Last season, the Irish receiving core combined for 2,143 yards and 18 TD's. Simply put, that isn't going to cut it. With a mass exodus of the majority of that group, coupled with a new Receiver's Coach and some key transfers, do Notre Dame's receivers have what it takes to be a strength this season? Or will the Irish passing game once again sputter?
Photo by The Irish Tribune
There is no way to sugarcoat it, last season's passing game, specifically at wide receiver, was very disappointing. From difficulties getting open, to missing guys when they were open, to questionable play calls, to nagging injuries, it seemed anything that could go wrong did for the Irish wideouts. This was a major factor in why the Irish offense was so unsuccessful in big games and against top defenses. Once the season came to an end, there was hope that this young receiving core could rebound from a rough season and turn a year's worth of invaluable experience into a positive heading into next year. I mean, they could only improve from here right? Well, instead, we saw Rico Flores Jr, Tobias Merriweather, Braylon James and senior Chris Tyree all transfer out. To say that was a red flag would be an understatement. Along with their mass exodus, the Irish moved on from wide receiver coach Chansi Stuckey. Clearly, there were some major issues within that room, and the only way to move forward was to start over. And start over the Irish did.
With Stuckey now gone, the Irish hired Coach Mike Brown. Brown, a 7 year coaching veteran, came over to South Bend from Wisconsin where he was their WR Coach/Associate Head Coach. Before Wisconsin, Brown spent 3 years at Cincinnati coaching receivers and eventually becoming their passing game coordinator. Along with that experience, Coach Brown had previously worked with Coach Freeman while at Cincinnati. His hire keeps that pipeline from Cincinnati to South Bend going strong, and gives Freeman someone he knows and trusts to turn things around. This can not be understated, especially for a young head coach like Freeman.
Last season with Wisconsin, the Badgers didn't exactly light the world on fire through the air, finishing the season ranked 69th in passing yards in the FBS. That being said, Brown was not working with nearly the same talent he will be this year at ND. Having an OC like Denbrock calling the plays, and a quarterback like Leonard tossing the pigskin around, the hope is Brown's ability to coach and develop the wideouts will pay dividends in this offense.
So let's talk about that talent. We already mentioned the players that have left, so let's talk about the new guys the Irish will have out on the field this season. Unlike last year, ND will not be forced to play true freshmen out of a lack of options. This season, the Irish will have depth and talent throughout the room. If a freshman is playing, barring injuries, it is likely because they are excelling at the position. With that being said, let's take a look at the new faces I expect to see the most playing time this season.
Kris Mitchell - Senior TR (FIU)
Kris Mitchell plans to be a big target for the Irish this season. Last year, he played all 12 games for FIU and was their leading receiver. He finished the year with 1118 yards and 7 TD's. That would have been good enough to be the Irish top receiver last season, more than doubling the yardage of Notre Dame's most productive receiver in Chris Tyree. He is 6 feet tall, 185lbs with great speed. The Irish hope Mitchell can be the deep threat and catalyst to an offense that is starved for separation,. Someone who can take the top off the defense and open the field up. Someone who can blow by you and also go up and fight for 50/50 balls. I have high hopes that he will do just that.
Beaux Collins - Senior TR (Clemson)
Beaux Collins came to the Irish this offseason by way of Dabo and the Clemson Tigers. Last year as a Junior, Beaux had a career high with 38 receptions and 510 receiving yards. He also added 3 touchdowns to his stat-line. Beaux is a big 6'-3", 200lb receiver with great hands. I think Collins is going to be a great reliable receiver for the Irish on the outside, in a similar role as Jayden Thomas. Expect him to come in and make some big 3rd down catches to move the chains, using his strength and size to overwhelm defenders. Beaux should help take some of the pressure off of the tight end position and give Leonard more size to work with. He may not be a speedster, but he is that sure handed receiver that can make clutch catches when you need them most. He can be a true glue guy for this position group.
Jayden Harrison - Senior TR (Marshall)
Jayden Harrison transferred to Notre Dame from Marshall, where he was an electric return man for the Thundering Herd. Harrison was second amongst all FBS Players in Return Yards and Return Touchdowns, which is likely the reason the staff sought out his services. As a receiver, he had 410 yards and a TD. Although Harrison's receiving numbers do not jump off the page, expect him to get some looks in the slot this season in a rotational role along with Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison. This may be a receiver's article, but what Harrison can bring to the return game is special, and may be his most notable contribution this season for the Irish. If he can have a moment returning a kick or a punt similar to what Jadarian Price did against USC last season, it can completely change the momentum and outcome of a close game. Don't sleep on this pickup.
Micah Gilbert - Freshman
Micah Gilbert will enter as a true freshman this season, but he has already made his presence known throughout the spring and summer. Irish fans got their first look at Micah during the Blue/Gold Spring Game, where Gilbert hauled in 5 receptions, two of them for touchdowns. Micah is 6'2", over 200lbs but still has great speed and athleticism. Micah looks like a future star that can help the Irish sooner than later, which is a welcomed change for a room that has relied more on development than raw talent in years past. Last year, the Irish had true freshman playing due to a lack of options. This year, a true freshman will be playing because he is simply too good to keep off the field. Expect Micah to get some meaningful snaps and add another dynamic threat to what is shaping up to be one of the most lethal offenses (on paper) that we've seen in nearly a decade.
My opinion? The wide receiver room that was a clear weakness last year, will turn to a strength this upcoming season. The return of Jaden Greathouse, Jordan Faison, and a healthy Jayden Thomas, coupled with the above mentioned newcomers is a huge boost for a room that stonewalled the team last year. Not to mention if a player like Deion Colzie begins playing with consistency, or if KK Smith takes a step forward in his development, there is going to be a robust amount of talent and options in that room. All that without mentioning 5-star Cam Williams. The biggest questions are how quickly they can gel with new QB Riley Leonard after he missed extended time in the spring, and whether or not the new-look offensive line can hold it down long enough to make a difference. If that happens, under Denbrock's offense, look for the Irish to open up the field and look like a team we have not seen in a very long time. One that can actually air it out.
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