When Notre Dame kicks off their 2019 season, they will be without Sophomore wideout Kevin Austin. Head Coach Brian Kelly announced Monday that Austin would miss the entire 2019 season due to team suspension. This is yet another blow to the Notre Dame passing game. Collarbone injuries for Michael Young and Cole Kmet had already thinned the depth chart in South Bend, and adding Austin to that list continues to hurt the team. Austin was previously suspended for the first four games of the season, and is now sidelined for the year.

This is a tough look for a once promising prospect. Austin was a four star recruit out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 6’2 Sophomore was rated 82nd nationally by 24/7 sports. As a Freshman, he flashed that talent, particularly in games against Wake Forest and Navy. In total, he tallied 5 catches for 90 yards. With the departure of Miles Boykin to the NFL, Austin was a leading candidate for the role as third receiver. Now the Irish must pick from guys like Senior Javon Mckinley and Sophomores Lawrence Keys III, Joe Wilkins and Braden Lenzy. 

The Kevin Austin suspension is a tough blow for an Irish team that wants to compete for a title. When they start their season Monday night in Louisville, the offense will miss his presence. Hopefully Austin can use the year off to collect himself. If he fixes off the field issues, he has the potential to shine at Notre Dame.

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