Blue and Gold Illustrated

February 2013

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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football recruiting and he's also a physical runner between the tackles. … He's an excellent back with big thighs and wide shoulders, and he understands how to gain yards." Folston's head coach, John Wilkinson, has been able to utilize his player's "do-it-all" ability. "He's a good inside runner, he's good on the perimeter, he's a good blocker, he has great hands — he's a jack-of-all-trades," Wilkinson, who coached receivers in the All-American showdown, told BlueandGold.com. "Once Notre Dame came to our school and met him, they were able to see his biggest asset — character. He's the kind of kid that always does things the right way. "He's a dream player for a coach. If we had more like him it would make my job a whole lot easier." Folston, who has been compared to freshman cornerback KeiVarae Russell because of his ability to play either side of the ball, is expected to report to campus as a running back. He rushed 222 times for 1,722 yards and 16 touchdowns in his senior season. He added nine receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns, returned two kickoffs for scores and was named first-team Class 4A all-state at running back. Regardless of where Folston is destined to line up or what comparison is made, his main focus is appreciating Film Analysis Strengths Possesses a stop-and-go ability that makes him a threat both in the running and passing game … Hits the edge quickly and makes good choices against the grain … He can take a handoff, line up in the slot to run bubble screens and find ways to get open in the flat … A true home-run threat that can lower his head and run through contact. Areas To Improve Played for a run-first offense as part of a threeback attack and will have a learning curve in regards to pass protection and blitz pickup in the Irish offensive scheme … He has the durability to be a featured back in an offense, but will need to work to get his frame college-ready for the increase in reps out of the backfield. — Jason Sapp the fact that Notre Dame will be his new home. He's looking forward to the next opportunity. "I can only be me," he said. "I never like to compare myself to anybody else. People say I'd be playing the [Irish senior running back] Theo Riddick role, but when I get there it could be different. I'm versatile and will do whatever the coaches ask me to do." "He's going to find a way to get on the field whenever and wherever they need him," Wilkinson added. "If there's an opening he's going to find a way. That's just in his nature." ✦ For the latest notre dame recruiting news, visit us at BLueandgold.com on the 247sports.com network

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