Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 20-16

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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 16: Braden Lenzy #25 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Navy Midshipmen at Notre Dame Stadium on November 16, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 20-16

No. 20: Braden Lenzy, Wide Receiver

High: 18, Low: 22

And just like that, Braden Lenzy enters his senior year at Notre Dame. He, along with Kevin Austin and Lawrence Keys, landed in South Bend with significant fanfare and expectations, and all three pass catches failed to live up to these expectations.

During his sophomore season, Lenzy found the most success. Each of his touches were explosive, as he rushed for 200 yards on 13 attempts with two touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 254 yards and two scores. Last season, Lenzy was slowed by a hamstring injury, finishing up with nine catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.

The Fighting Irish need that type of explosive playmaking from the former track star, but they need it more consistently. He might not possess the skills to become a No. 1 receiver, however, he can significantly alter Notre Dame’s offense. His ability to stretch the defense forces safeties to inch further away from the box.

With the Irish propensity to run the football, this could help spring Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree for long runs. Our staff ranked Lenzy consistently around the No. 20 mark, and most likely, he will be Notre Dame’s second or third option behind Kevin Austin (if eligible and healthy) and Avery Davis.

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