Notre Dame Football: The top five running backs the Irish will face in 2019

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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Vavae Malepeai #29 of the USC Trojans celebrates his run for a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead over the Washington State Cougars during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Vavae Malepeai, USC

USC has an interesting situation with their running backs. Between Vavae Malepeai and Stephen Carr, it’s unclear with will carry the load this season.

The reality is, they are two different backs. Is USC uses them correctly as situational players, it could really work in their favor.

So far in his USC career, Malepeai hasn’t put up ridiculous numbers, but he’s due. He doesn’t have the speed of Stephen Carr or the strength of his other counterpart, Markese Stepp, but he’s a good mix of both.

What is impressive is the looseness he plays with. It’s a smooth style that helps him slip through holes that look like they’re only there for a slight moment.

While he is liable to break off for a long run every now and then, Malepeai will make his money trying to extend downs and is vital in goal-line situations.

With most of his time being spent as a secondary option behind Aca’Cedric Ware as a short yardage back, this really becomes a time that he can step into the leading role.

His ability to extend into an all-around game player could make him the full-time starter at USC, drawing a ton of attention from their opponents this season.

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