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, once again, 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 2021 season.

#80 Cane Berrong, TE

The Irish pulled Berrong out of Hartwell, GA as the #227 overall prospect and #9 tight end in the 2021 class. Berrong committed to the Irish very early in his recruitment on June 19, 2019, and held strong despite receiving offers from most of the South’s top schools, including the Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers.

During his recruitment, scouts primarily praised Berrong for his abilities in the passing game, including route-running, hands, fluidity as a runner and ability to play out of the slot, while noting that his size (6’4”, 230 pounds) created some limitations for him as a blocker.

The Restaurant That Fits

Cane Rosso

Cane’s name is too good not to use here, but Lauren already stole the delicious chicken joint Raising Cane’s for Isaiah Pryor. So I’m going with Cane Rosso.

(Cane is here pronounced Con-ay; just think of the way Forrest Gump would address his girlfriend if her name was Connie and you’ve got it).

This Texas chain is a purveyor of delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, the best of which is called the Honey Bastard (habanero honey and bacon marmalade on the crust - don’t knock it til you’ve tried it).

2021 Outlook

Michael Mayer is, barring injury, an absolute lock for the #1 tight-end role in Notre Dame’s offense. And while Tommy Rees enjoys his multiple-TE sets, competition will still be stiff for supporting roles as George Takacs has proven himself a worthy complement and Kevin Bauman has been getting excellent marks from the staff. In all likelihood Berrong will get some snaps in mop-up duty and/or on special teams while preserving his redshirt and preparing for an expanded role in 2022.

In the long term, Berrong’s receiving skills and athleticism give him great potential as a downfield threat, and I have a feeling a year or two in Matt Balis’ system will prepare him physically for college-level blocking responsibilities as well. Berrong is going to be a force, and a lot of fun to watch.