It wasn’t too long ago that the running back position at Notre Dame wasn’t good enough. The Irish have had some good players in the past, some record breaking ones like Josh Adams, Audric Estime, as well as other standouts CJ Proise and Dexter Williams. There were, however, some years in between where the depth was sorely lacking (just look up 2019).
Heading into the 2024 season, that is far from the case. Head Coach Marcus Freeman and running backs coach Deland McCullough have really reversed the fortunes of that room. The Irish are at the point where a really, really talented player might be the fourth-best running back on this team. From a full roster perspective, there may not be a position in better shape for the fall.
Battle to be the top running back
Barring something unforeseen, running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are expected to be the top two runners for Notre Dame in 2024. Most expect it to be a true committee approach, seeing both talented runners get their opportunities and mix and match their ability.
Irish fans have sectioned themselves for whatever reason. There are “Love RB1” truthers and then there are “Price RB1” truthers. Fans have attached themselves to each player, having already seen flashes for what each could accomplish.
As a compliment to Estime last season, the duo rushed for 657 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry. The pair also hauled in another 13 receptions for 142 yards and two more scores. Price also scored another touchdown as a kick returner, averaging 34.4 yards per return on limited opportunities.
Despite the fact that both runners bring big play ability, they do it very differently. Love is more of a high-cut runner who chews up a lot of grass with long strides and explosiveness, also doubling as an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. Price is more of a compact runner who likes to stick his foot in the ground and get vertical in a hurry.
As a fan, you might have your preference. In reality, both players are going to get a lot of touches this fall if healthy. It’s my opinion that Love will end up demanding slightly more volume, but both of them will make a lot of plays in 2024.
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After Love and Price, it was expected that junior Gi’Bran Payne would play an important role in short yardage and change of pace, bringing a more physical style. Unfortunately, Payne is going to miss the 2024 season after suffering an ACL injury a couple of months ago.
That forced Devyn Ford to shift back to running back as insurance after spending the spring at safety. Ford did see game time at running back last season, excelling as a blocker and a dependable depth player. It’s possible that he could hold a similar role this season, unless one of the two freshman running backs wins the role.
Both Texas star Kedren Young and Missouri record-setter Aneyas Williams head into their Notre Dame careers with high expectations. Young was considered the higher level talent by various recruiting platforms as a 229-pound physical downhill runner but he was limited during the spring. Williams, who is the better all-purpose threat, took advantage of those available reps.
Both players bring a lot of upside to the table. It will be interesting to see the reps they earn this fall. Both Young and Williams have the talent to see significant action this season.
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