Photo Credit: Indy Star
The Fighting Irish enter the 2022 college football season with a new quarterback, new running back, and unproven wide receivers. Those are typically problems for a college football team, but many Irish fans seem to be cautiously optimistic about what this offense can be under Tommy Rees. The Fiesta Bowl proved that Tommy can be creative with the offense, and there is hope that with a more dynamic quarterback, this offense can be truly explosive.
The football program has not seen this much talent since the 2015 team, with stars like Malik Zaire, Will Fuller, Quenton Nelson and more. The 2017 team comes in at a close second with players like Brandon Wimbush, Josh Adams, Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson respectively. Injuries, poor coaching, and other factors, caused those teams to not reach their full potential. However, there is a new hope amongst Irish fans that Marcus Freeman can maximize this 2022 teams potential and bring Notre Dame another championship. Here are five candidates that need to breakout this year in order for that to happen.
1. Tyler Buchner
Notre Dame fans have seen glimpses of Tyler Buchner’s talent, but he was very limited last year. Now that Buchner has won the starting quarterback job, I do not expect him to look back. He has all the tools you look for in a quarterback capable of winning a national championship. If Tommy Rees can maximize Buchner’s passing and rushing ability, this team has the potential to be one of the most dynamic offenses in all of college football.
2. Audric Estime
With Logan Diggs recovering, Audric Estime seems to have taken full advantage of the extra practice reps. Despite looking like a wrecking ball type of running back, Audric looks quick on his feet as well. This is a rare combination for any running back, but should be one that allows Audric to take a major step forward this coming season.
3. Chris Tyree
Speaking of running backs, Chris Tyree has the ability to become one of Notre Dame’s most dynamic playmakers. Yes, we saw glimpses last year, but I believe Tyree will become a national name this season. Between his ability to run and catch, Tyree has the potential to make a difference every time he touches the football.
4. Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Notre Dame fans were given a taste of what Styles could be as a wide receiver during the Fiesta Bowl, but I believe he is only scratching the surface of the dynamic playmaker he has the potential to be. Styles proved he can catch the ball, but after better coaching he has the potential to become Notre Dame’s best wide receiver this season. If Lorenzo can take his game to the next level this season, it will take the pressure off Michael Mayer and others so that this offense can take off with Tyler Buchner under center.
5. Blake Fisher
Blake Fisher has been one of my favorite players since before he signed with Notre Dame. Blake always seemed destined for Notre Dame and was one of the most active student recruiters that I have seen in recent memory. Though he was just a freshman, Fisher was poised to play as a freshman last year. That was cut short by a devastating injury in the first game of the season against Florida State. Blake worked hard to come back and we saw him hold up well during the Fiesta Bowl. Not only does he bring superstar size and athleticism to the offensive line, he brings a competitiveness that has been missing in recent years. He wants to win against every single opponent he faces, and we should see more of that this year. I believe we will see Fisher become Notre Dame’s best offensive lineman this year and we will start hearing his name in draft discussions.
Final Take-
Notre Dame has a plethora of student athletes who are primed to take a huge step this coming season. I could have listed several others who are ready to take that next step in their development and be playmakers this year. For this reason, Notre Dame fans should be excited for what we are going to see on offense this year.
Go Irish!
Photo Credit: @ndfootball on Instagram
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