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Friday, March 29, 2024
The Observer

Lenzy proves himself as one of team’s best receivers

Senior wide receiver Braden Lenzy has made a large impact on the Irish during his career, and he is on track for a very successful senior season as well. So far this season, Lenzy has served as one of the top receivers for the Irish all year and has proven to be one of the fastest players on the Irish team.

Lenzy had a breakout season his sophomore year but was unfortunately sidelined for the majority of the 2020 season with a hamstring injury. Despite these injuries Lenzy has had to endure, he has tried to remain confident in himself and focus on having a successful, healthy senior season. Lenzy discussed how being injured has affected his mindset.

“It’s tough. You never want to be injured,” Lenzy said. “Whenever I am healthy, I feel that I do a good job. I want to play for Notre Dame. I want to play with these guys. I am playing well, and I am healthy.”

Lenzy also talked about how the offense has evolved under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees during his time at Notre Dame.

“I definitely think he put a little bit of his own spin on things. And it is definitely a little bit more of play calling towards players rather than towards just the set plays,” Lenzy said. “He’s made our job easier and played to our strengths. He’s made my job a lot easier and been very transparent. I am very high on coach Rees. I really like him.”

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Irish senior running back Braden Lenzy is wrapped up by a defender during Notre Dame's 32-29 win over Toledo on Sep. 11 at Notre Dame Stadium. Lenzy hauled in two passes during the game, good for 33 yards of offense.


He discussed why this year has been his most fun year with the Irish so far.

“I think our offense is a lot more fun. I think a lot of the plays we are doing are better suited towards our style of play. It’s more speed-focused, and that’s my game," Lenzy said. "I am a senior now, so I am more established and better friends with more people on the team. So, it just feels more fun and it kind of feels like high school. Especially in the receiving room, all of those guys are my best friends.”

Although Lenzy has played with three quarterbacks this year, he said he doesn’t feel that this has affected his performance and rhythm on offense.

“We don’t have too many timing pattern routes, and they all kind of intermix,” Lenzy said. “I have gotten a lot of work with all three of them. I credit that to the coaches. I think they make sure that we have good chemistry with everyone.”

Lenzy talked about his favorite aspect of each of the quarterbacks that he has played with this season.

“Jack is the most experienced and has that veteran presence,” Lenzy said. “Buchner is the most athletic and best runner. And then Drew’s a little wild. I love it when he does celebrations. Drew is one of my best friends.”

He said he appreciates all his quarterbacks because of their focus on the team’s success.

“They all have that similar dog mindset about when it’s their turn,” Lenzy said. “They truly want each other to succeed. I think that’s pretty rare, but that’s just Notre Dame.”

Growing up in Oregon, Lenzy said he didn’t originally have Notre Dame on his radar, but he is thankful for his time with the Irish.

“My initial thought process was that I would not go to Notre Dame,” Lenzy said. “I feel like it’s kind of like Duke basketball. If you don’t have a reason to be a part of it, then you hate it because you aren’t a part of it... It’s a lot different when you can actually go to Notre Dame.”

His favorite route to run, Lenzy said, is a post corner route where he runs straight for 10 yards, diagonally for five, and then turns out to the sidelines.

“I think it’s fun and because I run so many posts, it’s relatively easy for me to run,” Lenzy said. “And it’s a good chunk play. I can get 15-20 on it relatively easily.”

Lenzy has had the chance to practice at all three wide receiver positions, which he said he believes has helped him in all aspects of his game.

“Any time you focus on concepts rather than positions, it gives you a better understanding mid-route of breakdown coverages and just overall playing. The more knowledge you have, the better you play,” Lenzy said. “Knowing every spot allows you to be in everyone’s shoes so you know what works best in every play.”

While Lenzy plans on playing football for as long as he can, he had the opportunity to have an internship at a small private wealth management company in downtown Chicago this summer, which he said was a good experience for him.

“I got to learn from multiple people each couple of days and work on some projects and listen in on some great conversations” Lenzy said. “It’s definitely something I could see myself doing one day, and I could be very good at that. It’s somewhere I would love to work.”