One thing we’ve discussed this summer is that Notre Dame has a stockpile of options at running back, but that there isn’t a lot of faith in what those backs will be able to in 2020.
When Brian Kelly met the media for the first time back in the first week of fall camp, he noted the weight freshman Chris Tyree came in at and that Tyree wasn’t going to just be a gadget guy in 2020. Kelly was also complimentary towards another running back earlier this week when asked about red-shirt freshman, Kyren Williams.
“I think the hard work, his commitment in the offseason has put himself in a position now where he’s what we thought he would be,” Kelly said. “He can catch the football. He’s got really good vision, escapability. He’s not afraid to block or run the ball up between the tackles so he’s going to be a really key piece for us moving into the season.” – HC Brian Kelly
Liam Eichenberg was interviewed after a recent practice and shared the following while discussing the offensive, specifically the running backs:
“The running backs – Kyren Williams is having a great camp. The offense is rolling. It’s been good.” – LT Liam Eichenberg
Williams played in the first four games of 2019 as a true freshman, getting four carries and one reception that totaled 29 yards. He also returned a pair of kickoffs for a combined 35 yards.
It’s early and it’s going strictly on words from his coach and teammate, but it would appear Kyren Williams is turning heads and doing a lot to earn a good amount of touches early in the 2020 campaign.