This Guy Plays Notre Dame Football: #88 Javon McKinley, Wide Receiver

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2020 season.

#88, Javon McKinley

This past season, McKinley hit the field for the Irish nine times and started twice. He chalked up 11 receptions in total for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Significantly, one of those receptions was against the Michigan Wolverines. He also had one of the better highlights from the 2019 season with his catch and run against New Mexico.

During his high school career, he demanded attention as an elite wide receiver; he claimed 3,752 career receiving yards, ranking third most in CIF Southern Section history. He also represented Corona, California’s Centennial High School in the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and at one point ranked as the no. 16 wide receiver in the country, according to 247Sports.com.

Spirit Animal

Honey Badger

We have another good example of epic hair, over here. I’m going with the honey badger.

DW

2020 Outlook

McKinley had been notably prone to injury in the past, but Irish fans can expect him to make an impact if he keeps the focus on his health. Following a 2018 arrest, he had his doubters, however, he proved his commitment to his team last season. With the loss of Chase Claypool and Cole Kmet to the NFL, there are some questions concerning Notre Dame’s “young” group of receivers. If McKinley can continue to improve in his fifth year with the program, he could become a reliable producer on offense. His name gets lost when Irish fans talk about 2020 — but maybe it shouldn’t be with his talent.

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