Notre Dame Football: 3 bold predictions for 2021 season

3. Notre Dame finds perimeter speed

When the Irish were defeated by Alabama in the National Semifinal last season, the wide receivers were a non-factor. That was also the case in their loss to Clemson in the same game two seasons ago. Notre Dame fans have waited for perimeter speed for a while.

One name the Irish have heard for the last three seasons is Braden Lenzy. The issue with Lenzy is his inability to stay healthy. However, this fall, if Lenzy cannot stay on the field, Notre Dame has some talented, fast young receivers ready to step into the lineup.

Though this is a veteran group of wide receivers, two incoming freshmen receivers will look to press for snaps this fall. Lorenzo Styles is a former high school track standout who is dynamic after the catch.

Deion Colzie is the best receiver prospect the Irish have signed since Michael Floyd and Will Fuller. Colzie is an elite athlete who was a state medalist as a high jumper. Though Colzie arrived on campus late, he has too many tools not to see the field this fall.

Veteran Kevin Austin, Jr. returns from injury this fall as well. The speed is there at Notre Dame; it just needs to stay healthy and on the field. If Notre Dame can pair a downfield passing game with a dynamic running game, the Irish offense could be dangerous this fall.