Notre Dame football: 5 bold predictions for 2020

3. Kevin Austin will lead all wide receivers

The wide receiving corps is one of the biggest question marks. They have to replace Chase Claypool, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the rhid round of the NFL Draft. Chris Finke is also off the team taking 400 yards with him. That leaves a major hole on the outside.

Notre Dame has a ton of talent at the position, but only a combined seven starts returning. It’s a very young group that’s looking to make a name for themselves. Then, there’s graduate transfer Ben Skowronek who comes in from Northwestern. With such little experience on the unit, one might think Brian Kelly would value the little on-field snaps he might have, but we’re going with the one player who hasn’t had a start to lead the team in receiving.

Skowronek, Javon McKinley, and Braden Lenzy are gaining the most traction among the unit. They have the experience, so it makes sense, but the talent lies in Kevin Austin. The sophomore out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. is a specimen. He’s got a special combination of skills that includes amazing hands and ridiculous speed. The Irish have a special talent on their hands. Unfortunately, it hasn’t translated into success on the field.

Austin didn’t get a reception last season due to a suspension. However, there’s a reason he’s still in South Bend. He was one of their best recruits from a talented 2018 recruiting class. The fact that he stuck around will show he’s willing to get through hard times. When everyone expects others to get ahead of him, Austin will eventually thrive.

He’s too talented to keep off the field. If he stays in shape during a lengthy amount of time without football, then he’ll be able to run past just about any cornerback in college. Since he’s such a great deep-ball player, and since Notre Dame’s offensive line is playing like one of the best units in the country, he will lead the team in receiving yards.