Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1547079
16 OCT. 17, 2026 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED BY TYLER JAMES T hat Jonaz Walton's breakout per- formance as a freshman running back at Notre Dame came during a rainy day in Chapel Hill, N.C., made perfect sense to his father, Will Walton. Not just because Will, his wife, Sandy, and their youngest son, Jacez, were in attendance at Kenan Stadium while Jacez, a 2028 recruit, was on a visit to North Carolina. But because Will Wal- ton raised his three sons to be comfort- able in uncomfortable moments. "I knew that if he got in, he was going to play well," Will said. "Throughout his whole playing career, whenever there was inclement weather all of my boys always play well." Will, a certified strength and con- ditioning specialist who also coaches football and track and field, never wanted his sons to let their environment dictate their effort. Jonaz and the Irish rushing attack did most of the dictating in a 37-26 victory over North Carolina. Jonaz, whose previous career highs were 8 carries and 61 yards, turned 23 carries into 120 yards. Just five games into his college career, Jonaz looked more like a veteran than a rookie. "When it's a little bit more pressure, he kind of thrives on it a little bit," Will said. "It makes it more interesting for him. Just like schoolwork. If the rigor is up, he's all for it." LOVING THE WEIGHT ROOM Will Walton used to be a competitive powerlifter, so trips to the gym weren't just a daily occurrence. Typically, he and his wife would be at the gym twice daily. They didn't want to cut back on those workouts when they became parents, so they took advantage of the gym's childcare program as soon as pos- sible. Once each kid turned 6 weeks old, he was allowed to tag along. "As soon as they can walk and talk THE WALTON WAY How Jonaz Walton's preparation is paying off for Notre Dame Through five games, Walton ranked third on the team in rushing with 39 carries for 228 yards (5.8 yards per rush). PHOTO BY MICHAEL MILLER