Why Notre Dame RB C.J. Prosise is college football’s most underrated player
He wasn’t expected to play this large of a role in the offense, but Notre Dame running back C.J. Prosise has saved their season.
C.J. Prosise is the most underrated player in college football.
The depth chart has been challenged for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this year after the suspension to Greg Bryant the season-ending injury to Tarean Folston after the season opener, but thanks to C.J. Prosise, the Irish are in position to contend for a College Football Playoff spot.
Prosise ran for 31 yards and a 25-yard touchdown to give Notre Dame their first lead against the rival USC Trojans and his second touchdown, on the third play of the fourth quarter, tied the game at 31-31 and gave the team the momentum needed to outscore USC 17-0 in the decisive final quarter.
Following a punt from USC on the ensuing possession, Notre Dame went right back to their do-it-all back as Prosise ran for 25 and 17 yards on the first two plays of the drive that would end with Deshone Kizer hitting Corey Robinson for an eight-yard touchdown to take a 38-31 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Without the team’s top two rushers it would have been easy for Notre Dame to struggle, especially with a pair of true freshman left on the depth chart and a backup quarterback under center. Because of Prosise this team hasn’t missed Folston or Bryant and has discovered a hidden gem in a player deserving of more national acclaim for what he’s done for Notre Dame’s offense.
Prosise entered the game 12th in the nation in rushing with 779 yards and he ranked seventh with 161 yards from scrimmage per game. He finished the game against USC with 19 carries for 143 yards and two touchdowns and added five catches for 32 yards.
In a year dominated by outstanding running back play from the likes of Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, Royce Freeman and Ezekiel Elliott, it’s Prosise who belongs in that same conversation as one of the best in the country.
Not bad for a player who began the year as the third-string running back.