Film Don't Lie | Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Notre Dame has won some recruiting battles over Ohio State in recent years, but none of them were for players from Ohio that didn’t play on the offensive line. Because of that, you can forgive anyone who thought that the Irish would be a long shot for an elite wide receiver from Ohio who is also an Ohio State legacy.
But the Notre Dame coaching staff did the unthinkable and gained a massive commitment from Lorenzo Styles Jr., one of the top prospects from Ohio and one of the top receiver prospects in the class of 2021.
Brian Kelly said the Irish needed to add elite skill position players to close the gap against Clemson and Alabama. His staff just landed a prospect who helps them get closer to the level they’re striving for.
Height: 6’1’
Weight: 182
Projected Position: Wide Receiver (X)
ISD Grade: 95 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 94.6 (4-star)
What he does best:
Styles Jr. is a great athlete. It all starts with speed. He has been timed in the 4.4 range and that translates to the field. He can hit another gear and out run pursuit angles like he does here on the jet sweep.
His acceleration is impressive. All he needs is a little crease to make something happen and that is part of what makes him such a dangerous player after the catch. And even though he is not physically imposing, he’s a tough runner who will fight through contact.
His ball skills are impressive. He shows the potential as a natural hands catcher and will attack the football in the air like he does on this touchdown grab.
Styles Jr. might be as good of a cornerback prospect as he is at receiver. His footwork and hips allow him to match up in man coverage. Every little thing he shows as an athlete jumps out on film.
What he needs to improve:
He’s not a consistent route runner. His athleticism is so superior that he doesn’t have to be at his high school to get open. He has the quick feet and short area quickness to be outstanding in this area, but he isn’t there right now.
What’s his ceiling?
I know that everyone who Notre Dame recruits who can run like he does gets put into the Will Fuller category, but that’s only because Fuller is the gold standard for recent speed receivers. Styles Jr. will play the same position as Fuller when he gets to South Bend and there are definitely some athletic traits that Styles Jr. has that remind me of Fuller. He might not end up quite as fast, but shows more potential to break tackles in the open field.
He has the potential to be an impact player at the next level. I think he can be much more than a deep threat and be a tremendous asset after the catch while also contributing as a returner.
I could see him playing immediately and eventually developing into one of the better speed receivers in college football.