Chris Tyree has the opportunity and skill set to pilfer carries from Notre Dame’s veteran running backs as a true freshman.
The nation’s No. 78 overall recruit in the 2020 class is already as much a home-run threat and open-field playmaker as anyone in the Irish backfield, a group that isn’t exactly loaded with proven runners. Only one running back who played for the Irish in 2019 has more than 210 career rushing yards — Jafar Armstrong, with 505.
Tyree is, though, still a true freshman. It’s never quite clear what they’ll bring and how soon they can earn a chance until they begin practicing. But head coach Brian Kelly anticipates at least one first-year player to have a big impact, and Tyree has arguably the most favorable situation of anyone in his class on offense or defense to become that player.
Will he be the clear-cut most impactful freshman on Notre Dame’s roster by the end of the 2020 season? BlueandGold.com’s Patrick Engel and Lou Somogyi discuss.
BUY: By Patrick Engel
Kelly didn’t offer any names when he made his claim earlier this spring that Notre Dame would have an impact freshman from its 2020 class, and for good reason.
The early enrollee players had one practice. The June enrollees just began voluntary workouts. He hasn’t seen any of them in a college setting. It’s also hard to believe he has gained a strong enough feel for all the position groups to determine which may create the most opportunity.
There’s reason to believe him, though, because most college teams get something from a member of their true freshman class each season.
