Notre Dame Football: Top 5 MVP candidates for Fighting Irish

Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back C.J. Prosise (20) carries the ball for a 91 yard touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

After Tarean Folston went down with a season ending knee injury in the opening game against Texas many Irish fans were worried about the ND ground game. Folston had two very productive years for the Irish in 2014 and 2013. His backup was a converted safety/wide receiver in C.J. Prosise.

Prosise stepped in a the Irish didn’t skip a beat. In his first game against Texas Prosise ran 20 times for 98 yards. His next game and first start against Virginia he ran 17 times for 155 yards and a touchdown.

He finished the year with 1,032 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. If injuries didn’t slow him down towards the end of the season those numbers would surely be even higher.

For a guy who had never really played running back before, he looked like a natural. He gave the Irish something they haven’t had out of the backfield in a long time and that is a big play, explosive back.

Prosise is a senior, but he is eligible for a fifth year. If he does decide to come back the Irish are going to have a stable of quality tailbacks next season with Prosise, Folston, Josh Adams and Dexter Williams.

Next: 3. Jaylon Smith