Notre Dame Football: 5 Position Battles To Watch During Fall Camp
By Andrew Hall
It is hard to believe that Notre Dame Football will open its fall camp in one week. The Irish will engage in five practice at Culver Academy before returning to the LaBar Practice Facility at Notre Dame. The open of camp will begin the battles at key positions. What are the key position battles for fall camp?
Sep 21, 2013; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Cam McDaniel (33) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans. Notre Dame won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
5. Running Back – Folston vs. McDaniel vs. Bryant
Cam McDaniel, Tarean Folston and Greg Bryant will compete in the biggest win-win competition of Notre Dame’s 2014 football season. All three of Running Backs will undoubtedly play in the 2014 season. But, these three talented players will battle for carries during fall camp.
McDaniel enters the 2014 season with the most experience and production. During his career, he collected 839 yards on 178 carries (4.71 average) and 4 touchdowns. Many people underestimate the talent McDaniel possesses. But, he led Notre Dame in rushing in 2013. He out paced former 4-star recruit George Atkinson, Tarean Folston and Amir Carlisle. What he lacks in flash, he makes up for with grit and great vision.
Folston came on strong at the conclusion of the 2013 season with strong performances against Navy, BYU and Rutgers. His 140-yard performance against the Naval Academy was the best performance by a Freshman since Julius Jones rushed for 146 yards against Navy in 1999.
Bryant came in as one of the most hyped Offensive recruits in some time. He only ended up with 3 carries for 14 yards before redshirting due to injury. Many believe that Bryant is actually the best Running Back on Notre Dame’s roster.
McDaniel should give the Irish a solid player to depend on through the first few games. Bryant and Folston will be the premiere backs of the Offense by the time the calendar hits October.