Notre Dame 2023 Depth Chart Preview: Running Back

Our spring previews of the Notre Dame depth chart rolls on with a look at the exciting running back position. This was a group that initially struggled to overcome the loss of NFL Draft pick Kyren Williams but then found their groove in October while ending 2022 on a high note. It’s a very deep group with plenty of talent. However, there’s only one football and we’ll discuss how the depth chart will play out over the upcoming season.

Previous 2023 depth chart articles:

Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Wide Receiver
Linebacker
Quarterback

Projected 2023 Running Backs

*Returning starters

Experience: A
Depth: A
Talent: B+

Establishing a No. 1

The stats don’t necessarily back this up but it seemed like Audric Estime rarely carried the ball in the 1st quarter, virtually never started games, and would only come on in relief after a series or two. Turns out, Estime didn’t get 1st quarter carries in 2 games, while Logan Diggs didn’t get 1st quarter carries in only 1 game.

Diggs did miss a game with injury and finished with 83 first half carries to only 70 first half carries for Estime. It’s not a huge difference but it’s something.

Either way, the trend towards the end of 2022 was for Estime and Diggs to share carries while Chris Tyree (see below) was fading away from the picture with only 15 carries over the final 4 games of the season. Despite recovering from an injury leading into the season, Notre Dame really seemed to favor Diggs for the vast majority of 2022 and I’m curious if that still holds in 2023 after Estime produced at an extremely high level.

The Curious Case of Chris

Well, is Chris Tyree even going to be lining up and/or listed at running back in 2023? Are we 100% sure Tyree is going to be sticking on the roster and not seeking a transfer elsewhere for his final season of eligibility? There were indications that he is coming back but Tyree is someone I’m keeping my eye on as a possible transfer candidate.

If he does stay, will Notre Dame move forward with putting Tyree in the slot? Is this potentially a situation where Tyree could even start at slot receiver for the Irish?

I have my doubts about a full-time switch to receiver, or even a majority role in the slot. To date, Tyree hasn’t shown the balance, cutting ability, or lateral burst in small spaces that would allow him to thrive at receiver and take advantage of his open-field speed. At best, he’s probably carving out a part-time role in the slot and relying on jet sweeps, shallow crossing routes, and screens.

Showing Patience

Notre Dame ran the ball a ton last year. They had 3 players with at least 100 carries for the first time since 2015 and all 3 were running backs which might be a modern-day record for the Fighting Irish.

With Sam Hartman taking snaps at quarterback surely the amount of running is going to tick down at least a little bit.

I’d argue Estime should get at least 200 carries in 2023–and even if we take away snaps from Tyree–I’m not sure there will be a ton left over for some of the younger backs.

So, 2023 really feels like a season to bring along guys like Jadarian Price (coming off an Achilles injury) and Jeremiyah Love very slowly unless either player shows absolute can’t-miss ability so young in their career.