Is Notre Dame’s Hidden Gem About to Steal the Spotlight? Overlooked Freshman WR Elijah Burress Could Force His Way Into the Irish’s Stacked Lineup
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — In a program known for producing some of the most polished wide receivers in college football, the name Elijah Burress wasn’t necessarily the one Irish fans circled when Notre Dame’s highly touted 2024 recruiting class was announced. But just weeks into preseason camp, the son of former NFL star Plaxico Burress is making a name for himself in a crowded and competitive wide receiver room — and it might only be a matter of time before the rest of the college football world takes notice.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound freshman from DePaul Catholic High School in New Jersey came into South Bend as a three-star recruit, overshadowed by the four-star and five-star headliners in the class. Many assumed his first year would be one of learning and adjusting to the speed of the college game. But according to several reports from camp insiders and team sources, Burress has been one of the most consistent playmakers in summer practices, earning praise from both coaches and teammates for his crisp route running, reliable hands, and surprisingly advanced football IQ.
Earning Respect Early
Wide receivers coach Chansi Stuckey has been vocal about the freshman’s growth since his arrival, noting that Burress “approaches the game like a veteran.” Sources say Burress has been a steady presence in seven-on-seven drills and has quickly become a favorite target in red-zone situations during scrimmages. Quarterback Riley Leonard, the Duke transfer expected to lead the Irish offense, has also built noticeable chemistry with him — a connection that has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
“He’s quiet, he works hard, and he’s always in the right spot,” one veteran player told Irish Illustrated. “You can tell he’s been around the game his whole life. Nothing really rattles him.”
Fighting for a Role in a Crowded Room
The challenge for Burress is breaking into a rotation that already features proven playmakers like Jayden Thomas, Jaden Greathouse, and Rico Flores Jr., along with explosive slot option Chris Tyree. Head coach Marcus Freeman has hinted that the staff is willing to reward production over seniority, and with Notre Dame looking to expand its vertical passing game in 2024, Burress’s ability to win one-on-one matchups could earn him snaps sooner than expected.
The Irish offense has placed an emphasis on creating mismatches this season, and Burress’s versatility — lining up outside or in the slot — gives the staff more flexibility. His route precision and knack for finding soft spots in coverage could be particularly valuable against the zone-heavy defenses Notre Dame will face early in the season.
Not Just a Name
Carrying the Burress surname comes with its share of attention, but those close to Elijah stress that he’s determined to create his own legacy. His father, Plaxico, was a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver in the NFL, known for his size and ability to dominate in contested catches. Elijah, while smaller in stature, shares his father’s knack for tracking the ball and winning high-point battles, but adds a quicker first step and more polished footwork at this stage of his career.
“People might think I’m here just because of my last name,” Elijah said during his first media availability. “But I’m here to work, to learn, and to help this team win. Everything else will take care of itself.”
Looking Ahead
Notre Dame opens its 2024 campaign against Texas A&M in College Station, one of the most hostile environments in college football. While it’s unlikely Burress starts that game, multiple insiders believe he will see the field — and could be a surprise contributor before October. If his development continues at its current pace, Burress could be more than just a rotational option; he could become a legitimate weapon in an Irish offense seeking playmakers who can change a game with one catch.
The question now isn’t whether Elijah Burress belongs at this level — that much is already clear to those inside the program — but how quickly he can turn preseason buzz into regular-season production. And if the whispers out of camp prove true, Notre Dame’s “hidden gem” might not be hidden for long.
