Lorenzo Styles Jr. Will Bring Explosion & Maturity to Notre Dame Offense

High school is over Pickerington Central (Ohio) legend Lorenzo Styles Jr.‍ 

The Notre Dame receiver signee has been done with school for a while, but don't think Styles has taken it easy over the last month. 

"I'm still training and everything like that," Styles told ISD. "That's a must. Time is winding down, so I'm spending time with my friends and family to really soak everything in before I get to campus." 

Speed defined Styles' game throughout his prep career, but his added strength showed in 2020. 

Styles knows he needs to continue to add weight and get stronger, but he's been dialed in on a specific aspect of his game as of late. 

"I've really been focusing on getting bigger," explained Styles. "That's a big focus. Training wise, I've really been trying to get in and out of my breaks. That's an area I've focused on since my freshman and sophomore year.

"I'm fast, so when I get into my breaks, it's hard for me to slow down, so with that, I've had to really focus on getting all that together." 

The four-star prospect doesn't crack many smiles as he's all business when it comes to football and it's a mindset that will give him a chance to play early. 

Styles is also entering the program at a good time as Notre Dame needs explosive playmakers. 

"They're excited for me to get out there," Styles said of his conversations with Del Alexander and Tommy Rees. "Coach Alexander sent me a text after they lost to Alabama about how they needed more explosive receivers. I know I'm already explosive and I’m just working on different stuff to put myself in a position to make plays like that." 

The Ohio native is also honest. 

Styles is trusting the Notre Dame staff to allow him to make plays as the offense didn't exactly show his role in 2020 despite making the College Football Playoff. 

"I feel it's hard to envision it a little bit because when you look at the receivers, a lot of the speedy guys have been hurt," stated Styles. (Braden) Lenzy was hurt along with (Lawrence) Keys. They've been using their bigger targets, Skowronek and McKinley. 

"It's hard to see where I'm going to be at, but Coach Del was telling me we're about to do different stuff, so I'm excited to see what they're trying to do and how they will use me." 

Styles will also arrive this week with heralded quarterback Tyler Buchner. The two first met in 2018 at a camp in South Bend and both left campus with offers. 

"Tyler and I are going to be roommates and that's exciting," Styles said. "I'll have a connection with him. Right now, a lot of people left, so everyone is trying to earn their spot. I think it's a good thing for everybody." 

And yes, Styles will miss bringing the wood and stoning receivers from his cornerback position, but he's also excited. 

Styles will now dedicate all his energy and time to one position, which is an excellent thing for Notre Dame fans. 

"I'm going to miss it, but playing one position, it lowers my snaps," said Styles. "I can focus on what I'm really trying to do, specialize at receiver and hopefully get back there on punt and kick return to make something happen back there too."