Notre Dame Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2019 season
By Jacob Wilson
Running backs
Starting running backs: Tony Jones Jr., Jafar Armstrong
Backup: Jahmir Smith
Two really good friends outside of football, senior Tony Jones Jr. and junior Jafar Armstrong are expected to be very close on the field as well, especially in terms of snaps. In fact, Jones and Armstrong were nearly identical in terms of production last season, averaging 6.2 yards on 89 plays and 6.3 yards on 86 plays, respectively.
Armstrong did score three more touchdowns than Jones over the course of the season, and the latter did have a few extra games to work with. Nevertheless, Kelly views these two backs as great compliments to one another with Armstrong as the more complete runner and Jones a great option in pass protection and receiving out of the backfield.
As for the depth behind Jones and Armstrong, the Irish have a couple of legitimate options in Jahmir Smith and Kyren Williams. Smith is the more experienced, polished back, but Williams boasts explosive speed and can serve as a competent receiver if needed.