Notre Dame Football: 5 players to watch this Spring

Among the candidates across the nation that could breakout in 2018, rising sophomore tight end Alize Mack has to be listed. Notre Dame needs to find some different answers for passing targets for Wimbush, Book, or Jurkovec.

Wide receiver Miles Boykin looks primed to take the primary target role in the Notre Dame offense, after his strong performance in the Citrus Bowl victory. But, Mack has the opportunity to be the second look from the quarterback on most plays.

Through 10 games in 2017, Mack caught 19 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown. And, at 6-foot-4 and just over 250 pounds, Mack is built like a boulder and will be hard to cover and bring down for opposing defenses.

Senior tight end Durham Smythe was an integral part of the Notre Dame offense the last few years, and he leaves a big void. Mack is a great candidate to fill that void and have a true breakout campaign in 2018, with the possibility of more than 500 receiving yards and five touchdowns.