RE: 2021 Bearcats Football
ESPN article on ND 2021:
Notre Dame and Clemson had outstanding seasons, reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals before falling to Alabama and Ohio State, respectively. Now, both must look to replace important players and will turn to recruiting for help. Here's a look at how the Fighting Irish and Tigers are restocking their rosters for 2021. We will update this story with Alabama and Ohio State after their seasons end.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame made a run at its first national title since 1988 with a talented and experienced roster. Among the consistent starters, more than a dozen were rated as four-stars coming out of high school and among those starters, nearly half were seniors this season. While a great season fell short of their ultimate goal, attention shifts to the future as the Fighting Irish are poised to replace several key contributors. With the NCAA freezing eligibility this season and potential early draft entries still to be announced, circumstances could change in spots, but here's a look at how Notre Dame is prepared to reload for the 2021 season from recruiting.
Offense
Big shoes to fill at QB
Finding a difference-maker at quarterback is no easy task and Notre Dame is about to lose one of the best in its storied history. The winningest QB for the Fighting Irish, Ian Book has been the driving force of this unit since taking over during the 2018 season. No current QB brings much experience or has a start under his belt. 2020 ESPN 300 QB Drew Pyne looks to be in the best position to take over this role. He was a polished prospect with a quick release who had a productive high school career and could maintain a bit of the running threat that Book supplied. Pyne, while still very limited, did see action during his freshman season. Brendon Clark, a high three-star signed in the 2019 class, offers a similar level of athleticism to Book. Experience in the program could give them the inside track to step into the starting role, but Notre Dame is bringing in two QBs in its 2021 class, including No. 7 QB-PP Tyler Buchner. The dynamic quarterback with a great arm will be someone to watch in this QB contest.
RB room is full
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Among the top rushing offenses in the country, the bulk of this season's production will return. It will be led by former four-star Kyren Williams, the team's leading rusher, and true freshman Chris Tyree, who was a top-five running back in the 2020 class and contributed this season on offense and special teams. Notre Dame also flipped 2021 RB Audric Estime from Michigan State and he will add a bigger body (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) and more of a power-running style to their RB rotation. The tight end position is a key part of Notre Dame's offensive attack and it will remain deep and strong. Brock Wright's presence will be missed as a blocker, but much of this group should return, including Michael Mayer, a former ESPN 300 TE who made an impact as a freshman, finishing among team leaders in receptions. Despite any departures, they are more than ready to maintain quality depth with three tight ends added during the early signing period, including No. 1 TE-H Cane Berrong.
Receivers must reload
The receiver position could take a hit and lose up to three of their top-five pass-catchers. Multiple four-stars signed in the 2018 class. Braden Lenzy, Lawrence Keys III and Joe Wilkins Jr. bring experience and will be in a position to step up and help fill some of the lost production. Several receivers were signed in the 2020 class, led by No. 6-ranked WR Jordan Johnson, who saw limited action this season but is a lengthy, smooth target with the tools to be an elite receiver. Most Fighting Irish receivers have not been called upon during their true freshman season, but if more options are needed, they have signed three ESPN 300 WRs in their 2021 class, including big outside target Deion Colzie.
Presence lost in trenches
The offensive line was one of the best in college football and consisted of a group that lived up to expectations with all key starters having been former four-stars and ranked in the ESPN 300. But this group is set to lose at least 100 career starts and replacing that talent and experience will not be easy. Center Jarrett Patterson should bring back needed experience once healthy and 2019 ESPN 300 center Zeke Correll got valuable big-game experience in his absence. Former top-100 overall prospects Liam Eichenberg and Tommy Kraemer will not be easily replaced, but Notre Dame does have talent to plug in up front, including 2019 ESPN 300 OT Andrew Kristofic and 2020 ESPN 300 signees Tosh Baker and Michael Carmody, who each got a chance to develop and learn this season.
Defense
Departures on D-line
The defensive front will see turnover with the departure of several experienced producers. They are set to lose more than 60 career starts and double-digit sacks, including sack leader Adetokunbo Ogundeji. A top-20 DT in the 2018 class, Jayson Ademilola will bring a mix of talent and experience. Former ESPN 300 DE Isaiah Foskey, a signing out of California powerhouse De La Salle in 2019, is a promising edge rusher and should see his role increase in 2021. One of their top signees in the 2020 class, DL Rylie Mills, saw action in multiple games during his freshman season. 2021 signee Gabriel Rubio, who is a big man with excellent strength and strong hands, could work his way into the rotation.
Linebacker corps solid
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was a four-star signee in the 2017 class who developed into one of the premier defenders in college football and his loss will be felt. While the linebacker unit featured several upperclassmen, the Irish should get another season out of most of this unit and allow younger players like Jack Kiser to continue to develop. 2021 ESPN 300 signee Prince Kollie is a player to watch who could develop into their next impact defender in the mold of Owusu-Koramoah.
Slimming secondary
The secondary was arguably the squad's weakest spot and will lose safety Shaun Crawford. Kyle Hamilton, a top-10 safety out of the 2019 class and the leading tackler, will return and three-star true freshman Clarence Lewis made multiple starts and was among team leaders in PBUs. It is likely this unit will see new faces next season as Notre Dame signed several defensive backs, including four-star Philip Riley and top-30 CB Ryan Barnes.
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2021 Bearcats Football
