Notre Dame football has had a few positions with big question marks as of late, but the running-back room is far from a concern.
Notre Dame football: Current standouts in the running back room
Our previous installment of the “State of” series focused on the quarterback position, which, as we know, has been a rollercoaster for years at Notre Dame. However, even that group got some good news within the past few days with rumors of Kenny Minchey landing at Notre Dame. That said, one group we haven’t had to worry about, and won’t have to moving forward, is the running-back unit. Notre Dame football consistently has a top offensive line and top running backs to exploit the massive holes given to them.
The running backs that see substantial playing time on the roster include Chris Tyree, Logan Diggs, Audric Estime, Gi’Bran Payne, and Jadarian Price. While Tyree is the oldest as a true junior, even he can stick around for at least one more season. Diggs and Estime, the two stars of the room right now, are both true sophomores. Payne and Price are both true freshmen. While they have yet to get much playing time this year, that figures to change in the coming years. Of course, Jadarian is out due to injury.
All of the backs that have seen significant time this year bring their unique play style to the position group. Chris Tyree is the lightning-quick back with the speed that, if given room, has the chance for big play ability at any moment. Estime is more of a power-style running back though he certainly has enough speed to be an all-purpose player at the college level. Last but not least, Logan Diggs reminds me of a proper all-around back. Diggs can break off huge plays and lower his shoulder when needed, all while trying to channel his inner Kyren Williams and be patient before hitting the hole.
The RB unit is as good as one could imagine. With the return of Jadarian Price next year, they’ll be the best unit in the nation. Not one of nor a possibility, I’m confident in saying the absolute best. Price was the clear standout running back from camp and the spring game. He’s an explosive, patient, and genuinely dynamic runner with an incredibly bright future as a Notre Dame football back. Even better, Notre Dame has more studs lined up for the class of 2023 and even leads for some talent in the class of 2024.
Notre Dame football: Recruits looking to join the top group in the nation
Even with all the talent currently on the team, Notre Dame football still has a stable of backs joining the team next year. Jeremiyah Love, listed as an athlete but played the majority of running back in high school, is the highest recruit joining the unit next year. Love is the number 95 ranked recruit overall, according to 247Sports. National Recruiting Analyst Allen Trieu likened him to New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara. While those are some big shoes to fill, his combination of physicality and speed ensure him a bright future.
The Irish will also have Dylan Edwards and Jayden Limar joining the group. Limar is ranked 22nd at his position, and Edwards 10th. However, both can be workhorse every-down backs at the college level, given some time to develop. Edwards is considered by many to have more high-end acceleration and explosive speed, but Limar is known for his shifty playmaking ability and elusiveness.
"“Has excellent acceleration and good top-end speed. One of his best qualities is the ability to change direction or elude a tackler without needing to throttle down”. – Said National Recruiting Expert at 247Sports Allen Trieu of Dylan Edwards"
One thing to note is that Edwards originally was committed to Kansas State but chose to de-commit and join the Irish. His classmate and local product committed to play quarterback at Kansas State, Avery Johnson, is still pushing hard to flip the talented RB back to his original commitment. While I wouldn’t hit any alarms just yet, I’m not sure I’d say Dylan Edwards is fully locked in with Notre Dame. I don’t claim to be an insider and have no source telling me as much, but I have a gut feeling; given the logjam at the position, it may be tough to keep all the committed backs.
Notre Dame is also trending on social media and recruiting sites to land talented 2024 running back Aneyas Williams. Aneyas is rated as the 186th overall recruit in the class by 247Spors’ composite rankings. While that’s relatively low, I expect a jump in the rankings before all is said and done. He’s a top athlete/running back in this class.
Notre Dame has a loaded roster of running backs and only looks to improve as time passes. But, of course, the unit that makes this all possible consists of the big guys up front. I’ll be looking at the guys creating all the gigantic holes for this talented stable of backs in next week’s edition of “State of”.