Marcus Freeman offers evaluation of Notre Dame running game

Notre Dame‘s new offense under first-year coordinator Mike Denbrock has seen a higher emphasis on a balanced offense compared to the ground-and-pound Irish squads of the past.

This new offense was on full display during last month’s spring game — but that didn’t stop some of the running backs from showcasing their skills as well. Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman broke down what he saw from the group after the annual Blue and Gold game.

“Aneyas (Williams) played well. He played really well, and it was good to see in some live,” Freeman said after the spring game. “We didn’t have a whole bunch of live periods throughout the spring, so for Aneyas to go out there and make some big plays — the thing for me, I think I said this on the live broadcast, is that what prevents running backs from playing at a young age is protection, right? It’s pass protection. It’s not being able to run with the football. 

“That’s why we recruited them. We know they can run with the football, but being able to trust them in the pass protection, he’s grown tremendously there. He’s the one that stuck out to me more than anything. Justin Fisher had a good day today. Being a local guy, I’m sure he a lot of people here watching him.”

Williams finished the game with 10 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown, leading the Blue team in the category. For the Gold team, Gi’Brian Payne was the top back overall, taking 10 carries for 58 yards including one rush for 15. Fisher took seven carries for 23 yards as well.

Jeremiyah Love recorded a touchdown on seven carries while Kenny Minchey produced a strong showing as well, taking six carries for 40 yards and one score.

Unfortunately for the Irish, Payne was injured during the contest and Freeman was forced to improvise.

“Gi’Bran (Payne) kind of got tweaked a little bit, his ankle, I think towards the second half and we move a guy like Devyn Ford, who’s been playing nickel and defensive back all spring, to running back because of Gi’Bran going down,” Freeman explained. “I think Fisher got banged up a little bit, and he goes in and he does a great job. Those are guys, to me, that you need in your program; versatile guys that have so much value. 

“He’s going to help us on special teams. He’s unselfish and gone to defense for the spring, and now to come back in the spring game and play offense, Devyn Ford is gonna help this football team.”

In total, Notre Dame running backs recorded 215 rushing yards as a group to go with three touchdowns as the Blue team went on the best the Gold team 28-21.

The next time fans will be able to see the Fighting Irish running back room in action will be during Notre Dame’s season opener on Aug. 31 on the road against Texas A&M.