The countdown of top Notre Dame football players heading into the 2024 season continues with an impact transfer

Coming in at No. 8, Notre Dame continues with the transfer portal acquisitions this offseason. Former FIU wide receiver Kris Mitchell is someone that Irish fans weren’t aware of when he initially committed. After doing a deeper dive into his background, the Florida native is someone to get excited about quickly.

After just being a solid contributor for the Golden Panthers the previous couple of seasons, Mitchell became one of the most productive pass catchers in college football during the 2023 season. In 12 games, he hauled in 64 receptions for 1,118 yards, and six touchdowns. That receiving yardage total finished top 20 in all of college football last season, just behind the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State, Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU), and Ja’Lynn Polk (Washington).

Any time you have a player making this kind of jump from the G5 level, there are going to be some naysayers. What is going to ease those concerns about Mitchell was his performance against Arkansas last season. Against an SEC opponent, Mitchell hauled in six receptions for 157 yards. That yardage total was the second most that Mitchell had all season.

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The other thing that will calm nerves over that transition is the speed that Mitchell brings to the table. At media availability in the spring, he scoffed at Notre Dame media categorizing his speed as 4.4 second speed. Mitchell made them aware that he’s a 4.3 forty-yard dash kid, with as much speed as anyone you will find on the Irish roster. Any time you bring that type of calling card, there’s at least a role you should be able to fill as a glorified deep threat.

Protected to start at the Z receiver position this fall, Mitchell could be the key to the Notre Dame offense in 2024. The biggest aspect that has held that unit back over the last few years has been lack of dynamic speed. The Irish needed to get faster on the perimeter, and they did just that with Mitchell.

Could Mitchell be the top pass catcher for the Irish in 2024? It’s possible but even if he isn’t, his speed is very much needed. Mike Denbrock wants to open this offense up, and they will need Mitchell to do so effectively.

If you missed any of the series so far, it began with a 16-20 countdown, followed by 11-15 . A potential breakout cornerback came in at No. 10 , while a toosly pass rusher followed at No. 9 .