Say it with me, “I love a big-play running back.”

Something that Notre Dame hasn’t really had since Julius Jones in 2003. (He could take it to the house on any given play.) Before that, it was probably the Reggie Brooks/Jerome Bettis combo in 1992. There have been some good backs in between those periods, Autry Denson in the mid/late 90’s, and Darius Walker in the mid 2000’s, but those guys didn’t scare the bejesus out of defenses like Jones, Brooks, and Bettis did.

While Notre Dame has been more air-oriented of late, it would work wonders for the offense to have the backfield play similar to the Lou Holtz era (his backs were so talented, Notre Dame often had a 4 deep of running backs that would go on to play in the NFL). Why? Defenses will have all kinds of trouble with offenses that can hurt you in multiple ways (Are they running or passing?).

The coaching comments so far from camp say that this Irish team may actually have the tools to be that kind of versatile in their attack, and be lethal on the ground. Armando Allen (best all-around back, timed once in the forty at 4.38-same as Julius Jones), Jonas Gray (all the physical tools to be great), and Cierre Wood (elite speed and quickness, sometimes goes “too fast”) seem to be the kind of ammo that the Irish haven’t had since the early 90’s.

Gotta like the way that sounds.

Just to prove the point, here’s a little illustration of the havoc a big-play back can cause for opposing defenses. And remember, it makes life easier for the coach, all he has to do to call a play is say “let’s give the ball to this guy”.

Bo Knows Big-Play Backs