Quick Look: Running Backs
UHND.com - Frank Vitovitch
August 27, 2000

Notre Dame, Ind - The stable is stocked this season for the Irish.  IN fact the Irish are so loaded at tailback that incoming freshman Vontez Duff was moved to corner back because of injuries and transfers in the defensive backfield.  Duff, a very talent athlete, is an explosive player who could have seen playing time at tailback under normal conditions, but with the three talented backs ahead of him a switch to cornerback was possible. 

The incumbent starter is Tony Fisher.  A strong, tackle busting tailback with very good speed.  Last year he gained 811 yards on only 156 carries for a 5.0 yard per carry average.  Fisher did this while being a first year starter and seeing his first real meaningful playing time.  While his debut season was impressive many fans would prefer seeing the more flashy sophomore Julius Jones as the starting tailback.

We all know Jones can flat out play.  He is explosive and can bounces off tackles with ease.  He turns a busted play into the most exciting two yard gain you will ever see.  The only possible negative surrounding him coming into this season is that he has added 20 extra pounds.   Whenever someone adds more weight, especially 20 pounds of weight, some speed is lost the majority of the time.  According to practice onlookers however he has not lost a step.  If he has maintained his speed and expressiveness along with the extra weight he will be incredibly hard to tackle and could take over the #1 tailback spot before seasons end and become a household name in the process.

The forgotten man in the mix is Terrence Howard.   Howard is a slasher out of the backfield.  He makes sharp cuts and moves which is why he was called "Blade" in high school.  He has good speed and should see a decent number of carries.  With Fisher and Jones ahead of him however how many times will he see the ball.  Should either Fisher or Jones go down however Howard can step in and fill in nicely.

Bottom line here is that Notre Dame is stacked at running back for the 2000 season.  With an improved offensive line, the running game should be a strength of this team.  However, with a rookie starting quarterback, defenses will be stacking the "box" making the running game difficult.  If Battle can make some big plays early defenses will have to respect Notre Dame's passing game and the running game will be open.  As long as Notre Dame doesn't face 8 men in the box, the running game should move the ball with ease.

Notre Dame has not been this loaded at running back in while.  The last time Notre Dame had two top notch running backs like they have this year would have to be the '92 season when Reggie Brooks was the starting tailback with Jerome Bettis at fullback.  The running backs should also make Arnez Battle's job a little easier as long as Battle takes advantage of teams stacking the line for the run early.

The biggest problem for Notre Dame on offense might be dividing up the carries and keeping all three tailbacks happy.  Jones and Fisher should each see 15 carries a game and Howard may see up to 5, but I really don't see him getting too many more unless there are injuries.  Howard could see some receptions out of the backfield however.

Bob Davie and the coaching staff finds themselves blessed with two prime time starters at tailback.  Every analyst around the country realizes that Jones is a future star and the best player Notre Dame has had on offense in a while.   Autry Denson may own the all time rushing mark at Notre Dame was an outstanding player, but physically Jones is faster and bigger.  Jones has also shown that he can make people miss and is extremely explosive.  If he would have three years as the full time starting running back for Notre Dame, there's no question in my mind he could break Denson's record. 

Don't get me wrong, Denson was a hell of a player and means a lot to Notre Dame, but not too many people expected Autry to break every run for a touchdown.  With Jones however, that is not the case.  People are looking for that home run every time he touches the ball.  One also can't forget about Tony Fisher.  With two years as a starter on top of his 800 yards last year he could come in striking distance of Autry's mark.  If he got 25 carries a game it is possible.

Irish fans have no need to worry at running back this year and shouldn't for at least another three seasons.  Throw in Vontez Duff who could move back to offense eventually and Notre Dame is set for the next four years.