Notre Dame Football: What You Need to Know About Michael Floyd's Replacements

Replacing an All-American is never a small task, especially if you're talking about former Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd.

Who will replace Floyd has become one of the hottest topics of discussion this offseason, and with valid reason. Floyd was a crucial piece of the Fighting Irish offense last season, and his presence on the field will be sorely missed.

Not a single player on the roster is capable of replacing Floyd, making it a committee approach.

Here's a list of his replacements and what you need to know about each one.

DaVaris Daniels

Perhaps the most intriguing candidate in the race to replace Michael Floyd, DaVaris Daniels will finally be eligible this fall after serving a redshirt season in 2011.

Daniels is a lightning quick receiver who recorded a blazing time of 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard-dash as a senior at Vernon Hills High School.

The 6'3" 190-pound Daniels was equally as impressive at Notre Dame's simulated combine in March, putting up numbers that were on par with NFL prospects.

He has a tremendous chance to seize Floyd's vacant outside receiver spot, as John Goodman and T.J. Jones have yet to prove themselves as consistent threats in Brian Kelly's spread offense.

Daniel Smith

Like Michael Floyd, local product Daniel Smith has enviable size, standing a legitimate 6'4" and weighing in at 215 pounds.

A nagging hamstring injury has been Smith's lone obstacle in his road to playing time thus far in his career at Notre Dame. Should he remain healthy, Smith may prove to be a sufficient replacement at receiver.

It's difficult to assume what Smith is capable of, as he didn't face elite competition on the high school playing fields in South Bend. However, having seen him play, I will tell you that Smith has all the necessary tools to be an effective receiver at the college level.

John Goodman

As I said in a previous slide, John Goodman has yet to prove that he can be a consistent playmaker for the Fighting Irish offense.

In three seasons of action, Goodman has yet to make an impact under the golden dome. His last chance to do so will be as a fifth-year senior this fall.

The Fort Wayne, Ind. native has the size necessary for an outside receiver at 6'3" and 207 pounds. Whether or not Goodman can blend his talent with that size harmoniously remains to be seen.

Goodman will need to show a sense of urgency considering the clock is ticking on his final season in South Bend.

Davonte Neal

Among the members of Notre Dame's 2012 recruiting crop, Davonte Neal is the most likely candidate to have an immediate impact for the Fighting Irish.

The 5'10", 175-pound Scottsdale, Az. native had the luxury of being mentored by Michael Floyd while the former Fighting Irish star was training for the NFL Combine in Arizona.

And like Floyd, Neal is a player who has the ability to take over a game with pure athletic ability.

He may just be the answer to the conundrum facing the Fighting Irish coaching staff.

Wrap Up

With Michael Floyd no longer in the picture, the 2012 season will provide a glimpse of Brian Kelly's true coaching ability and ability to develop talent.

Each of the players listed in this slideshow have the capability to make significant strides for Kelly's offense, which should offset the loss of Floyd.

However, if the offense becomes stagnant without the current member of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, Kelly will be facing the ever-critical fanbase.