The Receiving Situation

When I heard Michael Floyd was coming back to South Bend for the 2011 season, I was as happy about his return as I was upset and disappointed when I heard Golden Tate was leaving the previous year.  Now, I truly think it should be Floyd that should be happy that he decided to stay.  Although he has been cleared to participate in student-lead voluntary workouts, Floyd currently does not appear on the official Irish roster, a situation that that can only be remedied by Michael himself.  I like that Brian Kelly has not given this situation the traditional big time football solution of suspending a player for the first half of a game or making him sit out the spring game.  Kelly has said it is all or nothing for Floyd.   It’s obvious that Michael Floyd was not mature enough for the trappings of an NFL Rookie (although there may not be a season) and being taken to task by Kelly may be just what he needs to continue his maturing process.

Because nothing is guaranteed and Brian Kelly will no doubt make Floyd tow the line on this deal, we should plan for the worst and hope for the best.  First plan for the worst; looking at our receivers, we are more deep than experienced.  Senior John Goodman brings 22 games (including all 13 games last season) worth of experience to the table.  Sophomore T.J. Jones had a good freshman season playing in 12 games (missing only the Utah game due to injury).  It also helps that his godfather is non other than Raghib “Rocket” Ismail.  I think Jones has a great upside and could really make a name for himself during his time at Notre Dame.   Luke Massa was moved from quarterback to wide receiver at the beginning of spring practice and with a log jam at the QB position and being 6’4” / 220 lbs., he could be a formidable target for Irish quarterbacks. It also plays into Kelly’s philosophy of getting a good football player and putting him on the field.  Junior Theo Riddick is entering his second season at receiver after playing running back during his freshman season.   Riddick missed four games last season with a foot injury but is a very exciting player to watch thanks in part to his quickness. Look for explosive kick off returns from Theo over the next two years.   Robby Toma enters his Junior season with a solid resume seeing action in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. At 5’9” he may play the slot more and will compete for time but a consistent starting role is probably not in his future.  Sophomore Daniel Smith at 6’4” could see some time and maybe get into a rotation.   Senior Deion Walker and Junior Nick Fitzpatrick round out the current receivers.