Boot Camp: Notre Dame brings back entire run attack from playoff team

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Notre Dame is going to run the football and dare you to stop it.

The Irish bring back a stable of runners that helped push the team to the second round of the playoffs last year. It’s an experienced group that feels like it can run the ball all day long.

“Having all these returning guys on offense and defense is really essential to our program. It’s going to help us a lot,” said senior Lawson Alwan.

Alwan joins Jack Hanley and Ben Mullens as top running back threats for the Irish. Brady Mullins is a top returning lineman who is also repsonsible for that potent PND running attack.

“They are all so used to the pressure and have that varsity experience. That’s big time going into games like week one at Normal West. That’s a game we really want to win,” said Alwan.

Coach Pat Armstrong says his 2024 schedule is the hardest in his time at Notre Dame. It starts out with Normal West in the opener and Peoria High in the second game.

Armstrong has yet to name a starting quarterback. Mullens, who was the back-up to starter Liam O’Neill last year, and Jack Livengood are the candidates vying for the job.

The Irish won a playoff game at Kewanee last fall before losing a tough postseason game in the second round at Harrisburg. But that playoff experience along with seven returning offensive starters and six on defense looms large for this year’s squad.

“It’s very important, especially going into the big games late in the season,” said senior safety Bryton Blackford. “That decides if you’ll make the playoffs or not.”

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