Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2015 spring game: Top Five Storylines to Watch

Nov 22, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Tarean Folston (25) rushes the ball against Louisville Cardinals safety James Sample (2) during the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. The Louisville Cardinals defeat Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

3. Will any running backs challenge Tarean Folston for carries?

Last year Folston had the most carries on the Irish with 175 and churned out 889 yards from those carries to go along with six touchdowns. Folston is a pretty good back and in my eyes is a solid bet to receive the bulk of the workload on an offense that should have a very good run game this season.

In addition to being a workhorse with carries, Folston can also catch the ball out of the backfield as he proved last year with his 18 receptions. The 18 receptions are far from spectacular, but that is a good amount for a running back that gets a lot of carries, and proves to the defense he can catch. That is a huge part because it makes the defense account for the back out of the backfield in coverage and not assume he is just a blocker.

Most teams rely on more than one back and Notre Dame could go either way as they could ease the burden on Folston’s shoulders or add to his plate and watch him eat, but the spring game will say a lot about the continuity and confidence Kelly has in the other backs, as well as how much Folston can carry.

Next: Will Durham Smythe be the next great ND tight end?