Rhema McKnight WR 6'1 211 Notre Dame 4.53

McKnight landed in South Bend with big expectations, and began fulfilling them as a sophomore for Notre Dame. He led the team with 47 catches for 600 yards and three touchdowns. As a junior, he again led the team in catches with 42 to go along with 610 yards and three touchdowns. With the excitement Charlie Weis brought when he signed on, McKnight had high hopes for his senior season in 2005. It ended in the second game of the year, as he injured his knee and ended up redshirting the year. McKnight came back with a big season, hauling in 64 balls for 885 yards, and a team leading 15 touchdowns.

Rhema McKnight is a talented, all around wide receiver. He is built well, and is a threat to go over the middle and make the grab and take a hit. He combines that ability though, with the speed and athleticism to make plays with the ball in his hands. McKnight even spent time as a punt returner during his sophomore and junior seasons.

Despite having three seasons of starting experience for Notre Dame, McKnight still needs work. Two of those were in the Willingham years, and he didn’t get a chance to fully develop his talents. McKnight has also had some bouts with the dropsies. He needs to become more consistent with his hands.

McKnight is a player to watch. Playing on the same team with Jeff Samardzija and Maurice Stovall, McKnight was still the goto receiver in 2003 and 2004, and was the #1 guy entering 2005. In his first year back, he lived up to the hype he had entering Notre Dame. He has the talent to develop, and could be a solid pick in the fourth round.