Notre Dame Football: 3 players poised to break out in 2020

1. Braden Lenzy, WR

Perhaps the most exciting breakout candidate on this list, junior wide receiver Braden Lenzy’s track star speed resulted in 454 total yards and four total touchdowns in 2019. Nearly half of Lenzy’s production was considered rushing yardage as former offensive coordinator Chip Long utilized his home run speed through various gimmick plays.

Of the 148 catches from the wide receiver position last season, 113 of them came by way of either Chase Claypool, Chris Finke, or Michael Young, all of whom will be playing football elsewhere in 2020. That leaves plenty of production up for grabs, and likewise, plenty of potential suitors.

It was only a matter of time until Notre Dame’s 2018 recruiting class, featuring wide receivers Kevin Austin, Lawrence Keys III, Micah Jones, Joe Wilkins, and of course, Lenzy, would be asked to take over the position, and appears that time has come. In fact, it’s somewhat likely that Notre Dame’s three wide receiver sets will exclusively feature juniors.

With Javon McKinley and Northwestern transfer Ben Skowronek throwing their hats in the ring as it pertains to the starting job, it’s not as if Lenzy’s role as a starter is a lock. However, if he can round out his game and become a full-time player, Lenzy could follow a path much similar to Notre Dame’s own Will Fuller.