Nov. 12, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Cierre Wood (20) stiff arms Maryland Terrapins linebacker Alex Twine (35) in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

Notre Dame enters the 2012 season with a stable of running backs at its disposal. Notre Dame’s leading rusher in 2011 was Cierre Wood who ran for 1,102 yards and 9 TDs. Making a change from wide receiver to running back is Theo Riddick. Riddick is currently pushing for the starting position. The dark horse in the battle for playing time is Sophomore George Atkinson. Atkinson proved to be an explosive playmaker on kick returns with touchdowns against Michigan State and USC. Other players trying to make their way into the mix are Sophomore transfer Amir Carlisle and Freshman Will Mahone.

Cierre Wood obviously is the incumbent on the team. Despite being pushed by Theo Riddick, Wood should get the starting nod. Wood is a proven back who has rushed for 1,705 yards in his career. Riddick has bounced back and forth between wide receiver and running back. In his career, Riddick has rushed for 252 yards in the three years that he has been on field. Of course, Riddick also has racked up 893 receiving yards. Will Riddick become a threat in the running game this season?

December 29, 2011; Orlando, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Theo Riddick (6) is brought down by Florida State Seminoles defensive back Terrence Brooks (31) Florida State Seminoles safety Lamarcus Joyner (20) and Florida State Seminoles safety Terrance Parks (4) in the second half at the Champs Sports Bowl at Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE

Although Riddick’s time as running back against Florida State was limited, he looks natural and aggressive when hitting the hole. Riddick has 8 carries for 36 yards or a 4.6 yard average. If you will recall, Riddick had a crash course during the practices leading up to the Champs Sports Bowl. For Riddick to perform well in this game was very impressive. Now, with Spring and Summer camps under his belt, Riddick should excel if he can stay healthy. For the past two seasons, Riddick has been plagued by injuries. Reports from fall camp have indicated that Riddick may not be 100% at this time. It is very simple for the Senior running back. Stay health and be productive.

Riddick’s time could be affective by the emergence of Notre Dame’s most prototypical running back on the roster, George Atkinson III. Atkinson proved that he was one of the most explosive athletes on the team last year when he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. In the off-season, GAIII torched the track for the Fighting Irish track team along with fellow teammates, Josh Atkinson and Bennett Jackson. At 6’1” 210 lbs, Atkinson is physically imposing. Many would think that he is only speed. But, he might be the best option for power running as well. Atkinson ran for 124 yards on 15 carries for an 8.3 yard average. He has demonstrated that he can be the most complete back on Notre Dame’s roster. In fall camp, he has shown that he can be the “home run hitter” on the team. The only thing that is separating him from Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick is experience.

Overall, Notre Dame is very deep at this position. Hypothetically, they have three players who could start for the Fighting Irish. All three should see time this season. It will be up to Brian Kelly to get all three of them involved. If he can, it should be a great season out of the running back position.

Dec 19, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; ESPN commentator Rick Reilly on the field before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated Pittsburgh 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Every year, it seems like this debate occurs before the college football season. Is it sparked up for ratings by networks or is it a legitimate argument by people who are trying to engage in a constructive debate? Despite the belief that it is probably the former, I’ll try to engage in the later.

Yesterday, as many of you may know, a debate was sparked by a thought provoking article by ESPN columnist Rick Reilly (left). The debate was furthered by a rant from Notre Dame alum Mike Golic on Mike in Mike in the Morning. However, to summarize the Reilly’s column in one question is simple. Is Notre Dame still relevant? How many times have college football fans around the country heard that one?

Reilly’s column made a few suggestions on how the Fighting Irish football program could humble itself to the rest of the Division 1 football community. He stated that Notre Dame should no longer have a television contract, a seat at the BCS negotiating table and should no longer be hyped in the preseason.

Why would Notre Dame do something to itself that others are not also willing to do? It is no secret that college football has become big business. According to a CNNMoney.com article, in 2010, programs took in about $1 billion collectively. That is a potent amount for an amateur sport. Notre Dame is simply grabbing their piece of the pie.

