Kelly & Denson Excited To Work With RB Signee C'Bo Flemister
Following the dismissals of running backs Deon McIntosh and CJ Holmes, Notre Dame found itself in need of a second running back in the class of 2018.
The Irish had planned on sticking with just Jahmir Smith, but two running backs being booted from the team created a need at the position.
Notre Dame found its guy in C’Bo Flemister.
Flemister, a one-time Georgia Tech commit, flipped to and signed with Notre Dame on National Signing Day, and the Irish coaching staff couldn’t be more thrilled with his decision.
From a football standpoint, we loved the fact that we had a north-and-south back here that played with low pads,” said head coach Brian Kelly. “ That’s what we were looking for, a guy that could really hit it inside out for us and extremely productive at the position. Great fit for us, really solid student that fits here at Notre Dame.”
Running backs coach Autry Denson was the one who visited and offered Flemister a scholarship, and Denson said when Notre Dame started looking for new options at running back, Flemister stood out among the crowd.
“We can always find a great player that fits what we do anywhere in this country, we just have to go find them,” Denson explained. “Once we went through the guys that were available, he was head and shoulders the best. We didn’t just throw offers out there.”
Denson said watching Flemister’s highlights was an eye-opening experience.
“C’Bo doesn’t get tackled by the first three guys,” Denson said. “He breaks a lot of tackles and is a very determined runner.”
The film is important of course, but Denson also wanted to get a feel for the young man Flemister was. After meeting the Georgia talent and his family, Denson was convinced he would fit right in at Notre Dame.
“On film, that kid is a tough, physical football player,” Denson said. “When you get to talking to his family you start to understand why he is who he is.”
Overall, Denson said, Flemister is an outstanding individual on and off the football field.
“Everything about him and the way he plays is indicative of his life.”
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