'20 KY TE Michael Mayer (Notre Dame Signee)

[Sherm Sticky]

I 100% agree with Michael!

 

[Trait Expectations]

I really don't think Rees is the kind of guy to throw superlatives around unearned. I mean he's tempered questions before by saying things along the lines of, "Well we had Mike (Floyd) and Tyler (Eifert)" when asked about dominant players and he's suggesting that Michael M could be the best TE that's played at ND.

As we all know, that is one of the most loaded statements a coach could make given our history at the position.

QUESTION FOR THE BOARD

Will we see Mayer break any TE records this year? Career records are probably a year away but single season records up for the taking. Anyone have those stats?

 

[zelezo vlk]

I'd be shocked if he breaks the single season TD record. Seems like guys call it every few years but it never happens lol

 

[greyhammer90]

I'd be shocked if he breaks the single season TD record. Seems like guys call it every few years but it never happens lol

It's like the sack record at this point. It feels likesit's supposed to get broken every year.

 

[Trait Expectations]

I'd be shocked if he breaks the single season TD record. Seems like guys call it every few years but it never happens lol

I understand this but that record has to be hanging by a thread. Given the high talent we recruit TE, it's bound to happen. It's only 7, right? I can see Eifert's season catch total being a harder record to break. The way they are talking, Mayer can't be defended and I don't know how you double up on the TE and leave our WRs/RBs in 1-1 or zone coverage. This offense could really test defenses as the season moves along.

 

[NDBoiler]

One thing is for sure, the young man has outstanding hair.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

One thing is for sure, the young man has outstanding hair.

John Travolta wishes he could have that much dimple chin.

But seriously, Mayer just looks like a superhero. Has to be related to the Hemsworths

 

[IrishLion]

Will we see Mayer break any TE records this year? Career records are probably a year away but single season records up for the taking. Anyone have those stats?

Whether or not he's breaking records is going to depend on the WR core, and it's going to cut both ways lol.

If the WR group continues to struggle with consistency, I could see him approaching some records for receptions and yardage simply based on being the most and reliable pass-catcher on the offense. On the other hand, I think this would mean TD's would be hard to come by, as opposing defense would clamp down on him in the redzone, opening things up for Kyren, Tyree and the other TE's.

If the WR group steps up, I could see him approaching the TD record based on favorable matchups in the red zone, but his between-the-20's production would dip based on sharing the load.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

It's like the sack record at this point. It feels likesit's supposed to get broken every year.

Not so sure about this.
Lately (past few seasons now) the beat has been onboard with the "sacks by committee" projection.

 

[Wild Bill]

I understand this but that record has to be hanging by a thread. Given the high talent we recruit TE, it's bound to happen. It's only 7, right? I can see Eifert's season catch total being a harder record to break. The way they are talking, Mayer can't be defended and I don't know how you double up on the TE and leave our WRs/RBs in 1-1 or zone coverage. This offense could really test defenses as the season moves along.

The best way to defend him or any other tight end is to disrupt his release. My guess is that every defense ND faces this year will place an emphasis on preventing a clean release - defensive ends will pinch, they'll run stunts so they cross his face, and they'll be stress the importance of getting hands on him before working their way up the field to pressure the QB.

Even the slightest bit of contact from a defender with a strong punch goes a long way in defending a tight end but it's easier said than done when you have a player like Mayer.

 

[Luckylucci]

I understand this but that record has to be hanging by a thread. Given the high talent we recruit TE, it's bound to happen. It's only 7, right? I can see Eifert's season catch total being a harder record to break. The way they are talking, Mayer can't be defended and I don't know how you double up on the TE and leave our WRs/RBs in 1-1 or zone coverage. This offense could really test defenses as the season moves along.

In every game Kevin Austin plays, he's going to be one of the best skill talents on the field. When Mayer is on the field, he will be THE best TE in every game we play. Kyren and Tyree will be arguably the best RB tandem in all games we play. The offense is pretty damn loaded. They need Coan to be able to effectively utilize these guys and the OL to be solid.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

I understand this but that record has to be hanging by a thread. Given the high talent we recruit TE, it's bound to happen. It's only 7, right? I can see Eifert's season catch total being a harder record to break. The way they are talking, Mayer can't be defended and I don't know how you double up on the TE and leave our WRs/RBs in 1-1 or zone coverage. This offense could really test defenses as the season moves along.

In his season as a starter at Wisconsin, Coan completed about 45% of his passes to TEs and RBs (and that team had Quintez Cephus at WR).

Austin will get plenty of RZ opportunities but ND doesn't really have other guys for Mayer to compete with. Lenzy, Davis, and Keys are all smaller receivers and the rest of the returning TEs combined for 7 receptions last year.

Mayer is going to get a bunch of targets.

 

[greyhammer90]

Not so sure about this.
Lately (past few seasons now) the beat has been onboard with the "sacks by committee" projection.

You're right that it isn't the sexy pick it once was, but the Okwara years and Tuitt's JR season it felt like everyone just assumed it was coming down.

 

[Irish#1]

The best way to defend him or any other tight end is to disrupt his release. My guess is that every defense ND faces this year will place an emphasis on preventing a clean release - defensive ends will pinch, they'll run stunts so they cross his face, and they'll be stress the importance of getting hands on him before working their way up the field to pressure the QB.

Even the slightest bit of contact from a defender with a strong punch goes a long way in defending a tight end but it's easier said than done when you have a player like Mayer.

