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Notre Dame Football: Irish Hidden Treasure is Tony Jones Jr.

By Noah Strackbein

Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Tarean Folston (25) runs as safety Ashton White (26) attempts to tackle in the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. The Blue team defeated the Gold team 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Tarean Folston (25) runs as safety Ashton White (26) attempts to tackle in the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. The Blue team defeated the Gold team 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame football heads into the Blue and Gold Game looking to show the NCAA they’re one of the best.

Must Read: Blue and Gold Game Will Boost or End Hype

While Brandon Wimbush, Josh Adams, and Equanimeous St. Bown will be the big names on Notre Dame’s offense this season, they have a hidden treasure very few teams know about. Maybe he won’t get a ton of snaps early, but when he gets his chance, this running back is going to explode.

Tony Jones Jr. wasn’t much of a name in South Bend last season. Last season, Jones didn’t play a single backfield snap. But as a freshman, no one expected him to get much playing time behind Josh Adams, Tarean Folston, and Dexter Williams.

This season, though, Jones should be a No. 2 option behind Adams and alongside Williams. With what we’ve seen from spring practices thus far, Jones is making noise for Notre Dame. As he continues to work for more snaps, offensive coordinator, Chip Long, will be using Jones as a secret weapon out of the backfield.

Jones has already started taking first team reps during practice. His size, 5’10, 215-pounds, and ability to make plays out of the backfield or by catching the ball have made his coaches fall in love with his potential. Only entering his sophomore season, Jones is going to start working his way into the offense.

Must Read: Blue and Gold Game Will Feature Big Three

No one is going to see his explosiveness coming, though. Only, if you have watched spring practice, can you tell how talented this back is. He’s quick, physical and loves to make big plays. While Adams is the primary back and Williams will be used as relief, Jones will be sent in to try and turn a 5-yard run into a 50-yard run. You could call him the change of pace back. You could also call him Notre Dame’s secret weapon.

With all the change Notre Dame has made this offseason, fans should expect to see an exciting offense. But not many people are going to expect Jones to take over the way he will. As one of the flashiest players on the roster, Jones is going to take advantage of his first opportunity to play.

He’s already started to win over the coaching staff and make his name known within the team. Saturday will be the first time everyone gets to see him play and you should expect him to shock a lot of people.

Notre Dame’s secret weapon is a third string running back who could take over the starting role by the end of the season. The Blue and Gold Game is his first chance to win over the fans and the coaches. Expect him to be the biggest storyline of the game.

Next: Top 20 ND Players of 2017

Tony Jones Jr. is scary good. This being his first shot to shine, the sophomore back is going to start his take over of the NCAA running game.

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