level of college football, it usually takes a player a year or two to get used to the game. However, for Notre Dame football star Michael Mayer, he dominated in his first season in South Bend, setting up what should be an exciting career for him with the Irish over at least the next two seasons.

For Mayer, he took advantage of the opportunities given to him, bursting onto the scene as a legitimate threat in the passing game for quarterback Ian Book. A key cog in the team going perfect throughout the regular season, Mayer showed the ability to not only be a capable blocker, but also a real menace with the ball in his hands, and will certainly be a big part of this Notre Dame football offense this upcoming season.

Even as a true freshman, Mayer proved incredibly tough to not only guard but also to take down.

Notre Dame football star Michael Mayer racked up yards after contact

In the entire FBS this past season, according to Pro Football Focus, there was only one other tight end who had more yards after the catch than Mayer, a testament to just how tough he was once he hauled in the pass. Brevin Jordan from Miami (FL) racked up 160 yards after contact in 2020, with Mayer behind him at 138 yards.

Behind Mayer, was not only a true talent at the tight end group but a player who could land in the top-5 of the 2021 NFL Draft. Kyle Pitts finished No. 3 behind Mayer in yards after contact with 118, showing the kind of game-breaking ability that is going to make him a high pick this April.

Overall, Mayer finished his true freshman campaign with 42 receptions for 450 yards and two touchdowns, numbers he should improve on this upcoming season. He also finished strong, posting five receptions in each of his last three games, including 12 across the ACC title game, and the College Football Playoff.

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As Mayer continues to improve and grow both physically, and as a football player, he is only going to be even more of a threat for this Notre Dame offense. He showed this past season that he has the tools to be one of the greatest tight ends to ever come out of this Notre Dame football program, and that is saying a lot considering how many NFL tight ends the program has produced.

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