Notre Dame Football: 3 unheralded players who’ll become stars in 2020

1. Braden Lenzy, WR, Notre Dame football

There was a time in Notre Dame history when a speedy young man wore No. 25. He was a great receiver, ran jet sweeps and returned both kicks and punts. Many people thought he was the fastest player they’d ever seen in pads.

There have been many great, dynamic players to come through South Bend since then, but Raghib “Rocket” Ishmail is arguably the most exciting player to ever wear the blue and gold.

Last season, Braden Lenzy wore No. 25. Can he be that same dynamic threat?

It’s no secret Lenzy is fast, but largely unpolished. The Irish lost their three leading receivers, two of them to the NFL draft — though Chris Finke will probably end up playing for the Patriots. There are three slots up for grabs this season.

The Oregonian has every opportunity to win a starting slot if he’s ready. Notre Dame needs him to be ready this season. He is the receiver with the most dynamic upside.

Lenzy needs to be more than a sub-package gimmick player.

Lenzy needs to be a complete go-to receiver if Notre Dame wants to return to the playoff. As it was said in the introduction, every playoff team had dynamic perimeter playmakers. It’s time he wakes up the echoes of another dynamic No. 25.