So I’ve used this image before. Whatever.
ND has a stacked, STACKED running backs corps. When you look at the guys coming back, and the fact that there’s only 1 on the field at any given time, you gotta think: we need to move these dudes around. Because there are some playmakers here, people. ME LIKEY.
Here’s the roster as I see it:
1. Cierre Wood – Cierre has really progressed and delivered on his potential last year. Yes, Gray was the feel-good story, but Cierre has a bang-up year rushing for 1102 yards on 217 carries for a 5.1 YPC average. He also scored 9 TDs. Wood is the starting point. He’s the foundation for this rushing attack. And he is legit.
2. Theo Riddick – I put Theo here as #2 not because I think he’s the 2nd best back, but because he is the 2nd player currently called a RB that will be put in the game. With his significant experience and explosiveness, Theo is an important cog in the ND offense next year. I just don’t see it at RB. There’s too much talent, and he’s been trained in WR. He should be in the slot, in motion, moving around ala Tate a few years back. Theo needs to be utilized in that hybrid manner. As an everydown back? I just don’t see room with this chart.
3. GAIII – Rocket Reborn (minus the hands)! GAIII is really amazing on the field. SO fast, so quick, with great instincts. He could be a huge playmaker behind Wood this year. If ONLY GAIII could catch the ball, he’d be an AMAZING receiver with his height and speed. Given the challenges with his hands, shown by all the fumbleitis in the Spring Game, he makes me nervous even taking hand-offs. But his talent with his feet is just too good – he needs to be in the game. That’s assuming he can learn to control the ball and take hand-offs cleanly. If not? I’d hate to say it, but: Defense.
4. Amir Carlisle – When Amir decided to transfer in, the depth chart was looking great. It was Wood and nobody. Then GAIII emerged, and Riddick was moved back and all of a suddent it’s a competition. Amir is young and coming off an injury, so he’s a big ? at this point. But his recruiting profile says a lot, and he could be a wild card this Fall if he’s healthy.
Of course we have a few other players (Russell, etc) that could be in the mix, but this is a solid, solid core from which to build a great running attack. ND was really successful last year on the ground, and with the graduation of Floyd, this position will be leaned on even more heavily. I expect Wood to be the go-to guy, with either Amir or GAIII emerging as the alternate. Riddick’s role will be more hybrid/slot, to make room for carries for the other stars, unless he can really wow coaches in fall camp.
Excited to see what these boys can do – it’s one of the strengths of this Irish offense, along with OL and TE. We will be runnnnniiiiiiiing!
- (Re)Introducing: DANCING LEPRECHAUNS - August 29, 2019
- Ticket Auction: ND vs USC - August 22, 2019
- No Respect! - December 14, 2018
HerringBoneSports
There is certainly a lot to get excited about at the position. Can’t be too concerned with the possibility of only one on the field at a time. More likely that only 1 of the outside guys is on the field regularly and 2-4 of the Slot/RB guys are spread around our TEs.
If Davonte Neal lives up to his #1 athlete ranking and starts his career on offense – Watch Out.
Like your last line said – excited to see what these guys can do and hopefully we’re pounding teams with them early and often.
Brian
Maybe I’m getting restless because there are less than 100 days left until kick-off but I’m pretty excited about this season. Big, powerful o-line. Great tight ends. Deep core of fast and shifty running backs. Serviceable wide receivers. If we only had an anointed, trustworthy quarterback, this would have to be viewed as one of the most potent offenses in the country. Combine that with what is sure to be a solid defense and there isn’t much reason to think a BCS game is out of reach.
Trey
Do you dare use GA in the secondary? Two Atkinson brothers working both corners?
Grantland-X
Not a chance in hell that GAIII is moved to the defensive side of the ball. He is a pure runner, and we already have RBs that can catch the ball. It is completely okay to have a guy that is solely a ball-carrier still, as long as you can put in a guy that can catch on third down.
Also, Theo has shown much more comfort catching out of the backfield than he has strictly running routes from a receiver position. The slot/RB is going to be a hybrid position, so he will certainly start off in the backfield and still have the opportunity to go downfield.
HerringBoneSports
Weird, thought I had posted on this article earlier, but kinda agree with Grantland here. GAIII’s running style and tangibles are very Oklahoma Adrian Peterson-esque. He’s in the backfield to stay and with this combo of positions we’re more likely to see all four of the players on this list on the field at the same time than just one of them.
Prior to his knee injury AP was considered the best all-around back in the NFL and he’s a pretty weak pass-catcher and occasional fumbler. If GAIII performs similarly we won’t be complaining.
Like everyone I’m excited to see what this group has in store. Can’t forget that 2012’s #1 rated “Athlete” Davonte Neal could make some noise at this hybrid piece as well if he comes close to living up to the billing.
Biscuit
GX you’re ignoring the fact that GAIII has ba hands when running with the ball too. It’s not just about pass catching.
kyndfan
What goes great with a solid stable of running backs? A mobile QB that can throw the deep ball. Golson!
irishfanatic
I’m probably going to get a lot of flack for this, but have we even considered the fact that GAIII just had a “day” holding on to the rock? I’ve seen guys that NEVER fumble, put it on the ground three times in a game, then NOT fumble again for quite some time. Sorry guys, I just think too much has been talked about with GAIII’s hands over ONE game. Moreover, this was his first game working from the backfield on any kind of consistent basis. He has the goods, plain and simple. With Cierre and him in the backfield, that’s a nasty 1-2 punch with regards to style. One thing’s for sure, you’re right about this backfield being stacked. I can’t wait to see what Carlisle can bring to the table with his game, but in the meantime, we have three VERY capable, explosive, and experienced football players in our backfield. This season just can’t get here fast enough!
The Biscuit
This isn’t a one-time thing. GA was moved back to RB because he couldn’t catch the ball well as a WR. There’s even a video where our OC comments to GAIII “ignore what everyone says, your hands are fine”. This isn’t some anomaly.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the kid, and I hope he learns to hold onto the ball. But it makes me nervous as all get-out. And I’m not the only note. Remember Coach’s ‘heart attack’ line?
irishfanatic
I realize he has not, and does not have “receiver” hands. However, I’m referring to his ability to hold on to the ball. This is the first time we’ve seen him run the ball with any kind of frequency. Catching the ball and holding on to it in traffic are not quite the same.
Brian
I tend to agree with Irishfanatic. GAIII never had a problem catching kick-offs. I think the spring game was an anomaly.
Chisports
Cierre is very proven, but I think the biggest question mark for every back-up ESPECIALLY with crappy QB options is who can block. Can Theo and GA III block USC linebackers?
Trey
Deion Sanders never had problems catching kickoffs either, but he sure as hell didnt have “good hands.” Thats why he was turned into a CB. I think too many people equate being turned into a defensive player as a demotion of sorts. If you’re not scoring TD’s, youre obviously not the best player. I cant imagine why, but i guess because TDs are sexy? Think about it this way, though…it takes you 4 downs on defense to stop the offensive drive. If you pick the ball off on 1st down, you’ve effectively done 4 times better for yourself. Also, what’s more of a game changer? A 45-yd non-TD run or a ball picked off in the last minute of a game?