Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com PRESEASON 2021 37 he got some playing time this fall as a slot receiver. While Notre Dame named Jack Coan as the team's starting quarter- back and Tyler Buchner is likely the No. 3 option at this point, head coach Brian Kelly isn't ruling out the rookie seeing the field this fall. "It's pretty clear he's a dynamic player," Kelly said of Buchner during a press conference Aug. 12. "We have to make sure that a dynamic player is prepared within our offensive struc- ture. We're not going to put a dy- namic player to the side just because he's young. "We want to win. Dynamic play- ers help you win. We just have to sort this out and figure out what that looks like." It probably would not be a good sign for Notre Dame's 2021 season if Buchner is inserted as the team's starting quarterback because it would mean that Coan and Drew Pyne were ineffective and/or injured. But Bu- chner being an offensive weapon in some capacity should not be ruled out. BGI has heard that freshman corner- backs Philip Riley and Ryan Barnes have impressed the Notre Dame coaching staff during spring ball and fall camp. At this point in time, they're not expected to see the field much this season, but that could change with fast progressions and/or injuries. Notre Dame's linebacker depth will likely prevent high school But- kus Award winner Prince Kollie from cracking the two-deep, but he could be a regular on special teams. The staff may opt to preserve his year of eligibility, though. WHO WILL SURPRISE? There are a few other players who could be potential mainstays on the 2021 team, but it would be more of a surprise if it came to fruition. The tight end position is led by Mi- chael Mayer and George Takacs, and if Notre Dame goes to a three-tight- end set, Kevin Bauman is considered an excellent blocker. However, keep an eye on fresh- man Mitchell Evans. The 6-51/8, 250-pounder has seen first-team reps throughout fall camp, and has impressed with his combination of size, athleticism and natural football instincts. Wide receiver Deion Colzie has been impressive in fall camp as well. Notre Dame's receiver depth chart seems open, and even though Colzie was not an early enrollee, he could find him- self in the two-deep if he continues to play at a high level in fall camp. "Deion has shown a lot of flashes," Irish offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. "Getting him back into the mix of things as practice has pro- gressed, you see the ability show up. "Mentally, he's a sharp kid. He has done everything we have asked of him. You see the raw ability. There's a lot of range there, good speed and good understanding." Many positions on the Notre Dame roster have changeover and uncer- tainty. Running back is not among them. The Irish return their top three running backs from a season ago in Kyren Williams, Chris Tyree and C'Bo Flemister, respectively. It would be difficult for either freshman run- ning back — Logan Diggs and Au- dric Estime — to break into the top three. However, both have stood out dur- ing fall camp and have presented the Irish with a good problem to have. "They're pretty good players," Rees said of Diggs and Estime. "They both have soft hands, their instincts are outstanding, and they're great kids. I'm really pleased with both of them. "You see those guys and the mo- ment not becoming too big. You see the natural run instincts through tack- les, making people miss, understand- ing situations. They've been encourag- ing throughout camp. They've taken a step forward each day. It's been an exciting group to see develop." ✦ Looking Ahead While it's difficult enough to project potential rookie mainstays in the weeks leading up to the season opener, BGI will take a stab at predicting who in the 2022 recruiting class could play as true freshmen among the currently committed players. • Possibly the most ready-made player to impact right away is Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei wide receiver CJ Williams. Much of his ability to play right away depends on how good the current receivers returning are (eight of the nine on scholarship are projected to return on paper), but Rivals' No. 28 overall prospect nationally has the talent and football smarts to break into the rotation. He could even replace Avery Davis as the team's slot receiver. • Vancouver (Wash.) Union wide receiver Tobias Merriweather also has the raw talent to play early in his Notre Dame career. His long-term upside seems greater than Williams, but the edge may to go Williams in who has the higher floor and ability to produce right away. Current freshman Deion Colzie and the four-star Merriweather look to be the future of the Notre Dame boundary receiver spot. • When looking at who could contribute as a true freshman, a major element is who is on the current roster. Where does Notre Dame need help? Wide receiver and defensive back come to mind. Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic's Jayden Bellamy, Corona (Calif.) Centennial's Jaden Mickey, Naples (Fla.) High's Devin Moore and Phoenix Brophy Prep's Benjamin Morrison are all four-star defensive back prospects committed to Notre Dame. Of this quartet, Moore offers the most intriguing skill set with his 6-2, 180-pound frame and ability to play boundary cornerback or free safety. He could see the field right away. • Although all four could come back and use the free COVID year of eligibility, Bo Bauer, Shayne Simon, Drew White and Isaiah Pryor enter either their senior or graduate season at Notre Dame. The Irish may call on young linebackers next season; could one be a true freshman? What about help on special teams? Hilton Head (S.C.) High's Jaylen Sneed and Mission Hills (Calif.) Bishop Alemany's Niuafe Tuihalamaka — both listed as top-150 recruits nationally by Rivals — could help the team in a variety of ways. — Mike Singer Though Notre Dame is deep at tight end, fresh- man Mitchell Evans has seen first-team reps throughout fall camp, and impressed with his combination of size, athleticism and natural foot- ball instincts. PHOTO COURTESY WADSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL