Notre Dame Football: 5 potential breakout candidates for 2017

Alize Mack, who’s formerly known as Alize Jones, was considered the No. 1 tight end recruit in the 2015 class when he committed to Notre Dame. The Las Vegas-native was being courted by just about every major program in the nation, but he chose to head to the Midwest and play for the Fighting Irish.

As an Army All-American, he had high expectations for himself entering his first season. He caught 13 passes for 190 yards in eight games as a true freshman, becoming a favorite target for young starting quarterback DeShone Kizer. He started five games that season at tight end, but it would be his last live-game action for over a year.

In fact, he was forced to sit out his entire sophomore year because of an academic suspension and returned this spring with a new focus. He wanted to ensure he never blew another opportunity by taking days off in the classroom.

Moreover, he looks to be poised to a breakout season at the tight end position. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound tight end is athletic like a receiver, but is big-bodied so he can excel at his position. Expect him to become one of the team’s leading receivers and potential play himself into an early NFL draft pick.