Notre Dame WR Lorenzo Styles: 'We know we can do the job'

Notre Dame sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner might have the headlines, but don’t forget about Lorenzo Styles as the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder put together an impressive freshman campaign in 2021. 

The Ohio native arrived in South Bend with elite speed and Styles was able to show that multiple times last fall as he finished the year with 24 receptions for 344 yards and one touchdown. 

Styles wasn’t satisfied and put together an impressive offseason. 

"I feel like in the weight room, I definitely got stronger,” stated Styles. “I feel a lot quicker. I feel I can play all three spots. I can move around a lot." 

The gains in the weight room under Matt Balis might be noticeable, but Styles’ growth in the details could put him in line to become a household name in four months. 

"Really detailed in the details,” said Styles. “I feel I've become a smarter football player. Even with my routes, I feel they are a little more crisp. I'm just getting out of my cuts and everything is a lot better." 

Styles has also started his rise as a leader in the program. It just might be individual drills, but Styles leads the group and wants to show the offense they can depend on him. 

"I've definitely been a more vocal leader,” Styles stated. “We really don't have too many guys in the room, so everyone has to step up. I feel the whole room has grown to be more vocal leaders.

"It's really building up trust and being a dependable guy. If we need a big play, they can rely on me." 

Notre Dame isn’t hiding from its lack of depth in the receiver room, but it might be an underrated group when it comes to talent. Each receiver knows they will be asked to do a little more and the group has embraced the challenge and hasn’t focused on the outside noise. 

"If I'm being honest with you, I don't care what anyone else thinks about this receiver room,” stated Styles. “I know we believe in ourselves and we just have to go execute.

"It's really just day by day. We have to keep building and working every day to get one percent better. Once you stack those days, it will be a really good end product for this room." 

Freshman Tobias Merriweather will find himself in a similar situation as Styles a year ago as he’ll be tasked with playing early and often. 

Styles and the other receivers know the importance of getting Merriweather up to speed and have been more than willing to help the 6-foot-5 receiver catch up. 

"He's a smart football player,” Styles explained. “When he first came in, we were always studying the plays and getting him up to speed. He handled it really well." 

And when asked if there was a word to summarize the Irish receiving corps, Styles was quick with his answer. 

"Belief,” said Styles. “We believe in all of our guys. We know we can do the job." 

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