Notre Dame Football 2021: Most Impactful Players, No. 15-11
By Jack Leniart
![Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Kurt Hinish (41) and defensive lineman Jayson Ademilola (57) pressure Clemson Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports Nov 7, 2020; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Kurt Hinish (41) and defensive lineman Jayson Ademilola (57) pressure Clemson Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeated Clemson 47-40 in two overtimes. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3e936b2016d8d293a789f20bcdaa4380841a5f1ae44149763641bbeaa06bc477.jpg)
Notre Dame Football 2021: Most Impactful Players, No. 15-11
No. 12: Chris Tyree, Running Back
Chris Tyree was a four-star (borderline five-star) prospect out of Chester, Virginia, and was one of the most anticipated recruits in Notre Dame’s 2020 class. One of Tyree’s greatest attributes is his speed.
In high school, he was recorded running the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. He also won the Fastest Man Competition at The Opening Finals, which is an annual showcase for the top high school prospects in the country.
Many thought Tyree could make an immediate impact for the Irish, but the running back exceeded expectations in his true freshman season. He quickly ascended on the depth chart during summer practices and became Notre Dame’s second-string running back.
During the 2020 season, he ran for 496 yards and four touchdowns on 73 carries. He also caught eight passes for 65 yards.
Junior Kyren Williams is expected to once again be the starting running back for the Irish this season. However, that does not mean Tyree’s role in the offense will stay the same. In fact, I think his workload will increase substantially in 2021.