Rivals is updating their 2021 rankings this week and posed a question yesterday regrading which wide receiver could be next in line for a 5-Star ranking. In somewhat of a surprise, Irish commit Lorenzo Styles Jr was on the list. It isn’t surprising because Styles Jr. isn’t good enough to be a 5-Star, it’s the position he would play to get to that status.
Josh Helmholdt, who covers the Midwest for Rivals recruiting, chose Styles Jr. as his guy to rise among his peers. He notes that Styles Jr. has the NFL bloodlines “but if he is going to reach five-star statusI think it will be as a cornerback.” Helmholdt thinks Styles Jr.’s “highest upside is on defense. His size and skill set are more unique at cornerback than at wide receiver. Styles is going to be an impact player no matter which position he plays in college, but if we are talking five-star status it would involve defense.”
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Although the majority of Styles Jr.’s highlight package involves his exploits on offense, but the skills he shows as a corner are impressive. He already has great size for the position at 6’1” and 180-pounds, hands of a WR and impressive ball skills.
Could this be the case for Styles Jr.? Does it make sense to at least give him a shot on the other side of the ball to begin his career? Is there potential for a two-way player? Those are the questions Brian Kelly will have to answer when he arrives on campus. It may make sense to at least give Styles Jr. a look on defense, lock down corners are extremely valuable in today’s pass heavy version of football. Either way, Irish fans are excited that the talented Ohioan chose Notre Dame and will be arriving on campus next fall.