Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1282481
26 PRESEASON 2020 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED Keys finished 2019 with 13 catches (134 yards) — the most among any returning figure at the three receiver spots. He may not match Finke's numbers from the past two years, but perhaps something around Amir Carlisle's 2014 (23 catches for 309 yards and three touchdowns) and 2015 (31 receptions for 351 yards and one score) is doable. Yards after catch will be particu- larly interesting to track. He could also become Notre Dame's primary punt returner. 18. S HOUSTON GRIFFITH Griffith is competing with Pryor for the safety spot opposite 2019 Freshman All-American Hamilton. He was Rivals' No. 43 overall player in 2018 and Notre Dame's highest- ranked signee that cycle. The junior has bounced from safety to nickel to corner as a backup. In Notre Dame's one spring prac- tice, Griffith resembled the highly touted player the Irish signed two years ago. He can hit. He's strong. He's decisive and smart. His athleti- cism and coverage ability at safety give him plenty of upside there. 17. CB SHAUN CRAWFORD Crawford is a sixth-year senior who has been a starter or sub-pack- age player whenever he has been healthy. Health is the overwhelming issue. He has suffered two ACL tears and a torn Achilles tendon. When Crawford has played, he has been an effective field and slot cor- ner. He could even chip in at safety. In a retooling secondary, he's a cher- ished veteran. 16. DT MYRON TAGOVAILOA-AMOSA Although Notre Dame should re- main strong at defensive end this year, the interior must generate more penetration and plays than last year. Tagovailoa-Amosa had the second- most overall snaps (477) along the line in 2019, but needs to be more dis- ruptive after finishing with 22 stops, 2.5 tackles for loss and a half sack. The senior should benefit from his experiences the past three years. Notre Dame does not possess su- preme bulk or size up front, so it will have to be resourceful strategically against the run to compensate for the lack of sheer girth. 14. RB JAFAR ARMSTRONG Recruited as a wide receiver, the still unpolished Armstrong is some- what similar to C.J. Prosise (2012-15) — who was listed with the same 6-1, 220 dimensions as a senior while try- ing to find a niche. Armstrong's 505 career rushing yards are the most in the running back room, while his 27 receptions are the most among any returning player who played for the Irish. However, his 118 carries have averaged 4.3 yards — and he managed just 2.7 last season. Injuries have hampered Arm- strong, who has two years of eligibil- ity remaining, but Brian Kelly has an excellent history with senior running backs (such as Prosise) busting out. Can Armstrong be next? 13. C JARRETT PATTERSON A position that felt like a potential problem spot last winter never be- came one. Notre Dame had a hole at center last spring, but converted tackle Patterson took over and al- lowed only two quarterback hits. The 2019 sophomore was Notre Dame's Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Patterson has rarely missed assign- ments and is a strong pass blocker, but now must be physically more stout in the middle to advance from a serviceable college starter into a clear draft prospect. Notre Dame's line would take a step with him. 12. WR KEVIN AUSTIN Our poll was completed prior to the junior wideout's broken foot in 15. CB NICK MCCLOUD In four years at North Carolina State, McCloud made 19 starts. Notre Dame's other eight cornerbacks have a combined 11, and they're all from junior TaRiq Bracy and Crawford. Notre Dame grabbed McCloud as a graduate transfer in May because it needed experience and help at cornerback. At 6-1, 190 pounds, he fits the boundary corner spot vacated by Troy Pride Jr. McCloud still needs to compete, but others must really impress to overtake him. Notre Dame brought in North Carolina State graduate transfer Nick McCloud in hopes he could lock down the boundary corner spot and bring some experience to a youth-laden group. PHOTO BY FIGHTING IRISH MEDIA