Looking Forward: Running Backs

We continue our look forward to where the Irish are and where they are going in 2013 with a look at the running back position.  Notre Dame has a stable full of potential and talent at running back, but it is a little thin on meaningful game experience.  We know that Notre Dame will be losing Theo Riddick, hopefully to the NFL, but Cierre Wood has a year of eligibility left, and his plans are somewhat unclear.   At the time of posting, we are proceeding with the assumption the Cierre Wood will not enter the NFL draft.

Cierre Wood was to be the premier back in 2012, but a two-game suspension at the beginning of the season derailed that plan allowing Riddick to prove his value.  Wood may not have been the “starter” in the backfield, but he shared a lot of time, allowing him to gain 742 yards on 114 carries (both good enough for second best on the team) for a 6.5 yards per carry average with four touchdowns.  I expect Wood to leave to take a shot on the NFL, but I wouldn’t be overly surprised if he stays for one more year to improve his resume as well has his draft potential. Cierre is a good to very good back and would most likely be the starter, leading the team while developing the younger talent.

George Atkinson III was the third and less used piece of Notre Dame’s publicized three headed monster at running back this past year.  Atkinson, whose brother is a defensive back for the Irish and whose father played for Notre Dame, gained early recognition during his freshman year by running two kickoffs back for touchdowns.  Although he played behind Riddick and Wood, Atkinson was able to gain 365 yards on 51 carries and five touchdowns while averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. Most believe George is the heir apparent to lead the Irish rushing game, and with good size (6’1” and over 210 lbs.) and great speed, that is a safe bet.

Cam McDaniel runs hard like a tough fullback might, but at 5’10 190 lbs. and a bit better than average speed, his profile looks more like his position of running back.  Cam has two years of limited game experience but he has made the most of those opportunities, impressing coaches, fans and teammates.   The combination of flashier, bigger and faster backs in the stable with McDaniel means he may not see the field as much I would like, but make no mistake about it, he will see meaningful game time and contribute in 2013.

Amir Carlisle transferred from USC last year, got NCAA permission to play right away in 2012, then suffered a season ending injury (he may have been able to play later in the season if needed but why burn a year of eligibility) in spring practice.  Carlisle, a Parade All-American (along with dozens of other national and regional accolades), was highly recruited out of Kings Academy in Santa Clara, California.  Amir did see action in eight games for the Trojans and showed some of the explosive talent the Irish hope to see in seasons to come.  Carlisle could be a key piece of Notre Dame offense in 2013 since he could also line up in the slot.

William Mahone redshirted his freshman year working with the practice squad gaining solid experience.  Mohone was a nominee for the Offensive Scout Player of the Year Award for the Irish in 2012.  I look forward to spring practice and preseason camp to see how he has developed and how he can contribute.

Greg Bryant is a five-star running back commit that has Irish fans excited for the running game in 2013.  Nabbing Bryant out of deep SEC territory Florida is an example of Notre Dame’s return to glory in the world of recruiting.  If there is a big time division one football program, Greg got an offer from it.  Assuming that Bryant signs his letter of intent to Notre Dame on February 6, I do expect him to see the field sooner than later for the Irish.

Tarean Folston may not be a five-star recruit, but as a solid four-star, he is an impressive commit.  Folston may have the ability to play as a freshman but with the number of backs in front of him in South Bend, I suspect Notre Dame will redshirt him and save him for the future.

*Note – Notre Dame had junior non-scholarship running back Tyler Plantz on the roster.