Notre Dame football: Who will be the WR1 in 2021?

The Veteran: Avery Davis

Avery Davis returns to Notre Dame as a graduate student, making him the old veteran of the receiving room. To this point in his career, Davis has found himself on a winding road to this role. During his time at Notre Dame, he has played quarterback and defensive back, along with wide receiver.

He’s also a bit undersized, and this has given Davis a longer learning curve than the average college receiver.

Still, he’s been coming along. In 2020, Davis had 24 receptions for 322 yards and two touchdowns, which was by far the best season of his career. He was at best a fourth option behind Skowronek, McKinley, and tight end Michael Mayer.

Davis still has a lot of growing to do, but there is room for him to be a great option for Jack Coan next season. As long as Davis’ hands develop some more, and he keeps getting open by running crisp routes, Davis will succeed.

Still, he has a ceiling, and that ceiling will likely keep him short of the top option at wide receiver. At least, his ceiling makes it so you want to see him stay as a solid second or third option more than be that top threat.