When Notre Dame’s projected starting running back Eric Harper Jr. showed up on crutches to the team’s Green and White scrimmage Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Dons’ other running backs quickly realized the implications.
“It stinks to see a teammate get hurt, especially when he’s going to be a big part of the offense and he’s such a talented guy,” junior Miles George said. “I definitely knew I would be included more once he went down and that the other backs would have to step up a lot more.”
A bruised right knee, suffered in practice, is expected to keep Harper out another week or two, according to Dons coach Mike Hennessey. It’s another setback for a player who broke his right ankle in Week 3 of last season.
Though Harper’s absence has altered Notre Dame’s personnel groupings somewhat, it has not had a major impact on the team’s game plan. With a young quarterback (junior Tommy Drabik), physical offensive line and depth at running back, the Dons appear committed to the ground game this season, especially early.
Such was the case in Notre Dame’s 29-13 season-opening win at Thornton on Saturday, Aug. 27, as the Dons utilized a run-centric offense and a rotation of five different ball carriers.
According to Hennessey, the muddy conditions dictated even more of a reliance on the ground game than initially planned, while the heat made the backfield depth that much more important.
“We kept pounding the ball, ran over 40 times with five different running backs,” Hennessey said. “We used everybody in the stable and they were very productive.”
Leading the way for the Dons were senior Michael Valdez (11 carries for 89 yards) and George (19 carries for 68 yards, 2 touchdowns). Senior Jake Sarnecki, sophomore Ty Gavin and senior Michael Shrader also carried the ball.
The 5-foot-9, 160-pound Valdez is a returning starter at cornerback and has replaced the graduated Tim Simon — now a freshman defensive back at Dayton — as the player who never seems to leave the field. In addition to playing on both sides of the ball, Valdez had two punt returns totaling 70 yards in the opener.
Valdez was always going to be counted on at running back, though he became the starter in Harper’s absence.
Preparing for his busy role, Valdez said he sought out Simon’s advice ahead of the new season.
“We texted and (Simon) told me some of the secrets, the meals he eats and what he does to energize,” Valdez said. “He told me that it’s a mental game. Once I had those words from him, I just put that in my mindset and pushed through the entire game.”
Hennessey said he was impressed by Valdez’s ability to gain extra yards after getting hit.
“He would run eight or nine yards and then get 13 or 14 more on the twist, the second effort and just staying low,” Hennessey said.
Valdez said staying low wasn’t necessarily a choice.
“I’m short, which is kind of an advantage when it comes to staying low,” he said. “I just keep my feet running and get as many yards as are available to me.”
Though Valdez earned the extra yards, it was George who led the team in carries. Valdez described George as a workhorse, while Hennessey said the 5-10, 180-pound George is good for tough, inside yards.
More Top Picks Jbl Charge 6
Notre Dame called upon the varsity newcomer near the goal line, as George scored on a three-yard, first-quarter touchdown then from 10 yards out in the second quarter.
George actually scored the first touchdown on his first carry of the season. Not a bad way to start a varsity career.
“(On the touchdown) I remember I was a little surprised at how open it was. The offensive line created a big hole that you could drive a truck through,” George said. “I was very happy and my teammates came in and celebrated with me, but I tried to act like I had been there before. It definitely was pretty awesome. But even if I hadn’t scored, as long as we won, that’s all that mattered.”
Dan Shalin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press