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Notre Dame Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By Brad Weiss

Sep 24, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (6) runs after the catch as Duke Blue Devils safety Jordan Hayes (13) attempts to tackle in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (6) runs after the catch as Duke Blue Devils safety Jordan Hayes (13) attempts to tackle in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) runs the ball in the second half as Navy Midshipmen linebacker Micah Thomas (44) and defensive end Jarvis Polu (90) defend at Everbank Field. Navy Midshipmen won 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) runs the ball in the second half as Navy Midshipmen linebacker Micah Thomas (44) and defensive end Jarvis Polu (90) defend at Everbank Field. Navy Midshipmen won 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Can Josh Adams be a workhorse at running back?

Josh Adams had a very solid season for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last season, and the 2017 season will be his time to take over as a workhorse at the running back position. Throughout his career, Adams has averaged 6.5 yards per carry, which is an incredible clip at any level. He is going to be counted on to carry the load this season, and the Irish’s season will depend on whether or not he can handle a full workload as the team’s top back.

He will have some reinforcements, as Dexter Williams and C.J. Holmes will be battling it out to be his backup this season. The problem with Adams is that he has been a bit injury-prone during his career, battling hamstring injuries along the way. However, he has taken up a leadership role on the Irish as of late, being an absolute beast in the weight room as he tries to be a reason why the Irish take a big step forward in 2017.

Adams led the Irish with over 150 carries last season, but he may have to carry the ball at least 200 times this season. Kizer was the team’s second-leading rusher last season, so someone is going to have to step up if the Irish want to be at least a .500 team this season. The battle at the running back position is going to be one to keep an eye on this Spring, and the depth chart  may not be finalized until late this summer.

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