Notre Dame football: 4 most underrated Irish players in 2021
By Brad Weiss
![Sep 14, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are reflected in a helmet as they sing the Notre Dame Alma Mater following the win over the New Mexico Lobos at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Sep 14, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are reflected in a helmet as they sing the Notre Dame Alma Mater following the win over the New Mexico Lobos at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f7916f909ebd0bf3fcc8349f54e9148f0e33313802c7660f0150e58607355c4a.jpg)
Notre Dame football: 4 most underrated Irish players in 2021
Kevin Bauman
For most programs, landing one four-star tight end would be enough, but in the 2020 recruiting class, the Irish landed two elite players. The first was Michael Mayer, the No. 1 rated player in the entire recruiting class, a five-star talent out of the state of Kentucky, and someone who dominated as a true freshman this past season.
The other was a 6-foot-5 playmaker from New Jersey in Kevin Bauman, who may not have had the same impact as a true freshman, but could play a huge role in this offense in Year 2. With Tommy Tremble and Brock Wright both going to the NFL this offseason, Bauman is going to battle it out with George Takacs for the No. 2 role, and it is a role he should certainly win when all is said and done.
Bauman has the kind playmaking ability that could give the Irish a dynamic young duo at the tight end position, giving them a distinct advantage in the red zone. Jack Coan is going to lean on Mayer in a big way in 2021, and if Bauman can get some opportunities, fans of the Irish are going to love what they see from him.