Notre Dame Football: 5 reasons Brian Kelly can lead Irish to national title

4. Dexter Williams picking up the pieces behind Josh Adams’ departure

Most people would consider the loss of former Notre Dame star running back Josh Adams a massive void to fill in the backfield. Those people would be correct in that assumption, but would also be overlooking the depth that Kelly has instilled in the backfield. The next man up after Adam’s departure is rising junior running back Dexter Williams.

Over the course of his career in South Bend, IN, Williams showed flashes of brilliance. This is now his backfield to show what he can do on a consistent basis. Averaging at least five yards per carry would put Williams in the same realm that Adams was last season, if he can do that while shouldering the load.

Notre Dame has some nice pieces behind Williams too including rising junior Tony Jones Jr., rising sophomore Jafar Armstrong, and freshman Jahmir Smith. This offense has some depth at running back despite some big losses and suspensions this off-season.

The ground game will need to be strong for Notre Dame to continue to be a national contender. That carried the offense throughout a few key victories last season over quality opponents like the USC Trojans and NC State Wolfpack. Controlling the clock and wearing down the opposing defense will still be key for the Irish in 2018.