Slap the Sign
Fansided

Notre Dame Football: Examining the running back position for the Irish

By Matt Clark

SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Jafar Armstrong #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball in the 1st half against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Jafar Armstrong #8 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball in the 1st half against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Notre Dame football
Jahmir Smith (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Jahmir Smith

Another player who could emerge as an option out of the backfield for the Notre Dame football team is junior running back Jahmir Smith. Smith played in 10 games for the Fighting Irish last season, rushing 42 times for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

The 6′ tall and 200-pound running back out of Sanford, North Carolina racked up 58-yards rushing against the hometown Duke Blue Devils last season. Those 58 yards would represent the most in a single game so far in his collegiate career. Against Louisville, he would tally both of his rushing touchdowns on the 2019 season.

After receiving only six carries for 28 yards as a freshman, the 42 rushing attempts he received last season represented a significant increase. The former 3-star recruit will likely receive a shot to prove himself out of the backfield.

If Smith can show Brian Kelly that he can successfully handle an increase in carries, he has a decent chance to take away opportunities from the likes of Armstrong and Flemister. It would not be a surprise to see any of the three seize their opportunity and run away with the starting running back role.

Home/Notre Dame Football