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Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 5-1

By Jack Leniart

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - MAY 01: Cole Capen #17 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hands the football off to Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in thee first half of the during the Blue-Gold Spring Game at Notre Dame Stadium on May 01, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - MAY 01: Cole Capen #17 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hands the football off to Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in thee first half of the during the Blue-Gold Spring Game at Notre Dame Stadium on May 01, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame football
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a catch in the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 5-1

3. Michael Mayer (Tight End)

  • Best Ranking: 3
  • Worst Ranking: 5

At a college football program known for producing talented tight ends, Michael Mayer has an opportunity to cement himself as one of the all-time greats at Notre Dame. The former five-star prospect wasted no time and made an immediate impact for the Irish last season.

Mayer played in all 12 games for Notre Dame in 2020. He finished the year tied for the most receptions on the team with 42 and with the second-most receiving yards on the team with 450.

The Athletic and 247 Sports both named Mayer to their Freshman All-America first teams. He also earned All-ACC third-team honors.

After his breakout season, expectations for Mayer in 2021 have significantly increased. Following the departures of Tommy Tremble and Brock Wright, Mayer has become the top dog in his position group as a true sophomore. His usage rate this season should be higher, and I would not be the least bit surprised if he again finishes the year with the most receptions on the team.

This pre-season, Mayer was named to the watch list for the Mackey Award, which recognizes the best tight end in college football. It would be a travesty if he finishes his college career without winning that award.

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