Notre Dame Football: 3 biggest questions for Irish on offense in 2021

Who steps up for the Fighting Irish at wide receiver?

Part of developing the offensive identity will depend on who steps up at the wide receiver position. There is no shortage of talent among the receiving corps with Austin, Lenzy, Johnson, Colzie, Styles, Jayden Thomas, and Keys, all former 4-star recruits.

None of the aforementioned wide receivers is Notre Dame’s current leader in receiving yards. Davis, the hero of the Clemson game, returns to the team as the most proven option, and he will undoubtedly hold down the slot receiver spot.

If healthy, now-seniors Kevin Austin and Braden Lenzy should start at the “W” and “X,” respectively.  However, a healthy and eligible Austin is hard to come by.

If he returns fully ready in 2021, he is a legitimate No. 1 receiver who can change the game. Lenzy, on the other hand, is more proven but inconsistent. In 2019, the sprinter from Tigard, Oregon rushed for 200 yards and caught passes for another 254.

The other top recruits must step up as well. Jordan Johnson, now a sophomore, is the most obvious choice. Johnson, a former top-50 recruit from St. Louis, Missouri, failed to register a reception during his freshman season.

Off-the-field issues slowed Johnson’s on-the-field progress. If Johnson can give Notre Dame 20 great snaps per game, it will enhance the explosiveness of the offense.

Aside from Austin, Lenzy, and Johnson, a new trio of freshman pass-catchers enters the fold in 2021. Lorenzo Styles appears well-equipped to play early and often for the Irish, Colzie is the most talented of the group, and Thomas’s ability should not be discounted.

There are plenty of options for Tommy Rees to choose from at receiver. Spring and fall practice will determine who rises to the top and helps the Notre Dame football team.