Portal Scouting Notes | WR Josh Kelly
It’s not often that a player transfers to a Power 5 program as a fifth-year player and then has the best season of his college career, but that’s exactly what happened with Josh Kelly at Washington State.
Originally signing with Fresno State out of high school, he was a productive player for the Bulldogs, but injuries played a factor in some ups and downs for him. He had a breakout season in 2021 and transferred to Wazzu for the 2023 season and flourished in the Pac-12.
That’s why he’s a transfer portal target for several programs, including Notre Dame. He is on campus for a visit today at the same time former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard is also visiting.
Washington State WR Josh Kelly
- 6-1 192
- 6th-year player in 2024
- Fresno State transfer, started all 12 games at Wazzu
- 4 100-yard games in ‘23
- 16 receptions of 20+ yards at Wazzu, 13 in ‘21 at Fresno
- knows how to win when the ball is in the air
- 15.1 per reception and led Wazzu in receiving with 923 + 8 TDs
- 4.5% drop rate, only 3 drops in ‘23, 6 total in career
- terrific ball skills
- not a dynamic player after the catch, can be a tackle breaker
- polish as a route runner, not a lot of wasted steps
- outside receiver capable of playing field or boundary
- caught 4 of 6 targets for 15.8 per reception vs UW’s top corner, Jabar Muhammad in Apple Cup
- 4.26 short shuttle, 32.2 vert as a recruit
Kelly isn’t a burner like Notre Dame’s most recent transfer addition, Kris Mitchell. Kelly is a different category of deep ball receiver who knows how to with crisp routes and by winning at the catch point. He shows strength and savvy when battling corners for the football.
The best way I would describe Kelly’s game is professional. He’s someone who plays like he has had the time to develop and it shows on the field. That’s obviously something that Notre Dame could use and didn’t really have on their roster outside of Jayden Thomas (when healthy) last season.
I’m a fan of his game and believe he has the potential to step in and be a key contributor if he chooses Notre Dame.
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