When Notre Dame signed its television deal with NBC, it was the first of its kind. But today’s landscape is littered with teams and conferences that have their own network deals. Both Texas and BYU have their own television channels. The Big Ten Network and Pac 12 Network are regional networks that cover their respective conferences. These deals generate tremendous revenue for the schools. They are simple business deals.

Despite the resentment towards Notre Dame’s football, they are still relevant. How do I know? The fact that we are having this conversation. This debate is somewhat of an oxymoron. With this discussion reaching a fever-pitch on ESPN.com and ESPN Radio, it is clear that the vast majority of people care about the fate of Notre Dame football, for better or worse.

Notre Dame should not have to apologize for being one of the powers of college athletics. They have earned it just like the other top programs in the country. Oregon, TCU and Boise State are mentioned as having a better records than Notre Dame since 2000. The difference between Notre Dame and those schools is vast. Combined those three schools have won 2 national titles, one Heisman trophy and have had 27 All-Americans. In comparison, Notre Dame has won 11 national titles, 7 Heisman trophies and has featured 96 All-Americans.  Notre Dame has such a substantial base that cannot so easy wipped off the face of the Earth as many would want. Obviously, a time may come when Notre Dame ceases to be relevant. The base that they have created for themselves may completely erode. However, that time has not occurred yet. Until it arrives, Notre Dame should and will continue to accept everything that is bestowed upon them by others. If you don’t like it, tough. This is college football.

Feb. 1, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly speaks at a press conference for national signing day at the Guglielmnio Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

Jaylon Smith Film

Notre Dame’s top commitment in the 2013 recruiting class is Jaylon Smith, linebacker from Fort Wayne Indiana. Smith selected Notre Dame over Ohio State and Southern California on June 6th of this year. Smith is excellent both on and off the field. His commitment will soften the blow of losing Manti Te’o after this season. Although Te’o has been a productive player throughout his career, Smith has potential to impact the game in a way that Te’o never has.

Strengths

Jaylon Smith is an elite athlete. At 6’3” 212 lbs, Smith moves and looks like a college Running Back or a Safety already. He is type of athlete that Notre Dame does not have currently on their defense. Smith can rush the passer and dominate in coverage. With these abilities, he can play any of the linebacker positions. But, Smith would serve the Fighting Irish the most by playing the Dog Linebacker. He appears to be the type of defender that could make the impact plays that are not made by Notre Dame’s Defense currently. Whether these are interceptions or fumble recoveries for touchdowns, Smith has the athletic and ball skills to turn a game on one play. While participating on the camp circuit, Jaylon Smith proved two things. First, he proved that he can be an excellent leader. Many observers have noted that Smith is vocal in offering encouragement to any player at these camps, from Division 1 recruits to Friday Night Lights heroes. Second, Smith has proved himself against some of the best players in the country. This has clearly boasted his ratings and probably prepared him for playing at Notre Dame.

Weaknesses

Currently, Smith only weighs about 212 lbs. He needs to about 30 to 40 lbs to be ready play on every down. In comparison with all the other players at his projected position, he weighs about 27 to 43 lbs less. Basically, he must prepare his body physically. The High School conference he plays in does not feature the best talent across the board. Making that adjustment on a daily basis may be a challenge for Smith. Although he has proven himself on the camp circuit, playing in pads on daily basis may different. Gunner Kiel could be a close comparison here. Kiel is struggling to adjust after playing against less talented competition at Columbus East High School in Indiana.

Overall

Smith is an elite player. Many services have rated him in the top 10 of their 2013 class. Notre Dame needed Smith more than any other recruit in this class. He is the type of player who may start every game as soon as he arrives on campus. His talent will clearly not be the issue. If Jaylon Smith can prepare himself mentally and physically, he will have a long and prolific career at Notre Dame.