It’s no secret that the Notre Dame offense needs to take a step forward in the 2024 season. The defense has been ready to compete on the highest level for a couple years, but their counterpart needs to show it is as well. That led to a lot of changes this offseason, including stealing away offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock from the LSU Tigers.
Coach Denbrock is a stellar play caller who specializes in creating explosive plays. That’s something the Irish will have to do more of this fall. There are three players that Irish fans will need to keep a close eye on to see just how good this offense can be. They are the explosive element, and the key for Notre Dame to become one of the nation’s best.
Notre Dame have had good quarterbacks over the last several years. Players like Ian Book, Jack Coan and Sam Hartman did good things for the Irish, providing some great moments. Those quarterbacks, however, were much more system oriented than game changers.
In reality, Notre Dame hasn’t had a quarterback that put massive fear in an opponent's defense in some time. That changes in 2024 with former Duke star Riley Leonard, who is one of the most dynamic dual threat signal callers in college football when healthy. Some will poke holes in Leonard’s game, but what they can’t argue is that a near 6-4, 215-pound quarterback who runs a 4.52 second forty-yard dash is pretty impressive.
Health is a question but if Leonard can stay on the field, he has the talent to be a difference maker. Even when Notre Dame doesn’t call the perfect play in 2024, Leonard has the talent to make it right.
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The Irish have had some impressive running backs recently, including Kyren Williams and Audric Estime. It has been, however, several years since Notre Dame has had a big play runner who can handle a heavy workload. Love brings a lot of optimism in 2024, with some high expectations.
Along with backfield mate Jadarian Price, and Leonard at quarterback, this will be the fastest backfield Notre Dame has had in almost a decade. Love enters the year as a sophomore, now weighing 206 pounds, and ready to go. Make sure you don’t blink. You might miss Love making another huge play this fall.
Probably the biggest negative to Notre Dame’s offense in 2024 was the lack of speed in the wide receiver room. It was a priority for the Irish staff this offseason to find answers to that problem. One of the big solutions to that question was Mitchell, who was outstanding for FIU in 2023. He ended that breakout season with 64 receptions for 1,118 yards and six touchdowns.
That 17.5 yards per reception average was outstanding, showcasing his big play ability. When asked about his 4.4 speed, Mitchell scoffed at Notre Dame reporters this past spring. The team has needed more speed, and the ability to create explosive plays down the field. Things have been too condensed and methodical for Notre Dame in recent years. Creating more big plays had a chance to change the narrative around the offense.
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