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Notre Dame Football: 5 Key Skill Position Players to Watch in 2016

By Kyle Nishida

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sideline against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sideline against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Tarean Folston (25) rushes the ball against Louisville Cardinals safety James Sample (2) during the fourth quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. The Louisville Cardinals defeat Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back Tarean Folston

At 21 years old, Tarean Folston is the oldest running back on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s roster. He is coming off an ACL injury, but there is still a good likelihood he will have a strong 2016 campaign.

Folston entered the 2015 season as the No. 1 running back and was on the 2015 Doak Walker Watch List. Unfortunately, the senior running back tore his ACL in the Irish’s season opener against the Texas Longhorns.

Folston made an immediate impact for the Irish as soon as he stepped foot on campus. He ran for 470 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns as a freshman. He followed that season up with 889 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns as a sophomore.

The Irish hope Folston can overcome his injury and return to his previous form. It will not be easy though because the Irish are loaded at running back. In particular, Folston is battling with one guy for the starting role.

Sophomore Josh Adams took advantage of Folston’s injury last season and put together as solid 2015 campaign as a freshman. His performance last year is the reason he is battling Folston for the starting job. Honestly, it would not be shocking if they shared the starting role.

While he does not look fast when he runs, Folston is deceptively fast. On numerous occasions, he shot through open holes and pulled away from trailing defenders. He is also a very god pass catcher out of the backfield.

Tarean Folston was one of the Irish’s top playmakers before his injury. If he fully recovers from his ACL tear, it would not be shocking to see Folston eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark and get more than seven touchdowns.

Next: RB Josh Adams

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