Notre Dame Remains In Strong Position At Wide Receiver After Kaleb Smith Departure

Despite the loss of Kaleb Smith the Notre Dame wide receiver depth chart remains in strong position

Notre Dame received some big news today when it was announced that wide receiver Kaleb Smith was retiring from football. Considering the shape the Notre Dame wide receiver depth chart was in a season ago this kind of news could be scary, but things have changed quite a bit at wideout since the 2022 season concluded.

Smith could have helped Notre Dame, there's no doubt about that, but the Fighting Irish remain in very strong position at wide receiver, at least from a potential, talent and depth standpoint. There's a lot this unit must prove, but there is no question about the talent.

I recorded a segment today breaking down where things stand for Notre Dame at wide receiver and why the Irish are going to be just fine at wide receiver, and could even afford to move Lorenzo Styles to cornerback, if they so choose.

The show kicks off with some discussion about Smith, his decision to leave and how losing him impacts the depth chart. Acting as if Smith retiring is no big deal is a bit misguided, but acting as if this is a devastating loss is also a mistake.

Next I talk about the impact this loss has on the depth chart, with an emphasis on the pressure that is now on junior Deion Colzie and the incoming freshmen, especially Braylon James and Jaden Greathouse.

That is followed by a discussion of the overall depth chart, and why Notre Dame remains in good position. The Irish moved Chris Tyree to receiver and they do land four freshmen, with James, Greathouse, Rico Flores Jr. and Kaleb Smith (no, the other one) joining the roster. James, Greathouse and Flores have all had very impressive moments for the Irish this spring.

Next I go position by position - W, X, Z - and break down the options that remain. The boundary position is certainly impacted by this departure, and if Colzie goes down at some point the position then becomes in a tough spot. There are options, however, and I break them down. Next I talk about the depth at the X and Z positions, and how important it was for Notre Dame to land so many wideouts with positional flexibility.

I wrap the show up breaking down why Notre Dame could still consider moving Styles to cornerback, and why the Irish don't need to look at the portal. I go through the entire receiver depth chart and discuss how the tight end depth chart and the running backs impact this decision as well. 

Even without Styles, here are the remaining scholarship receivers:

Tobias Merriweather
Deion Colzie
Jayden Thomas
Chris Tyree
Matt Salerno
Jaden Greathouse
Rico Flores Jr.
Braylon James
Kaleb Smith

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Bryan Driskell
BRYAN DRISKELL

Bryan Driskell is the publisher of Irish Breakdown and has been covering Notre Dame football for over a decade. A former college football player and coach, Bryan and Irish Breakdown bring a level of expertise and analysis that is unmatched. From providing in depth looks at the Fighting Irish, breaking news stories and honest recruiting analysis, Irish Breakdown has everything Notre Dame football fans want and need. Bryan was previous a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated before launching Irish Breakdown. He coached college football at Duquesne University, Muhlenberg College, Christopher Newport University, Wittenberg University and Defiance College. During his coaching career he was a pass game coordinator, recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Salisbury University, where he played quarterback for the Sea Gulls. You can email Bryan at bryan@irishbreakdown.com. Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Follow Bryan on Twitter: @CoachD178Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channelSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter