Spring practice is often about opportunity, and for Aneyas Williams, that opportunity feels different this year. With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price getting ready for the NFL Draft with the chance to be the first Notre Dame running backs to both get selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft since Jerome Bettis and Reggie Brooks in 1994, Williams has every opportunity to seize the RB1 spot for what should be one of the nation’s most explosive offenses in the country.
“The thing about Aneyas that I think people forget is every time he’s been inserted into a game situation or we’ve called upon him to do positive things within our offense, he’s delivered every single time,” Denbrock said.
That’s not casual praise. That’s trust.
And in a running back room that has featured established stars in recent years, trust might be the most important currency of all.
Production When Called Upon
Williams hasn’t been the headline name in Notre Dame’s backfield, but he has consistently been one of its most reliable pieces.
Listed at 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, the junior running back has carved out a role as a physical, downhill option who can step in without the offense losing rhythm. Whether it’s limited carries, situational usage, or filling in when needed, his contributions have been steady.
Most notably Williams answered the call when given the opportunity in the Orange Bowl two years ago. Williams receiving skills were one of the big reasons the Irish offense was able to start moving the football in the second half of their win over Penn State. Williams has done that whenever called upon though. Opportunities were just hard to come by for Williams a year ago with Love and Price dominating the way they did.
That consistency is what Denbrock pointed to — not just highlight plays or breakout moments, but the ability to deliver when his number is called.
“And I don’t anticipate that being any different moving forward,” Denbrock added.
For a coaching staff evaluating how to distribute carries and snaps this season, that kind of dependability matters.
An Opportunity in Front of Him
What makes this spring particularly important for Williams is the urgency to replace the production of Love and Price.
“To me, it’s an exciting time for him because there’s an opportunity in front of him that I know he’s been working very hard for and he’s ready to seize,” Denbrock said.
That opportunity doesn’t necessarily mean Williams will suddenly become the featured back in the offense. Notre Dame’s running game has traditionally relied on multiple contributors, and that approach isn’t likely to change.
But it is obvious that Williams will move from being a complementary piece to an integral part of the weekly game plan.
A Room Built on Depth
Notre Dame’s running back room, when healthy, is deep and talented, albeit largely unproven. Injuries will either sideline or limit junior Kedren Young and early enrollee Jonaz Walton this spring leaving just Williams, Nolan James, and
Rather than searching for a single replacement or a clear-cut lead back, the Irish are looking for a combination of skill sets that can complement each other and keep the offense balanced.
Williams fits neatly into that framework.
He brings a physical running style that can wear down defenses, along with the ability to handle responsibilities without requiring the offense to adjust around him. That flexibility allows the coaching staff to rotate backs without sacrificing consistency. He has also shown to be a reliable receiver out of the backfield – something hugely valuable to a smart quarterback like CJ Carr.
Experience Meets Opportunity
One of the challenges for players like Williams is that consistency doesn’t always translate to visibility.
He’s not the new name generating buzz, and he’s not the established star with a long track record of high-volume production. Instead, he occupies the space in between — a player who has proven he can contribute, but is still working to expand his role.
With more reps available and more opportunities to showcase his skill set, Williams can demonstrate not just that he can handle limited touches, but that he can be relied upon in a larger role.
That evaluation goes beyond simple statistics. It’s about how he operates within the offense, how he handles different situations, and how consistently he executes.
A Chance to Separate
For Williams, the goal this spring isn’t necessarily to separate himself from the rest of the running back room entirely. It’s to make it harder for the coaching staff to take him off the field.
That might come in the form of improved efficiency, stronger pass protection, or continued reliability in short-yardage situations. It could also come from simply continuing to do what he’s already done – deliver when called upon.
In an inexperienced room, small advantages can make a big difference.
And the foundation Williams has built gives him a chance to take advantage of those margins.
The Bigger Picture
Denbrock’s comments didn’t come with bold predictions or sweeping declarations about Williams’ future role. Instead, they reflected something more grounded – an acknowledgment of what he has already done, and a belief that he’s ready for more.
That combination is often where meaningful development begins.
Williams doesn’t need to reinvent himself this spring. He doesn’t need to suddenly become a different type of player. He just needs to continue building on what he’s already shown.
