Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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running backs Will Mahone did not see action as a freshman in 2012, but he might be able to add an inside running element to the Notre Dame attack this season. Photo by Bill Panzica George Atkinson III Wants To Be The Man Junior George Atkinson III is the lone Irish running back on the roster with more than 30 career carries to his name. Atkinson's blazing speed — he was an All-Big East selection in the 100-meter sprint after running the race in 10.36 seconds as a freshman — made him impossible to keep off the field last fall despite the two experienced backs in front of him. Kelly talked throughout the 2012 preseason and into the first Quick Facts Position Coach: Tony Alford (5th year at Notre Dame) Returning Starters: None Departing Starters: Theo Riddick (26 career starts) and Cierre Wood (18) Projected New Starters: George Atkinson III (3) and Amir Carlisle Top Reserves: Greg Bryant and Cam McDaniel Waiting Their Turn: Tarean Folston and Will Mahone Newcomers: Bryant and Folston Moved In: None Moved Out: None Other Departures: None FYI: Atkinson III was ranked 18th among draft eligible running backs in the 2013 season by Phil Steele's 2013 College Football Preview … Notre Dame will face three teams that finished in the top 10 in rushing defense for the 2012 season: Brigham Young (No. 2), Stanford (No. 5) and Michigan State (No. 8) … Bryant is ranked as the sixth-best running back prospect in the country and the 11th-best freshman from the state of Florida, according to the 247Sports Composite (a compilation of the major recruiting services). month of the regular season about needing to find a way to get the ball in No. 4's hands more often. Riddick's emergence as a workhorse and Wood's own speed made it harder to get Atkinson, a less complete back, into the mix. This time around the touches are there for the taking. "I'm really just working hard, trying to show these coaches that I can be the man," Atkinson said. Atkinson had 51 carries as a sophomore and averaged a team-high 7.1 yards per run. He started the season on a high note, busting loose for a 56-yard touchdown run that showcased his speed in the opening quarter of the season opener against Navy. He had another big game against the heavily overmatched defensive front of Miami in Chicago a month later. He led the Irish with 123 yards and another long touchdown run in that 41-3 blowout. His numbers dropped considerably against teams with stouter front sevens. The 6-1, 217-pound back has a tendency to run with his shoulder pads held high, which makes it hard to break through tackles or create space for himself. Atkinson said lowering his pads was a focus this spring, but a whiplash-inducing pop from inside linebacker Carlo Calabrese in the Blue-Gold Game proved he wasn't there consistently yet. Atkinson gave up his spot on the track team this spring to try to get bigger and stronger in preparation for the feature back role this fall. Instead of dropping weight to run faster, Atkinson has packed on roughly 10 pounds since the end of the 2012 season. "He's locked in and cued in to football and helping the football team," Alford said. "He's spending all his time with [strength coach] Blue & Gold Illustrated 2013 Football Preview ✦ 49 48-53.RBs.indd 49 6/25/13 11:20 AM