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Notre Dame Football: Five X-Factor Players for 2016

By Greg Hadley

Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Kevin Stepherson (29) attempt to catch a pass as safety Ashton White (26) defends in the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. The Blue team defeated the Gold team 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Kevin Stepherson (29) attempt to catch a pass as safety Ashton White (26) defends in the first quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. The Blue team defeated the Gold team 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) is pursued by Southern California Trojans linebacker Cameron Smith (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams (33) is pursued by Southern California Trojans linebacker Cameron Smith (35) at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Adams, So. RB

Sometimes injuries result in revelations. Josh Adams is one such revelation.

When Tarean Folston went down in Notre Dame’s opener last season with a torn ACL and backup C.J. Prosise began to struggle with injuries of his own, Adams, a true freshman, came out of nowhere to provide a shot of life for a rushing attack that was stumbling down the stretch.

Everyone remembers his 98-yard rush against Wake Forest on Senior Day.

But Adams is more than just that one play. He’s an explosive runner who averaged more than seven yards per carry last season, and some are saying he’s Notre Dame’s most dangerous player heading into 2016.

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In all likelihood, Adams will begin the season backing up Folston, or at the very most splitting carries with him. But Folston is coming off a major injury and just isn’t as quick as Adams, so provided he plays up to his potential, the sophomore should take on the bulk of the work.

The Fighting Irish aren’t exactly known for producing top rushing prospects, and Brian Kelly has utilized a committee in the backfield before. But Notre Dame would be far better served by a natural talent like Adams coming into his own than placing its trust in Folston’s health.

Next: Mike McGlinchey

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