Notre Dame football: 10 most important players in 2021
![SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Kurt Hinish #41 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and teammates sing the alma mater after defeating the New Mexico Lobos at Notre Dame Stadium on September 14, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 14: Kurt Hinish #41 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and teammates sing the alma mater after defeating the New Mexico Lobos at Notre Dame Stadium on September 14, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c47af9f45a303a2eb59bb545fc64ace2ae538947dccfb988476d507eed6b71dd.jpg)
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.
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.