Notre Dame Football: 3 National Signing Day pickups who’ll break out

One of the biggest fish left on the market during NSD, four-star wide receiver Lawrence Keys III gives the Irish an immediate boost in the receiving corps. A high amount of turnover at that spot on the Notre Dame depth chart created a big need for some incoming receiver help.

That’s exactly what Keys III can provide to whichever quarterback is lining up under center for the Irish in 2018. Last year’s backup quarterback Ian Book is an intriguing pairing with Keys III for the next few seasons. Book is a more accurate passer and more composed in the pocket than the dual-threat Brandon Wimbush.

But, we’ll see if Kelly decides to give some early playing time to Keys III with both Wimbush and Book tossing him the ball. Even four-star standout quarterback Phil Jurkovec could get some playing time if both Wimbush and Book do not work out. That’s quite the future pairing for the Irish between two talents like Jurkovec and Keys III.

Miles Boykin, C.J. Sanders, and Chris Finke are expected to assume the largest roles in the receiving corps this year. Kevin Austin is another incoming freshmen that could provide a spark too. But, Keys III has a certain edge to his playmaking ability that should let him see the field a bunch in 2018.