7. Jafar Armstrong (Running Back)
Best Ranking: 6
Worst Ranking: 16
Jafar Armstrong was a three-star wide receiver prospect out of Mission, Kansas and a member of Notre Dame’s 2017 recruiting class.
Though he was recruited as a receiver, Armstrong did not stay at that position very long. Due to a vacancy at the running back position, Brian Kelly and Notre Dame’s offensive coaching staff moved Armstrong and former quarterback Avery Davis to running back.
Instead of being apathetic after the position change, Armstrong seized the opportunity. He climbed his way up the depth chart and earned the starting job prior to Notre Dame’s first game of the 2018 season.
In the first four games of the 2018 season, Armstrong rushed for 245 yards and five touchdowns on 47 carries. He also had 87 receiving yards.
A knee injury kept him on the sidelines for about a month, but he was able to return and play the final six games of the 2018 season – rushing for an additional 138 yards and two touchdowns.
Expectations were relatively high for Armstrong heading into the 2019 season. However, the injury bug struck again and derailed his season. He suffered a groin injury in Notre Dame’s very first game. Armstrong was able to play in seven more games that year, but his workload was a bit limited.
Heading into 2020, Armstrong faces stiff competition in the running back group. He has reportedly been passed by three players on the depth chart: sophomore Kyren Williams, Freshman Chris Tyree, and Junior C’Bo Flemister.
Disclaimer: Our writers submitted their final rankings before the most recent Notre Dame football depth chart was released.