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Notre Dame Football: 5 Key Skill Position Players to Watch in 2016

By Kyle Nishida

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sideline against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sideline against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame Football
November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr. (16) runs the ball against Stanford Cardinal during the first half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver Torii Hunter Jr.

Torii Hunter Jr. quietly had a decent 2015 season. He could drastically increase his numbers in 2016.

Hunter flew under the radar last year because he was behind Will Fuller and Chris Brown on the depth chart. With Fuller and Brown gone, Hunter is the favorite to be the Irish’s No. 1 receiver.

Last year, Hunter caught 28 passes for 363 receiving yards and two touchdowns. At times, he struggled for playing time because the Irish’s receiving group was loaded. However, he was effective whenever the Irish got the ball to him.

Whether it is Kizer or Zaire throwing him the football, Hunter should be an effective receiver for the Irish. He has very good speed and has great hands. Hunter’s athleticism runs in the family as his father Torii Hunter Sr. played 17 years in the MLB.

Hunter could be a huge part of the Irish’s offense in 2016. He may not be the biggest big-play threat, but he can get first downs and move the sticks.

The Irish’s big-play ability will probably come from their running backs. Therefore, the Irish only need Hunter to get open and catch passes on a consistent basis. If he can create big-play, that is a plus, but the senior receiver should primarily focus on getting open.

Hunter could be an integral part of the Notre Dame’s offense. He will probably be their No. 1 receiver at the start of the season and have a lot of chances to make plays throughout 2016.

Next: S Max Redfield

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