Notre Dame football: 10 most important players in 2021

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 23: Jarrett Patterson #55 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish snaps the ball during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019, in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: 10 most important players in 2021

1. Jarrett Patterson, Offensive Line

Since Brian Kelly got to Notre Dame, the offensive line has always been the strength of the team. That was again the case last season, and it was a large part of why Kyren Williams and the running game were so successful.

Now, going into 2021, Notre Dame needs to replace four of their five starters at the beginning of last season, as the one remaining starter is Jarrett Patterson.

Patterson played center last season, which is arguably the most important position on the offensive line, because they’re responsible for calling out blocking assignments and snapping the ball without any issues. With that said, there has been talk about moving Patterson to left tackle or guard, to make sure that Jack Coan’s blindside is protected.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: A Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleader waves a flag during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against the Clemson Tigers at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Notre Dame football: What does Devin Moore bring to the Irish?

The Notre Dame football program is building an elite 2022 recruiting class, and on Sunday, they added Florida defensive back, Devin Moore.

Either way, he needs to be the leader on the offensive line, which will make or break the offense in 2021. If they succeed, the offense can do what they want. If not, then this could be a disaster. Like Hamilton, with another strong 2021 season, Patterson could be a first-round draft pick in 2022.

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