Notre Dame football: Breakout season loading for Braden Lenzy
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football team needs someone to step up at wide receiver, and all signs point to a breakout season for Braden Lenzy in 2021.
After what was a sort of breakout season for Braden Lenzy in 2019, one where he showed he could be explosive every time he touched the football, the 2020 campaign was a bit of a bust. Of course, the Notre Dame football program would have loved to get more out of him last season, but a hamstring injury derailed his season, and he ended up on the sideline for most of the year.
Entering 2021, it was Lenzy’s job this spring and summer to prove that he deserved to be atop the depth chart this fall, and he has certainly done that so far. He has stood out in practices all offseason, and within a position group that has plenty of question marks, he could be emerging as a big answer for Tommy Rees and this offense.
Remember, this is a kid who was one of the top prospects coming out of Oregon, and one whose blazing speed should give defensive coordinators nightmares. If he can stay healthy in 2021, and become what the Irish think he will be, it eliminates a huge weakness right out of the gate.
Notre Dame football needs a true WR1 to emerge this Fall
The truth is, wide receiver is a real issue right now, and we really will not know until the real games starting being played whether or not there is enough talent there. Sure, there are some great young true freshmen in 2021, and the recruiting classes coming in are loaded with talent at the position, but we are talking about this Fall and the lack of a true WR1 heading into Week 1.
Of course, Lenzy could be that guy, as he is slated to be a starter, and will play a key role in this offense whenever he is on the field. Healthy, he could be in for a breakout season, one in which the Irish utilize his speed in both the run and passing game.
Lenzy has everything you look for in a potential WR1, and the key for him is going to be staying healthy this season. With a solid offensive line, and elite weapons at running back and tight end, this Irish offense could be explosive, especially if Lenzy breaks out and finally reaches his potential in South Bend.