Notre Dame Football: 5 impactful newcomers for the Irish

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Pickerington Central Tigers wide receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr. (3) races up the sideline for a touchdown between Hilliard Bradley Jaguars linebacker Deacon Sawchuk (35) and defensive back Mason Koons (10) during the OHSAA Division I regional semifinal playoff football game at Tiger Stadium in Pickerington on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020.Pickerington Central Hilliard Bradley Football /

3. Lorzeno Styles, Jr.

This was between Styles and fellow freshman Deion Colzie. Styles gets the edge only because he is an early enrollee, and Colzie has yet to arrive on campus. However, though Colzie arrives on campus, his 6-foot-4 frame and sub-4.5 speed as a true freshman could be undeniable.

The Irish are looking for a difference-maker at wide receiver, and Colzie could be the best receiver prospect in South Bend since Michael Floyd. First, however, don’t sell Styles short. Though the Ohio native was originally recruited to play corner, Styles could be a difference-maker as a slot receiver early for Notre Dame.

Though Notre Dame has a load of veteran receivers this season, two of them, Braden Lenzy and Kevin Austin, have an injury history. Styles is the type of receiver with great hands, good wiggle in space, and good top-end speed. Though not the elite athlete Colzie is, Styles has the top-end speed to run past defenders.

Styles has shown a great understanding of the playbook and has taken full advantage of arriving on campus early for spring camp. Kelly and the offensive staff love his blue-collar approach to the game coupled with his natural athleticism.

If Lenzy or Austin have health issues again this season, look for Colzie and Styles to step in and possibly send both to the portal.

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