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.

 

 

Looking Ahead: Quarterbacks

The 2012 season is officially over, and in my mind, the 2013 season has officially started, so it’s time to look ahead.  As we move toward National Signing Day on February 6 and look at our beloved team speculate where we are and where we are headed, the best place to start is at the quarterback position.

The Irish should be pretty secure with where they are at quarterback.  There is a solid starter with great potential and talent, and now he’s proven it in both college and high school game experiences.

Everett Golson has grown leaps and bounds during the season.  He easily could have packed it in, especially having been pulled several times this season.  He came to South Bend with more than a few big offers, sat behind a sophomore with turnover problems on an 8-5 team, and hung in there to earn the starting job.  His growth potential and celling are still pretty high after a year of being on the scout team and a year of game action.  However, there is enough talent in his rearview mirror to keep Everett honest and working hard.

Tommy Rees brings three years of live game experience, and not just mop up or back up duty, but as a starter and a “reliever” in big time situations.  I doubt Tommy will ever be in the mix again for a starting role.  I don’t even see him being a solid second.  I do see him as the next man in during a game if things go bad due to injury or poor play.  After that, the team takes a week to incorporate their next starter.

Gunner Kiel should work his way into the number two spot by next fall.  In my opinion, he is physically ready to start in the NFL right now.  Although Kiel is not the same style player Golson is and the transition may be rougher, he has as much potential as Notre Dame has history.  With Golson growing and Malik Zaire (Golson 2.0) coming in, Kiel may not fit the offensive direction, but he is a solid, big-time division one quarterback prospect.  With four years of eligibility left, he may be a starter for the Irish yet.

Malik Zaire fits the current direction that the offense seems to be going in with Golson.  Everett has done well, but not great, with Kelly’s offense.  Malik will have an uphill battle coming onto campus to see the field anytime in 2013.  Golson has earned the chance to lose the starting job next year and should be able to hold off the contenders, but Zaire may be the best long-term challenge to his crown.  Like Golson, Malik is enrolling early at Notre Dame to get a jump on learning the college game and culture.

Andrew Hendrix seems to be the odd man out.  At 6’2”, 220+ lbs. with a strong arm and proven running ability, coupled with two years of positive game experience, he would be a sure fire number two at most programs (if not competing for a starting role) heading into his fourth year in South Bend.

Overall, the Irish seem to be in good shape at quarterback for the near future.  Notre Dame seems to have a good combination of experience, ability, potential and eligibility.

*Note – Notre Dame had sophomore non-scholarship quarterback Charlie Fiessinger on the roster.