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running backs fans to ask why he didn't get into the mix more often. McDaniel played in a spread offense at highly competitive Coppell High School in Texas and is used to making his cuts off the zone-blocking scheme Notre Dame likes to use. "He's a hard-working, hard-nosed kid. There's going to be a place for all these guys in this offense," Alford said. "They will define what that role is, but there is no doubt that Cam can make plays — he's made plays." McDaniel and sophomore Will Mahone might be the two backs best equipped to run between the tackles because of their toughness and their size, respectively. They'll get their shot if Atkinson and Carlisle aren't able to grind out the tough yards. The Freshmen Backs Wood and Riddick's exit made room on the roster for another duo that Notre Dame hopes will grow into an equally dynamic combination. Florida products Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston bring a diverse set of tools to the running backs room this summer, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they might be good enough to make an impact early in their collegiate careers. Bryant has the physical maturity of a college running back and is unusually well rounded for a blue-chip prospect. Most elite running backs stand out because of speed or size or some other element of their game. Bryant is a hard runner who catches the ball well and also showed a knack for pass blocking during the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl in January. "He's a well-conditioned athlete. He's got great instincts in running the football, but we also love the fact that he can catch the football as well," Kelly said. "He really understands the game." Folston, out of consistently strong Cocoa (Fla.) High School, may have a little harder time getting on the field than his freshman counterpart. He is another versatile type in the mold of Riddick and Carlisle that Kelly's staff has tried to stockpile since coming to South Bend. Along with rushing for 1,722 yards as a senior, he scored two touchdowns on receptions and also returned punts and kicks for Cocoa. Notre Dame coaches have said they prefer to avoid putting a freshman into a big role too early. Running back, however, is a position that lends itself well to playing sooner than most other spots on the field. The backs don't have to fully understand everything going on around them, or the entire playbook, in order to get on the field and make a difference in some specific situations they can learn piecemeal. Folston and Bryant appear to have the talent to fill that gap if Notre Dame needs it. ✦ Under the tutelage of Tony Alford, Notre Dame running backs lost only three fumbles in 2012 and three in 2011 among 740 total carries. photo by joe raymond Incoming freshman Greg Bryant rushed for 4,488 yards and 58 touchdowns the past three years at American Heritage High School in Delray Beach, Fla. photo courtesy 247sports Preseason Analysis ★★★★ National Title Contention; ★★★ BCS Contention; ★★ Top 25 Potential; ★ Too Unproven Starters ★★ Potential is the right word to describe Notre Dame's running backs this season. Between the north and south speed of George Atkinson III and the shifty versatility of Amir Carlisle, the Irish could have a duo that keeps the offense moving and the team winning games. Carlisle has rarely been healthy since he arrived on campus, though, and Atkinson's stature when runs is as north and south as his speed, which makes him another injury risk if he's asked to run up the middle. It's yet to be seen if this duo has what it takes to grind out tough yards or if they'll need to call on a freshman to try to get the job done. Experience ★½ Atkinson is the only running back who has a game-pressure carry in his Irish career heading into the season. Carlisle has seen some collegiate action during his freshman year at USC, but it's been more than a year since he's played in mostly mop-up duty. The Irish could very well end up leaning on a true freshman — Bryant is the more complete back of the two coming out of high school — if Atkinson and Carlisle don't prove to be every-down backs. Depth ★★★ Notre Dame won't run out of options to shuffle if the running game isn't producing the results the offense needs. Backs like junior Cam McDaniel and the two freshmen will be able to push Atkinson and Carlisle for carries throughout August and into the regular season. Sophomore Will Mahone provides a power running option if Notre Dame decides to tweak its offense without quarterback Everett Golson in the backfield. Overall Grade ★★½ Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood created an effective one-two punch that will be missed early in the year while the Irish try to find their identity on offense. The plus side for Notre Dame is there is plenty of exciting talent on the roster that now has room to grow. Like Jonas Gray in 2011, necessity often creates breakout stars. There are plenty of players in the running backs room capable of becoming a go-to guy, but it remains to be seen who will take over and how quickly he will catch on. Blue & Gold Illustrated 2013 Football Preview ✦ 51 48-53.RBs.indd 51 6/25/13 11:21 AM