Notre Dame Football: 3 Upperclassmen who must step up in 2022
By Dante Pryor
2. Chris Tyree: Running back
Chris Tyree was not used creatively enough last season. Tyree is too fast and explosive in space to average just six yards per touch (rushing and receiving). He also had fewer than 1,000 total yards rushing, receiving, and returning kicks. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has to figure out a way to get him the football.
The Irish are going to need Tyree to have a big year. With Kyren Williams off to the NFL, he is their most explosive offensive weapon. Tyree came to South Bend as an all-purpose running back, and the Irish need to use him that way.
Tyree can line up in the slot, motion to the outside, and is effective in the screen game. Notre Dame needs all three and his ability as a runner to make up for the loss of Williams’ production. Notre Dame is likely to use a by-committee approach at running back, and Tyree needs to lead the committee.
Some of the responsibility had to fall on Rees. He’s the offensive coordinator and has to get the football in the hands of the best potential playmaker on the offense. While either Tyler Buchner or Drew Pyne get acclimated to the college game, Tyree could be a player they feature heavily.