Notre Dame Football: Best Case, Worst Case for Position Groups

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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 02: Tony Jones Jr. #34 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball against the Temple Owls in the fourth quarter of a game at Notre Dame Stadium on September 2, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. The Irish won 49-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Best: Last year, fans all over Twitter kept asking why Dexter Williams wasn’t getting more carries, especially after Josh Adams’ injuries late. This season, Williams avoids suspension and stays healthy while showing his explosive potential from last season. While the 9.2 yards per carry he had last year are probably an unrealistic expectation, it’s possible he can be in the area of the 6.9 YPC Adams had last year. Tony Jones Jr, the only running back on the roster with in-game experience, provides good stability and leadership for the rest of the group. Jafar Armstrong also opens some eyes as he did in spring, even challenging Williams for the starting role. A great rushing attack leads to plenty of play-action options.

Worst: Dexter Williams is suspended for a game(s) and runs into many of the same
issues that limited his 2017 season. Although productive, Williams isn’t on the field long enough to make a major impact. Jones Jr. and Armstrong are just good enough to make the running game passable and still help the team more than it hurts. Many of the rushing issues are attributed to the offensive line.

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