Notre Dame Football: 5 holiday wish list items for Irish in 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 24: Tony Jones Jr. #6 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish scores a touchdown against USC Trojans during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Solid Dexter Williams replacement

When Josh Adams left for the NFL, it seemed as if Notre Dame would have a difficult time replacing the All-American caliber back. He had just broken 1,000 yards and looked like one of the best running backs in the country, but his replacement wouldn’t be nearly as experienced.

Though Dexter Williams was entering his senior season, he had played sparingly over his first few seasons but he showed flashes. In 2018, he let it all hang out as he led the team with 941 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season on 6.6 yards per carry and he’s likely to break the 1,000-yard mark in the bowl game against Clemson.

Now the Irish will have to find yet another replacement at running back as Williams will follow Adams’ lead and head off to the NFL with high hopes.

Notre Dame fans will want to see a solid, capable replacement for Williams, preferably one who can reach the 1,000-yard mark, and then some.

Top contenders have to be Tony Jones Jr. and Jafar Armstrong but don’t sleep on freshman Jahmir Smith and incoming freshman Kyren Williams.

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