Notre Dame Football: 3 players who will be X-factors in 2019

The offense will look a lot different in 2019 for the Fighting Irish for many reasons. The easy players to notice will be Dexter Williams and Miles Boykin, the team’s top running back and receiver. However, Notre Dame football will also be without Alize Mack, last year’s top tight end. With a sound running game and simple passing game, tight ends become crucial. That’s where Cole Kmet steps in.

Kmet only had 15 catches last season, but he averaged over 10 yards per reception. There is talent in his game, but there has to be growth for Notre Dame to succeed offensively. Last season, the success mostly revolved around how other players made Ian Book’s job easier, from running backs that paced the game to wide receivers that turned small catches into huge plays. Although more responsibility will be on Book’s shoulders, other players making his job easy are still necessary.

One part of Kmet’s game that will have to improve is his ability to reach pay dirt. Kmet has been able to get the easy receptions so far, but he will have to improve on his ability to make the tough plays and reach the end zone.

Although tight ends are not the most important aspect of almost any team, they will certainly be important for Notre Dame. If Kmet can add another dimension to the passing game, he will certainly fit the bill to be an X-factor for the Fighting Irish.