Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 5-1

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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after his first-quarter touchdown against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020, in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Football 2021: 25 Most Impactful Players, No. 5-1

2. Kyren Williams (Running Back)

Best Ranking: 1
Worst Ranking: 5

Kyren Williams was a four-star prospect from St. Louis, Missouri. He was a member of Notre Dame’s 2019 recruiting class. He was poised to play a role in the Irish offense during the 2019 season. However, after a couple of mistakes in the season-opener, the coaching staff limited his usage to just four games so that he would preserve a year of eligibility.

As a sophomore in 2020, Williams had a breakout season and began to earn some national recognition. He started all 12 games for the Irish including the ACC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Williams finished the year with 1,125 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 35 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. His 13 rushing touchdowns were the most by a Notre Dame running back since Autry Denson ran for 15 touchdowns in 1998.

Even with the emergence of second-string running back Chris Tyree, Williams will still play a major role in the Irish offense as the team’s lead back in 2021. The last time a Notre Dame running back ran for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons was Darius Walker in 2005 and 2006. Williams has a chance to accomplish that this season and hopefully boost his NFL Draft stock in the process.

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