T.J. Jones (godson of former Irish great Raghib “The Rocket”
Ismail) leads the way for the Irish in experience and statistics. Last season, Jones was tied for the team lead
in receptions with 50 and receiving touchdowns with 4. He was also second in receiving yards with
649. T.J. will be entering his senior year
with a respectable three-year career (111 receptions, 1321 yards, 11.9 yards
per catch average and 10 touchdowns) with the opportunity to elevate himself in
Notre Dame Football history.
DaVaris Daniels had a solid sophomore season before breaking
his collarbone against Boston College.
Daniels, who redshirted his freshman year (31 receptions for 490 yards),
did return to contribute in the BCS National Championship game against Alabama
(six receptions for 115 yards). Daniels
is expected to be an important part of Notre Dame’s passing game in 2013.
Daniel Smith has yet to produce to the level he was expected
to when he came to South Bend, but at 6’4”, 215 lbs. and with a junior season
that saw him begin to contribute (7 receptions for 47 yards), he should be on
an upward trend for his senior season.
Chris Brown saw limited action his freshman season but did
have a big highlight play with a 50-yard reception against Oklahoma. Brown is also an impressive triple jumper
whose athletic ability will help him develop into a receiver getting more looks
in 2013.
Justin Ferguson did see the field his freshman year, hauling
in one reception for nine yards. At 6’2”,
192 lbs. and with good speed, Ferguson should work his way onto the field in
2013 with some consistency.
Luke Massa converted from quarterback to wide receiver after
his freshman year (in which he was redshirted) after he was last in the logjam
at quarterback. Massa is a good athlete
and has seen action on special teams, but even at 6’4”, 220 lbs. it will be
tough for him to crack the depth chart for the Irish.
Davonte’ Neal did not make the kind of impact that may have
been expected from Arizona’s two-time Gatorade Player of the Year. Neal had one of, if not the most impressive
high school highlight films I have ever seen.
I expect that at some point Davonte’ will show the Irish faithful how
explosive he can be.
The Irish have a good lineup of recruits committed who
should develop into a fine receiving corps.
Corey Robinson is still learning the game of football and the position
of big time wide receiver, but after a good senior year and an impressive U.S.
Army American Bowl, he is heading in the right direction on the learning curve. He also has impressive size, at 6’4”, 195 lbs.,
and he may not be done growing since his father is David “The Admiral” Robison
who stands at 7’1”. Corey most likely
will redshirt to add weight and continue to learn the game. Robinson has enrolled early and has a head
start on his college development.
Tori Hunter, Jr. is another son of a former professional
athlete (father is Toru Hunter – Major League Baseball) who is hoping to make
an athletic impact sooner than later at the receiver position. However, it may be later than sooner as he is
recovering from a broken collarbone from an injury suffered during practice for
the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He is
athletic and talented, and I look forward to seeing him play at the college
level where he will play both baseball and football for the Irish.
William Fuller is a four-star recruit out of football rich
Pennsylvania, who, at 6’1”, 168 lbs., will need to add some weight.
Rashad Kinlaw and James Onwualu (early enrollee) are coming
to South Bend listed as athletes, but at 6’1”, 180 lbs. and 6’2”, 205 lbs., we
may see them line up as receivers. Both
are super talented and both are gifted athletes, so we may also see them coming
out of the backfield as Kinlaw also played dual threat quarterback and Onwualu
has also played running back in high school.
Along with all of that, the Irish still have a stable of
receivers on their roster from last season waiting for their chance to show
what they can do: Josh Anderson, Eric
Lee, Ryan Liebscher, and Gerald Martinez.
