With an offense that ranked near the bottom of the pack in 2002, Notre Dame seemed a little disgusting at times.  Now, with a year to study and learn the system that Tyrone Willingham and his staff is implementing, the offense should turn in a much better score card.  The only real bright spot last season was Arnaz Battle, his playmaking ability was something the Irish definitely lacked elsewhere last season, and will be missed this coming year.  But he has taken his game to the NFL and we are forced to move on.  Let's see who might pick up where Battle left off.

Omar Jenkins:  He is the most experienced of the wide receivers coming back.  Omar is not going to be winning any track meets in the near future, but is a strong workhorse of a receiver and should be near the top of the receiving list this year.   You hate to say the word reliable when talking about a receiver but that's exactly what Omar is.  Reliable.

Maurice Stovall:  He showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman.    He's a big strong fast receiver who will out run you with long strides rather than just blowing away from someone.  He reminds me of Randy Moss when he was at Marshall.  He could emerge into the go-to receiver in this group.  Maurice can out jump any defensive back, and is gonna be a challenge for anyone to cover considering he's nearly 6'5.  Stovall will definitely have the eyes of opposing defenses and justifiably so.

Rhema McKnight:  Mcknight, although smaller than Stovall is nearly a complete package at wideout.  He's fast, runs good routes, blocks well, and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.  He should play more as a sophomore and will be a great complimentary receiver to Stovall.  Rhema could also be a star in the making.

Ronnie Rodamer:  Ronnie has been prone to his fair share of injuries in his career.  It's hard to predict how he will do this coming year, since his development has been hampered by injuries. He has just a handful of minutes under his belt, but if he lives up to his potential he could be someone to watch for in 2003.

Matt Shelton:  Well, where does one start.  He's got the speed that you look for in a receiver, but has very limited playing time and has yet to develop into the guy everyone thought he could have been.  If his game doesn't improve fast and with the talented freshmen coming in, he's gonna be destined for special teams.

The New Guys

Ambrose Wooden is considered the jewel of this receiver class, which is unexpected since he never played the position in high school.  Wooden is an absolute speed-demon, something this team desperately needs.  Ambrose has the shiftiness and playmaking ability to compete for playing time immediately and look for him to do so.

Jeff Samardzija was one of the top ranked Midwestern receivers last year.  I love this guy on tape.  He's a big tall lanky receiver who's not afraid to go over the middle and take a hit.  He's got long arms and he will come up with the ball if has to jump for it.  Jeff will fight for every yard, and do what he has to do to get the ball.  Although not the fastest guy, he has the tools to compete right away. 

Chinedum Ndukwe was the top playmaker for incoming quarterback Brady Quinn last season.  He's a tall rangy receiver that also looks impressive, again not as fast as some of the other guys but productive to say the least.

Chase Anastacio was a late catch for the Irish and somewhat of a surprise in last years recruiting class.   He has definitely got some quickness to him and some great moves to get away and past defenders.  Chase will add some speed to the unit and may have the game-breaking ability this unit needs.  However, if things don't work out at receiver for him, look for this young man to be one heck of a DB.  He also has the ability to press for playing time.

Prediction