Making the Case: Four-star RB Chris Tyree
TAKE TWO: Will Notre Dame land Chris Tyree?
Commitments are coming from all over the country and the next big one to keep an eye on is Rivals100 running back Chris Tyree, who is announcing Thursday. Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where Tyree, the No. 1 all-purpose back in the Rivals100, might end up playing his college football. The candidates are Alabama, Oklahoma and Notre Dame.
THE SITUATION
Offers began rolling in for Tyree a few years back, but many schools weren’t true believers in his skills or production until he popped some really impressive track times, including a 10.66 100-meter dash a year ago.
The speedy back seemed to be leaning towards Penn State early in the recruiting process thanks to the success of Saquon Barkley and his relationship with Charles Huff, who was the Penn State running backs coach at the times. Huff went with Joe Moorhead to Mississippi State and then the Bulldogs began to gain momentum.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma and Notre Dame turned up the heat on Tyree and both were able to get him on campus for visits. Huff, now at Alabama as an associate head coach and running backs coach, has the Crimson Tide back in the running. Will that be enough to sway Tyree towards Alabama or did Oklahoma or Notre Dame do enough to secure his commitment?
THE CASE FOR ALABAMA
"Tyree is an explosive back who can make a big impact at the next level. He is a home run hitter who can take it the distance from anywhere on the field. It’s no surprise Alabama has expressed heavy interest in Tyree for the last few months. Tyree visited the Crimson Tide in March and came off the visit very high on the SEC powerhouse.
"Alabama has featured many elite running backs throughout the Nick Saban era including 2019 first round draft pick Josh Jacobs. Alabama has also produced a few Heisman Trophy winners at the position during the last 10 years (Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry).
"Tyree also has a very good relationship with Huff. That being said, Alabama signed a similar back in 2019, Keilan Robinson. It also has a commitment from Roydell Williams in the 2020 class. Alabama likely wouldn’t turn down Tyree if he wants to commit, but the key focus has been on trying to add a power back like Zachary Evans or Kendall Milton to the Tide’s class. The expectation is Tyree will not select Alabama when he announces a decision." - Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com
THE CASE FOR OKLAHOMA
“For Oklahoma, I don't think this is a complicated sell. Oklahoma's offense has been the most dangerous and dynamic in the way it uses its weapons since the arrival of Lincoln Riley. Tyree, in Oklahoma's eyes, is not only a potential star at running back but as a receiver they can line up in the slot, out wide, and also be used in the return game.
“Oklahoma has sold him on the idea of being a weapon in all areas of the game and Riley has the resume, and growing list of NFL draft picks, to back up that not only can he be used that way - but be successful in doing so.
“The Sooners know this is a tight race, with Notre Dame out in front at this moment, but also know that they have some track record to offer.” - Josh McCuiston, SoonerScoop.com
THE CASE FOR NOTRE DAME
“There is no doubt Tyree has been priority No. 1 at running back for Notre Dame for a long time. Offensive coordinator Chip Long has been all over for him for over a year, and when Lance Taylor was hired as the new running backs coach in February, he and Tyree made an immediate connection. Long and Taylor were able to weather the storm of his April visit to Oklahoma, and the Irish have been able to reassert themselves at the top.
“There is a greater need for Tyree at Notre Dame as well. Oklahoma already has Rivals100 running back Jase McClellan in the class, and Alabama’s running back depth chart is loaded. Notre Dame’s starting running back is a converted wide receiver and it doesn’t have a single Rivals four-star running back on the current roster. There is a very clear path to him coming to South Bend and making an immediate impact.” - Bryan Driskell, BlueandGold.com
THE VERDICT
“I think Tyree picks Notre Dame in the end. He’s comfortable there, comfortable with the staff and loves how he fits in the offense. The academics are also a big key here.” - Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Director or Recruiting