As the NFL season concluded last night, the NCAA season is always full of intrigue, and with that ESPN’s staff came up with their biggest question surrounding their projected Top 25. Tom VanHaaren tackled the Irish’s biggest issue heading into the 2020 season, the offensive skill positions. Brian Kelly returns all 5 of his offensive line starters, along with quarterback Ian Book, but the Irish have lost every skill position starter from last year.
VanHaaren notes that “Notre Dame’s leading rusher and top three receivers are all gone. Running back Tony Jones Jr., Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet, and Chris Finke provided a big portion of the Irish offense last season, so who steps up in their place this coming season?”
He also mentions that the quarterback room is stable with the return of Book and after former 5-Star QB recruit Phil Jurkovec transferred out of the program to Boston College. The depth at the position is thin after Book, with redshirt freshman Brendon Clark as his presumed back-up, having just 2 passing attempts in his freshman year. Incoming freshman Drew Pyne will arrive on campus for fall camp, but don’t expect him to see much time on the field this year.
As for the skill position players, look for Jahmir Smith and Jafar Armstrong to battle it out in hopes replacing the departed RB Tony Jones Jr. Looking at the wide receivers, Senior Javon McKinley and Sophomore Braden Lenzy lead the returning group with Northwestern transfer Bennett Skowronek most likely in the mix as well. The graduate transfer was injured for most of last year for the Wildcats but brings experience and size with his six-foot-four frame which is much needed.
The Tight End group features almost no experience on the depth chart, Tommy Tremble leading the way with just 16 receptions although 4 of them resulted in TD’s. The door is wide open for newly minted 5-Star TE Michael Mayer to come in and make a splash early. Do you agree with VanHaaren’s biggest question surrounding Brian Kelly and the Irish have for next year?