Agree. I will be very surprised if they can disrupt him whether he's in tight or split out. Reports are that his strength is elite and BK has reported that he is a detail guy so he'll know what to expect when he lines up inside or outside.

 

[ND88]

The underrated comment that best represents his character was his perspective on winning a national championship. In most cases, players say it, but more like a statement that comes with the territory. I didn’t get that feeling from him. Either he is very good at politics or his statement was 110% authentic. It’s been a minute when I’ve heard a young person of his talent convey such authenticity. He is locked in. Team first attitude.

 

[Riddickulous]

He's gotta clean up those drops (that one near the end of the game was baaaaaaad) but man is he primed for a monster year. Felt like he was targeted like 20 times.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

He's gotta clean up those drops (that one near the end of the game was baaaaaaad) but man is he primed for a monster year. Felt like he was targeted like 20 times.

13 targets is insane. I can't tell if it's good, or bad. I think we need to get the ball to Austin (and other wrs too). But, I guess if the opposing D is giving it to ya then you should go for it.

 

[IrishLion]

Mayer is going to benefit greatly from Tommy and BK devising ways to keep KA and Lenzy both involved heavily. Defenses having to account for KA as a legit #1 is the best thing that could happen for Mayer.

Not worried about the drops. The first one was bad, the second one that would’ve put Doerer in range in regulation was Mayer turning his head too soon to try and make a play in crunch time. That’s the type of mistake you can live with as long as it doesn’t become a regular thing.

 

[irishandy]

I really thought this offense was going to run the ball more this year. I was impressed with how much we passed the ball. The Mayer drops I think is not a big deal right now, something to mention- sure. I think he learns from this, still gets the targets, and will have plenty of opportunities to find the red zone. Mayer and Austin are going to be Coan's go-to guys this year.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KPENN]

Somehow Is NOT a finalist for the Mackey award.

 

[tko]

Somehow Is NOT a finalist for the Mackey award.

What a joke. He could be the best TE in the country and the clear bias against him and ND is a travesty. Some things never change.

 

[yankeehater]

Not to rain on the ND parade and not sure about the top three but......

McBride should win it and is expected to be the first TE off the board at 29. Having a year for the record books.

https://csurams.com/news/2021/11/23/football-trey-mcbride-named-finalist-for-john-mackey-award.aspx

 

[pumpdog20]

ND is pissed... Mayer is going to break so many records next year.

 

[sportallyr]

This is ridiculous. While it doesn't seem likely that anyone will beat Trey McBride for this award this year (although with only 1 TD, it's possible), Mayer deserved to be a finalist just as much as Charlie Kolar and way more than Jalen Wydermyer. Looking at the stats:

CSU Trey McBride: 11 Games, 84 Rec, 1,008 Yards, 1 TD
Iowa St Charlie Kolar: 10 Games, 53 Rec, 658 Yards, 5 TD
A&M Jalen Wydermyer: 11 Games, 36 Rec, 481 Yards, 4TD

ND Michael Mayer: 10 Games, 55 Rec, 663 Yards, 5 TD

McBride belongs in the final 3, but Mayer belongs in the finals over both Kolar (very similar stats, but ND is a better team and that to me is the tie-breaker) and Wydermyer (who's stats are far worse than Mayer's and Kolar's)!

 

[yankeehater]

We all know politics and bias play a roll in these awards. Heck, the Colorado State fan board I pulled the McBride info is up in arms because their punter Ryan Stonehouse was not a Ray Guy finalist. The kid is about to set the all time NCAA career punting average record and is excluded. Probably because the San Diego State punter is leading the nation this year and they probably did not want two non P5 finalist. Both are averaging over 51 yds/punt which is over a yard longer than anyone per season since the stat has been kept.

Talk about a ND/USC miss. Stonehouse is a Mater Dei kid who I believe only had the one offer from CSU. Maybe the moral is if your kid is a punter don't send him to Mater Dei since they never have to punt.

 

[ulukinatme]

McBride racked up his yards playing only 2 P5 teams. Mayer played 8, soon to be 9. People should keep in mind that McBride is also part of a "system" if you will. He plays under Steve Addazio. At CSU and Boston College Addazio will run the ball 45+ times a game and throw 10-15 times. Against Toledo McBride caught 9 of the 11 passes that were thrown. It's old school play action, the defense loads up for the run and gets burned on the fake. I'm not saying McBride is awful, not at all, but he's a product of the offense they run. In the last 5 years Addazio has had a TE as the leading receiver 4 of those years. Graham Harrell was a system player too, put up a ton of numbers and NCAA records, but ultimately went undrafted before a few teams signed and cut him.

Bottom line, McBride is good, but I think Mayer is better.

 

[T-Boone]

I thought that Georgia freshman Bowers would win it. Not even a candidate.

 

[Irishnuke]

What a joke. He could be the best TE in the country and the clear bias against him and ND is a travesty. Some things never change.

Bias against ND? Tyler Eifert won this same award. Brian Kelly has twice won coach of the year. JOK won the Butkus last year, Jaylon won in 2015 and Te’o in 2012. Te’o also won the Walter Camp and Maxwell awards, Bronko Nagurski, and Lombardy awards in 2012. Hamilton would have been a strong contender for a lot of awards if he hadn’t gotten injured. I do agree Mayer should have been a finalist but the bias against ND statement doesn’t hold up.

 

[ulukinatme]

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