Notre Dame football: New faces having huge impact in 2020

Notre Dame football: New faces having a huge impact in 2020

Kyren Williams, Running Back

While not a true-freshman, Kyren Williams is a first-year starter and contributor that has absolutely exploded onto the scene. After only recording 29 scrimmage yards last season on just five touches, Williams barely saw the field, as he was buried on the depth chart with Tony Jones Jr. shouldering the bulk of the run game.

The running back position was a semi-mystery heading into 2020 with not much-returning production and Jafar Armstrong never really separating himself as the player we thought he was going to be.

Enter Kyren Williams.

Through nine games, Williams has recorded five 100-yard performances on the ground and has racked up 901 rushing yards on just 160 attempts. He is currently 7th in the country in rushing yards and 2nd in the ACC.

His 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for the 8th most in the NCAA as well.

Williams has also shined in the passing game, recording 235 yards through the air and one score. His 75-yard catch and run earlier in the season vs Duke remains the longest pass play of the season for the Irish.

The cherry on top of Williams’ season comes in his ability to pick up blitzes, sort out linebackers, and help in the pass protection game. It is a skill most running backs struggle with that almost seems natural for the young playmaker.

Outside of his fumbles, Williams has been everything and more that this offense needed in 2020 and has quickly made himself a household name among the best running backs in the country.