Notre Dame Football: 5 breakout players to watch in Spring Practice

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumbled punt in the second quarter of a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Notre Dame is left searching for answers in the receiving corps after players like Kevin Stepherson were dismissed back in January 2018. Star wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown made the jump to the NFL Draft too, leaving the Irish without much returning production at the position.

Yet, rising sophomore receiver Michael Young Jr. is among the players competing for one of the three starting spots for the Notre Dame offense. Miles Boykin and Chase Claypool can also make a huge impact come 2018, as they’re the most experienced returning receivers.

As a former three-star recruit, part of the 2017 Notre Dame class, Young Jr. fits the bill of a player primed for a breakout sophomore campaign. He saw action in just two games in 2017, and was targeted only four times. Of those four targets, he caught two passes for 10 yards.

Whoever is the starting quarterback for the Irish in 2018, they’ll need the support from some solid wide receivers. At just 5-foot-10, Young Jr. is an interesting choice for a starting outside receiver. However, his speed and route running ability should give him a leg up during Spring Practice.

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