Preview 2001: The Tailbacks
UHND.com – Frank Vitovitch
August 28, 2001 

Notre Dame, Ind (UHND.com) – Few teams in the country can match the talent that Notre Dame has in its backfield this season.  All three of the tailbacks are established players who could be a starter.  Last season the three shared time having great games as all three had their moments in 2000.  Expect more of the same this season from Tony Fisher, Terrence Howard, and Julius Jones.

Since he came to Notre Dame, everyone said that Jones was something special.  He has shown flashes of greatness during his first two seasons, but was hampered by injuries as a sophomore.  This season he could have the breakout year everyone thought was coming last year.  That is if he can make his way back up the depth chart as he currently sits at number three due to missing spring practice for disciplinary actions.

Ahead of Jones is Tony Fisher and Terrence Howard.  Fisher came to Notre Dame with a lot of accolades from high school, including being named Mr. Ohio his senior year.  He took over as the starter after Autry Denson graduated as the all time leading rusher in Notre Dame history.  In two seasons since Denson’s graduation, Fisher gained 1290 yards on 288 carries while rushing for 11 touchdowns.  He also added 402 yards receiving on 30 receptions with 5 more touchdowns.  Not bad numbers considering he shared time with two other backs last season and one other back in ’99 when Tony Driver played tailback.

Terrence Howard came to Notre Dame as a top 100 player at running back, but was moved to defense for his first year.  In his sophomore season though he was moved back to offense where he has since split time with Fisher and Jones.  In two seasons at tailback he has gained 524 yards on 93 carries for an impressive 5.6 yards per carry.  He also has five rushing touchdowns and 108 yards receiving.  He is a slasher at running back and can make quick cuts.  He has a nice combination of speed, power, and cutback ability. 

Other Irish tailbacks include freshman Corey Jones, Ryan Grant, and Marcus Wilson.  Rashon Powers-Neal was practicing at tailback before upperclassmen reported, but it is almost given that he will move to linebacker.  Of the freshman, Ryan Grant has made an "impression" according to Davie after the first scrimmage.  Grant has been the most impressive since freshman reported and appears to be the answer at tailback in this freshman group.  Corey Jones could play offense or defense.  With his speed he could be a good linebacker or strong safety.  Wilson could end up at fullback if he adds some weight.  Desmond Robinson wants a true tailback from this class after last year's backs, Vontez Duff and Garron Bible, have both switched to defensive back.

Notre Dame has one of the most talented group of tailbacks in the country.  They also have some young players who can develop into big time performers in a season or two.  Notre Dame is unique in that their first and second tailback can get injured yet they would still have starter's talent lining up behind the quarterback.

Look for Jones, Fisher, and Howard to all get time in each game.  By season's end, Julius should be out of coach Davie's dog house after missing spring practice and should get more carries than Howard and Fisher.  Jones has all the talent in the world, he just needs to stay healthy all season long.  Don't under estimate Fisher or Howard though.  Fisher came on very strong at the end of last season with Jones hurting and is more than capable of putting up big numbers any given week. 

For all these reasons tailback is Notre Dame's most talent position in my opinion.  At no other position does Notre Dame go three deep with such talent as they do at tailback.  Even next year, Notre Dame will still have Jones starting with Grant as a backup being challenged by whomever Notre Dame brings in this recruiting season and if Notre Dame can lure Lorenzo Booker from California to Notre Dame, the Irish will once again boast one of the best backfields in the country.