Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com PRESEASON 2020 25 ers on the roster who need to either emerge, remain a centerpiece or sig- nificantly elevate their production to facilitate the Fighting Irish's goal of climbing toward championship timber. Much is based on talent and im- pact, but a premium is also placed on these questions: 1) If this individual was subtracted from the roster, how much of a setback would it be? 2) If this less proven player emerges and makes an impact, how much does that raise the ceiling (or lower it, if a breakout does not happen as ex- pected)? The players and their rank- ing were determined by vote from five Blue & Gold Illustrated writers. Here is the BGI Top 25 Most Impor- tant Players for 2020: 25. NT KURT HINISH Hinish has one quality Notre Dame's defensive line is relatively thin on: Beef. One of three lineman who are at least 295 pounds, he puts his 6-2, 295-pound frame to use well as a frequent occupier of double teams. When he's at his best, Hinish can go entirely unnoticed in the stat sheet. His overall numbers in 2019 were modest: 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. But Hinish may well lead Notre Dame in times where a lineman occu- pied two blockers and held his posi- tion on the line of scrimmage. 24. S ISAIAH PRYOR Notre Dame took Pryor, a graduate transfer from Ohio State who has two years of eligibility remaining, to grab a fifth safety and boost low numbers at the position. As someone who is used to the big-time scene, he pro- vides much needed experience and depth to the unit. He started seven games as a sophomore in 2018 for a 13-1 Ohio State squad. In the lone spring practice March 5, Pryor was with the second team, but freshman star Kyle Hamilton demon- strated last year that if the chops and ability are evident, one will find his way on the field. 23. G TOMMY KRAEMER Some preseason magazines and musings have called Notre Dame's offensive line the best in the country. The 114 collective starts it brings back are believed to be the most in school history. Kraemer is a fifth-year senior, a four-year starter and is viewed as one of the team's better prospects for next spring's NFL Draft. He would help Notre Dame by taking a step forward as a run blocker, but he's sturdy in pass protection. 22. WR BENNETT SKOWRONEK Minus Skowronek, Notre Dame's career catch total from its 12 receiv- ers, tight ends and running backs is 109. While at Northwestern, Skow- ronek nabbed 110 passes for 1,417 yards and eight touchdowns. His presence provides much-needed ex- perience, leadership and size at 6-3, 224 pounds. The grad student should supply a reliable alternative for the eight- to 14-yard completions that keep the chains moving, or providing a physi- cal presence on the edge. As a former captain at a Power Five school, he can provide daily leadership in the receiver and be a positive influence. 20. RB CHRIS TYREE Ninety-five percent of the time any contribution from a rookie is viewed as a bonus. The need for a game- breaker at running back makes Tyree an exception. The winner of the Fastest Man Competition at The Opening Finals is the lone running back on the roster who was a four-star prospect. With such publicity comes expec- tations to have at least some impact. If he could complement the offense this season with 450-500 scrimmage yards on 50-60 touches, that might go a long way toward aiding a backfield in need of oomph. 19. WR LAWRENCE KEYS III Slot receiver has been more of a complementary role in Notre Dame offense, and at 5-10, 173, Keys fits the mold of predecessor Chris Finke. 21. G AARON BANKS If one starting guard appears on the list, it makes sense for the other to as well. Especially when the offensive line has been lauded like Notre Dame's this offseason. The senior enters his second full season as the starter at left guard. He allowed only two sacks and nine total pressures in 844 snaps last year, per Pro Football Focus. PHOTO BY MIKE MILLER