Route Running: Route running has been natural for him ever since he was a freshman. Good lower-body mechanics, decent route tree, and has shown an ability to win against linebackers and find holes in coverage. One of his better traits and one of the better route-running tight ends in recent memory.
Blocking: Great run blocker, pass blocking needs some work but his technique and size allow him to be reliable in this department.
Contested Catch Ability: Attacks the ball in the air, can make contested catches, and has done so on film. Has strong hands as well to keep possession through contact as well.
Ball Skills: Tracks the ball well in the air, adjusts to poor or inaccurate passes, and protects it when he is a ball carrier. No fumbles were witnessed in these three games and showed he can also maintain possession through contact.
YAC Ability: Despite his lack of burst out of his route or right after making a catch, he makes up for it very quickly with speed that is impressive for his size. Has the vision as well as a ball carrier to give him great YAC ability across the board.
Fluidness/Flexibility: Works a lot as an in-line tight end but could easily be used both ways when he enters the NFL. The blocking ability he has though will allow him to be a three-down tight end and earn more time on the field to further his development.
Vertical Threat: While he has the speed to be a good receiving tight end, he lacks the TRUE speed that allows him to take the top off a defense and become a vertical threat.
Explosiveness: Lacks burst or explosiveness out of his route and after the initial catch. He heats up quickly once he gets going on a route but the lack of burst or explosiveness out of his route is less than ideal.
Physicality: Lacks the edge you like to see when blocking but he still is able to get the job done, that being said you see his super competitive side come out when he gets a chance to go up for a contested catch.
Versatility: Can be used all over the field despite him not being used that way at Notre Dame so far. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is back again so I don’t expect his role to expand too much but maybe with Brian Kelly gone he can see a bigger role overall in the offense.