How Notre Dame will replace top playmakers Josh Adams, Equanimeous St. Brown in 2018

SOUTH BEND – Notre Dame’s offense took a hit when Josh Adams and Equanimeous St. Brown elected to forgo their senior years and declare for the NFL draft.

What do their departures mean for the Fighting Irish moving forward into 2018, the second season under offensive coordinator Chip Long? Notre Dame was already preparing for the challenge of losing core leaders left tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Quenton Nelson, but now have to deal with the loss of more productivity and locker room leadership.

Heading into the Citrus Bowl, Long was asked what the next big-picture step is for his offense in 2018. He wants to “throw the ball just as well as we run the ball,” which starts with either Brandon Wimbush mastering his mechanics and securing his job, or Long and Brian Kelly selecting a different quarterback to replace him.

“Consistency on the perimeter and in the passing game has got to improve dramatically,” Long said. “I can’t sleep at night with this going on.

"It’s gonna be fun with some new guys coming in, with some veterans with a year in the system and can play fast and more confident... understanding what we’re trying to do, getting our run-pass game going. We haven’t really used that at all this year to be honest with you. To see that grow with our run game, it’s gonna be fun.”

St. Brown was Wimbush’s roommate and favorite target this year. He hauled in 33 passes for 515 yards with four touchdowns. Notre Dame is still in good shape even with its top wideout leaving for the NFL.

Miles Boykin didn’t have many opportunities this season, grabbing nine receptions for 151 yards and a score during the regular season. Then he was the star of the Citrus Bowl: The 6-4, 225-pound junior led all receivers with three catches for 102 yards and a 55-yard game-winning touchdown in the win over LSU.

Chase Claypool developed chemistry with Wimbush late in the season before a shoulder injury held him out of the bowl game. The sophomore might miss time this spring rehabbing, but should be back in the fall. Freshman Michael Young scored the first touchdown of his career in the Citrus Bowl, earning more of a role with Kevin Stepherson suspended, and will likely have more opportunities as a sophomore. Stepherson's status with the team is unknown.

Other receivers to watch are Chris Finke, a steady target who made a big play on one of Notre Dame’s touchdown drives against LSU; Javon McKinley, who redshirted last fall; redshirt freshman Jafar Armstrong; and transfer Freddy Canteen, who suffered from injuries in 2017 and has another year left.

Notre Dame also added top receivers to its 2018 recruiting class with four-star players Kevin Austin, Braden Lenzy and Micah Jones.

The running back situation doesn’t look as clear with Adams gone. Dexter Williams has been explosive when he’s had an opportunity, averaging 9.2 yards per carry on only 39 rushing attempts. He finished fourth among Notre Dame running backs with 360 total yards and four touchdowns. He dealt with nagging ankle and quadriceps injuries throughout the season, while Kelly hinted early on that his pass blocking played a role in limited playing time.

Tony Jones Jr. had 44 carries for 232 yards and three touchdowns, and will likely be more involved in the rotation.

The status is uncertain for two young running backs Deon McIntosh and CJ Holmes after they were suspended for the Citrus Bowl. Incoming freshman back Jahmir Smith enrolls in January and could climb up the depth chart early.

Regardless of who steps up in 2018, it will be challenging to replace Adams.

“Keep building tempo, consistency in passing game, building on our run game and the physicality of our mindset, and keep building the culture going out each and every week and putting on a show,” Long said of his goals for 2018. “There’s so much more out there like any person who comes in after Year 1. It’s exciting. Every year is different. You’re gonna have different playmakers, different guys step up with a year in the system, a year in the weight room, so it’s really exciting.”

Follow IndyStar Notre Dame Insider Laken Litman on Twitter and Instagram: @lakenlitman.

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