Notre Dame football: Previewing the 2021 Running Backs

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish carries the football over the defense of defensive back Josh Jobe #28 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter of the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: Previewing the 2021 Running Backs

Expectations for the Position Group in 2021

The expectations for this position group in 2021 are simple, as they will be expected to be the focal point of this Notre Dame offense. Williams has the all-around game to be an All-American this season, a season that could end up being his last in South Bend, clearing the way for Tyree or Estime to take over as the feature back in 2022.

For the Irish, for them to get back to the College Football Playoff, they need quarterback Jack Coan to rely on his running back weapons, much like he did with Jonathan Taylor during his time at Wisconsin. If he does that, it will open up routes for Michael Mayer at tight end, and whoever steps up at the wideout spot this summer.

Notre Dame football: Previewing the 2021 Quarterbacks. dark. Next

Overall, the running back group should rush for a ton of yards this season, as the Irish racked up over 210 yards per game on the ground in 2020. With two All-Americans at the offensive guard spots, you can expect a ton of work in the interior, as Williams gets over 1,000 yards once again, and leaves South Bend as a top-10 back in rushing yards all-time.

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