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Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 25-21

By Jack Leniart

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players run on the field during player introductions before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players run on the field during player introductions before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Lawrence Keys III #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks for yards during a first-half run against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019, in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 25-21

No. 25: Lawrence Keys III, Wide Receiver

  • Best Ranking: 19
  • Worst Ranking: Unranked

Lawrence Keys III was a four-star prospect from New Orleans and a member of Notre Dame’s 2018 recruiting class. The slender slot receiver needed a full year in the strength and conditioning program before he was ready to play meaningful snaps for the Irish.

As a sophomore in 2019, Keys appeared in twelve games and earned three starts. He went on to finish the season with 13 receptions, 134 receiving yards, and 46 rushing yards, and he also played a role on special teams that year.

He was one of the starting returners on the kickoff team and got some opportunities to return punts.

The 2020 season was a bit of a disappointment for Keys. He only caught five passes for 51 yards, and his role on the special teams’ units was significantly reduced. In his defense, he did miss some time in the middle of the season due to COVID.

This season, Keys should once again compete for a returner job on both the punt return and kick return teams in 2021. He also has a great opportunity to earn more snaps on offense, and with Jack Coan starting at quarterback, Keys’ production, both in the passing game and the run game should increase.

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