Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNDER THE DOME Alizé Jones By Andrew Owens Will Fuller's production — 29 touchdowns during his last two seasons in South Bend — will be virtually impossible to replace in 2016, but Notre Dame has plenty of playmak‑ ers that will likely form a more balanced receiving corps this year. With question marks surrounding Corey Rob‑ inson's senior season due to concussion issues and legitimate questions of how much he can el‑ evate his game this fall with all of his other respon‑ sibilities, Torii Hunter Jr. seems likely to be the most consistent threat between the 20‑yard lines. Which player can impact Notre Dame's typically subpar red zone play is the one that will carry the most value, however. There's a good chance that player will be sophomore tight end Alizé Jones. Jones caught 13 passes for 190 yards in his fresh‑ man season, but his 6‑4½, 240‑pound frame will likely result in more red zone looks in 2016, regard‑ less of which quarterback is playing. This spring, Notre Dame has even cross‑trained Jones at the W (boundary) receiver position, which will allow him to consistently see the field even when the Irish need a stronger blocking tight end. "We're trying to find where he can best impact our football team against Texas," head coach Brian Kelly said. "Is it a hybrid player? Is it a W receiver? Is it a tight end? I think it's apparent … he's a guy that can go down the field vertically and catch the football." That's just what Notre Dame is searching for, and the answer could be Jones. Torii Hunter Jr. By Bryan Driskell In every season of Brian Kelly's tenure as the head coach, the Irish have had a go‑to receiver. W i d e o u t M i c h a e l Floyd dominated in 2010 and 2011, racking up 179 catches for 2,172 yards and 21 touch‑ downs. Tight end Tyler Eifert had an All‑America season in 2012, leading the Irish to a 12‑1 record and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game. Wide receiver TJ Jones had a breakout senior campaign in 2013, hauling in 70 passes for 1,108 yards. Over the past two seasons, speedster Will Fuller was one of the nation's best pass catchers, making 138 grabs for 2,352 yards and 29 touchdowns. That is the standard Notre Dame's current crop of receivers and tight ends must live up to. Who is going to be the next big‑time playmaker to lead the Irish pass offense? In order to keep that streak going, someone will need to emerge dramatically. Sophomore wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown and sophomore tight end Alizé Jones might be the two most talented pass catchers on the roster, but senior wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr. appears poised to become the main man. Hunter has played all three receiver spots dur‑ ing his Notre Dame career, but during the spring he spent much of his time playing the X position, manned by Fuller and Jones the last three seasons. He has the speed, route running ability and ball skills to become an impact receiver. Hunter also played with a great deal more confidence this spring. Point ✦ Counterpoint: WHICH PLAYER WILL REPLACE WILL FULLER AS THE GO‑TO RECEIVER? JONES HUNTER