Notre Dame Football: Way-too-early projected 2-deep 2019 depth chart

Running Backs

Starting running back: Jafar Armstrong
Backup: Tony Jones Jr.

Despite offering up some praise in the direction of the running back unit, Kelly has been fairly reserved in regard to where the depth chart stands right now. While Kelly has been fairly open about other aspects of the depth chart, he has opted to allow incoming running backs coach Lance Taylor the opportunity to take inventory before making any judgements.

However, it doesn’t hurt to take a look at what the Irish have at their disposal. One might infer from last season that Jafar Armstrong would claim the majority of the carries after outperforming senior Tony Jones Jr. last season. However, Armstrong’s various battles with injury last season may make the coaching staff somewhat hesitant to hand him the keys from the get-go.

In terms of their respective skill sets, Armstrong and Jones balance each other out enough to justify a running back by committee approach in some fashion. While Armstrong is the more explosive of the two, Jones might be considered the more complete back. Regardless, it’ll be nearly impossible for the Irish to keep Armstrong off the field if he maintains last year’s performance.

While Armstrong and Jones are expected to maintain the bulk of the carries, it’s feasible that either Jahmir Smith or C’Bo Flemister follow in the footsteps of Armstrong and claim some carries in their sophomore seasons.