Notre Dame Recruits Two 2016 Running Backs
By Walt Kosin
Notre Dame got another version of “Thunder and Lightning” at running back.
Notre Dame had a pretty successful 2016 recruiting class. The Fighting Irish signed 23 players and most recruiting websites had their class in the top 15 nationwide. We will review the two running backs signed on February 3 – Tony Jones, Jr. and Dean McIntosh.
Tony Jones Jr. is a 5’10” 220 lb. back from IMG Academy in Brodenton, Florida. He is a three-star recruit. In nine games his senior season, Jones ran for 564 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was selected to play in the U.S. Army All American Bowl this past January in San Antonio. Tony was also an all-state baseball player and he will play both sports at Notre Dame.
Tony had offers from Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Miami, Pitt, and other schools. He committed to the Fighting Irish last March.
Tony has good speed, but not great speed. He is a power runner who will definitely help the Fighting Irish running between the tackles. Scouts state that he has exceptional cutback ability for a person his size and he is so powerful that he can squat 525 pounds.
Deon McIntosh is a 5’11” 180 lb. back from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Pompano Beach, Florida. He ran 134 times for 680 yards and eight touchdowns his senior season. He was first all-county in Broward County. Deon gave Notre Dame his verbal commitment in November, 2015.
The interesting thing about Deon is that he is a great receiver besides being a great runner. In his three-year high school career, he caught 83 passes for 757 yards. Because of his receiving skills, Dean could possibly play slot receiver similar to what Amir Carlisle did. He is a great package, speed, slot receiver who can be utilized in many different ways by the coaching staff.
The recruitment of Tony Jones Jr. and Deon McIntosh gives the Fighting Irish a great combination of power and speed. With Tareau Folston, Josh Adams, and Dexter Williams returning for the Irish, it remains to be seen how these two great backs will be used. There is always a chance one or both could be red-shirted. However it work out, the Fighting Irish have two backs who have great futures and who’ll continue the tradition of great running backs at Notre Dame.