Notre Dame Football Position Preview: Wide Receiver

Spotlight: David Grimes

	G	Rec	Yds	TD
2007	10	27	224	2

Also Returning: Richard Jackson, Duval Kamara, Robby Parris, Kris Patterson, Golden Tate, Sam Vos, George West

Lost: Brandon Erickson, Nick Possley, Jake Richardville (graduation), DJ Hord (transfer), Barry Gallup, Jr. (position change)

Gained: Brian Coughlin, Dan Franco, Michael Garcia, Christopher Gurries (walk-ons), Michael Floyd, John Goodman, Deion Walker

David Grimes, Papa Smurf himself, is back in the spotlight. Grimes may not have the height or the speed to be a split end but he does have the athleticism to be a reliable third option in the slot and occasional deep threat, at least at the college level. The best thing Grimes can be this year is a reliable pair of hands, as young starters Duval Kamara and Robby Parris' dropsies from last season were apparently still there in the spring. For this offense to be good, Kamara and Parris will have to become consistent and reliable pass catchers.

The depth at this position is starting to become evident, if nowhere else than from the transfer of DJ Hord and Barry Gallup's move to running back. It will be interesting to see how often George West plays, or perhaps more accurately how many times a pass will come his way. Golden Tate will fight West for the number four receiver role. Tate showed great speed and leaping ability in his freshman year, but he needs to develop as a route runner to be truly successful as a wide receiver.

The Irish add three talented freshman this season. John Goodman, who played quarterback in high school, is expected to sit out this season. Conversely, it will be difficult to keep Michael Floyd off the field this year. Floyd is a talented, developed receiver who according to some may be starting by mid-season.