Notre Dame leading receiver to opt for NFL draft

What will Notre Dame do at receiver for 2022?

Notre Dame wide receiver Kevin Austin appears to have played his final down for the Fighting Irish as Pete Sampson from The Athletic stated on Twitter on Sunday that Austin will opt for the NFL draft instead of return to Notre Dame.

Austin has a year of eligibility remaining but appears headed to the NFL.  His Notre Dame career was shaky early on between off the field issues and a foot injury that kept him sidelined but in 2021 he was finally able to show his full potential as he hauled in 48 receptions for 888 yards and seven touchdowns.

Austin’s departure is even more of a hit to Notre Dame’s wide receiver group however as troubles in recruiting paired with departures via the transfer portal have left a significant hole at the position.

The departure of Austin likely means Notre Dame will head to the transfer portal to try and get help at the receiver position for 2022.  Also, don’t be surprised if the Irish try adding another scholarship wide receiver in the next signing period that opens in February.

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