Notre Dame football: Way too early awards for 2021
Notre Dame football: Way too early awards for 2021
Most Valuable Player
Jarrett Patterson-OL
Jarrett Patterson is the only returning player to the Notre Dame Football offensive line, from the list of week 1 starters last season. Injuries, including to Patterson himself, gave other players like Josh Lugg playing time later in the season, but Patterson will be the only true returning starter.
Patterson is also a center by trade, which is by far the most important position on the offensive line. Think about how difficult being the center is. First, you have to call out the blocking scheme every single play based on the defensive positioning. Second, you have to snap the ball.
That means consistently getting the ball to the quarterback, regardless of weather and other factors like noise, on time, and in the same spot every time. They do this with their head down, and immediately they have to hit and block massive defensive tackles and blitzing linebackers.
There has been some debate about giving Zeke Correll the starting job at center, as he showed he was able to last season after Patterson went down. This would then move Patterson to tackle, as he’s the team’s best blocker and he’d be taking on the best edge rushers other teams have to offer at this spot.
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Whichever position he plays, and in my opinion, he should stay at center, Patterson will excel. He will be the best lineman and the leader of the offense. He’s vital to Notre Dame’s success in both the passing and rushing game, and the offensive line will rally around him to make Jarrett Patterson the Notre Dame MVP in 2021.