College football 2018: Top 30 breakout players to watch

Over the last ten years or more, Notre Dame has produced a number of big-play receivers, many of whom have been fit a mold of being tall, great leapers, and dangerous red zone threats. Miles Boykin fits that description to a T.

With last year’s leading receiver, Equanimeous St. Brown (6’5″, 205 pounds) now in the NFL, Miles Boykin will step into a potential starring role on the outside of the Irish offense. At 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, he averaged 21.1 yards per reception last year in limited action due to injuries but most of his 253 yards came just in the last three games. Boykin runs with long strides, creating separation from defensive backs. He has huge hands that pulls in anything within his reach, and he’s going to out jump any corner or safety to win 50/50 balls.

A lot will depend on the quarterback position where Brandon Wimbush returns as the presumed starter. He is a prototypical dual-threat quarterback, dangerous as a runner, inconsistent as a passer. Wimbush only completed about 50-percent of his passes last season but the one thing he does do well is throw deep.

He didn’t complete a high percentage of his passes but the passes he did complete averaged an impressive 13.8 yards per completion. Wimbush’s skill set and tendencies may not lend themselves well for a quick slot receiver it could translate to a huge season for a huge, deep threat target like Boykin.