Despite injury, Aneyas Williams ignites Notre Dame's backfield, ready to unleash explosive playmaking and lead with playoff experience.
It was a light load in the running back room this spring with Kedren Young and Javian Osborne out and working their way back from injury. We saw a lot from Nolan James Jr. and Jonaz Walton in full contact sessions throughout spring training but the heir apparent was limited this spring. Rising junior Aneyas Williams was limited this spring and not able to go 'full go' throughout spring training with an elbow injury.
Many are looking forward to what Williams can do stepping into a much larger role this season as am I. He's been a big-play weapon for the Irish offense coming in throughout his first two seasons. Last season, he averaged 9.3 yards per carry, had five rushing touchdowns and 224 total rushing yards on only 24 carries. He makes plays whenever he's in the game, but that's just a part of his game.
"I'm just doing my job man," Williams said when asked why he makes plays whenever he's in the game. "This team built itself on being in the right position. For me, it's just being able to stay in my lane, follow my path and when the right situation comes, I'm sure to make the most out of it."
The 5-10, 210-pound back is stepping into a much larger role this season on the field replacing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. But he's also stepping in as a leader in the room. Williams is the only back in the room, and one of the few starters on offense, with experience playing in the College Football Playoffs. That experience has propelled him into a leadership spot this offseason and he's making the most of it.
"I've always been a vocal leader," Williams shared. "But now I'm able to be a leader throughout my play and I love it. There's nothing else I'd rather do. I love working with these younger guys because it helps me as well. I can explain things to them with what's going on and what they're supposed to be doing. It helps me just as much as it helps them so it's been fun."
Love and Price were excellent on the field and off the field role models for Williams. He was a true freshman during the Love and Price ascension as a duo. The Missouri native looks to bring the same level of impact to this year's offense that those two first rounders did and he's been putting in the work this offseason, despite wearing a red jersey to do so.
"I've really been working on speed and body control," Williams shared. "I think that's going to be a big thing this season. When you lose J Love and JD and their speed in the backfield, it's a big thing. I'm trying to make sure that we don't lose too much of that. I'm working on the big play capability, but I'd say specifically for me, working on creating a lot of space. I'm just trying to get a lot of separation and playing fast. That's a big thing."
I don't expect the Notre Dame rushing attack to take a step back this season. You could argue it could take a step forward with the progression of the offensive line. But a major reason for my confidence in the rushing attack is the ascension of Williams. He's been a big-play weapon waiting to happen the last two seasons. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do as the No. 1 guy.
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