Notre Dame Football: 3 breakout candidates for 2022

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr. (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 6, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner (12) runs the ball as Navy Midshipmen linebacker Diego Fagot (54) pursues in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Buchner didn’t have the best freshman season, passing for 298 yards with three touchdowns and three picks while completing 60 percent of his throws, but he showed promise, especially as a dual-threat.

In fact, Buchner is the top returning rusher from last season and he was behind just Kyren Williams, finishing the season with 358 yards and three touchdowns on 7.3 yards per touch.

There’s going to be a competition for the starting job just like there was last season when Jack Coan earned QB1, but I expect Buchner to stay ahead of Drew Pyne on the depth chart despite missing some time in spring ball. He just has too much talent. Truthfully, it’s his job to lose.

Buchner needs to work on his accuracy and decision-making, but if he cuts his interceptions and continues to run at a high level, he’s going to be incredibly difficult to stop.

Not enough people are talking about the sophomore quarterback and former top-100 blue-chip recruit from the 2021 class.

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