Notre Dame Football: Greg Bryant Suspended for First Four Games
Irish junior will miss first four games of season
The stable of talented Notre Dame running backs will be a little thin for the first four games of the 2015 season. Junior Greg Bryant has been suspended for the first four games of the season for a “violation of team rules”, as reported by 247Sports early Monday morning.
Ranked as the No. 2 running back prospect in 2012 by ESPN, Bryant played in just three games his freshman season before taking a medical redshirt with tendinitis in knee. Last season he rushed for just 289 yards and three touchdowns, giving way to Tarean Folston who established himself as Brian Kelly‘s lead back.
New running back’s coach Autry Denson believes the sky is the limit for Bryant, but upon his return he should mix right back into the fold, as he’s said there is no intention to transfer. So will the Irish backfield be in trouble with the loss of Bryant for the Texas, Virginia, Georgia Tech and UMass games?
The truth is likely no. With the emergence of C.J. Prosise, the tandem of he and Folston should be able to carry the load in the early season. The Irish will also have incoming freshman Dexter Williams who will arrive this fall. What Kelly’s plans for him though at this point are unknown as to a redshirt or if he’ll play his first year.
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What’s most relevant out of this suspension is the opportunity that will be granted to Prosise. He was one of the most impressive in spring workouts and the Blue/Gold game after making the move from defense. He’s put a twinkle in the eye of the coaches, and in turn the mountain for the once highly touted Bryant could be an even taller one to climb when he returns for the Clemson game on October 3.
We’ve touted the potential of the Fighting Irish rushing attack this season, as we believe that Kelly will give way on his pass-heavy offense for a rush oriented attack with Malik Zaire the clear started at quarterback. But you still hate to see the depth tested before you’ve even set one foot on the field.