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Braden Lenzy, a freshman wide receiver for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has made a couple of important and definitive statements as we start to look towards spring football.
Lenzy was a prize recruit for the Irish has he possesses blazing speed. Many thought that he might see some return work as a freshman — or at least some time on the field running a few fly routes or an end around (like former Irish speedsters Golden Tate and Kevin Stepherson). Instead, Lenzy redshirted and did not take a single snap all season.
His lack of playing time prompted some Irish fans to debate if there was a position switch coming for Lenzy. That is definitely not the case as he posted this on Twitter:
Imma say this one time.. I came to Notre Dame to play WR and I will always just be a WR.. In no future will I play DB in South Bend.. Please stop asking me because I redshirted if there were concerns.. I am working hard every day to help do my part for our O next year! ☘️
— Braden Lenzy (@blspeedy21) January 17, 2019
Some Irish fans were absolutely floored that none of the speedy freshmen wide receivers saw any action against Clemson in the Cotton Bowl, even though it was kind of suggested by Brian Kelly that they would. This announcement has people really excited as the offense is definitely in need of some speed and some players that can blow the top off of an opposing defense.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
I’ve decided to focus all my time on football in preparation for spring time... I will always love track, but I feel this is best for my short term and long term goals athletically! #GoIrish ☘️
— Braden Lenzy (@blspeedy21) January 19, 2019
As you might remember during Lenzy’s recruitment, he committed to Notre Dame, but changed his verbal pledge for the Oregon Ducks as they have a better track program. Once the Irish were able to convince him that he could run track at a high level in South Bend, he signed his NLI with Notre Dame during the early recruiting period.
So, this announcement is kind of a big deal. What most likely kept Lenzy off of the field in 2018 was his physical stature. Braden absolutely needs to get bigger and stronger before his sophomore campaign. This new focus will allow him to grow and strengthen his body for football activity. Regardless of his blazing speed, he will still need to fight off defensive backs in the college game.
As we all eagerly anticipate spring football and what new things it may bring, we can take comfort in a young talent like this that puts in the effort to be a better football player.