Record-breaking Jonaz Walton challenges Notre Dame’s running back rotation ahead of No. 8 BYU

PROVO, Utah -- Notre Dame’s running game is hitting its stride, but the question of who should lead the Fighting Irish backfield is becoming increasingly complicated.

True freshman Jonaz Walton leads the team in rushing yards, yet remains behind Aneyas Williams, Nolan James Jr., and Kedren Young on Notre Dame’s depth chart entering Saturday’s top-10 matchup against BYU.

The 18-year-old is coming off a historic performance against Stanford, rushing for 181 yards, the most ever by a Notre Dame true freshman in a single game. His 97-yard touchdown run also marked one of the longest plays in program history.

But Walton was quick to share the credit.

“I really can’t take all the credit. I give it to everybody, to the O-line, to the tight ends, to the coaches,” Walton said.

Despite the breakout performance, head coach Marcus Freeman says Walton’s biggest growth has come behind the scenes.

“We know he’s gifted. He has a lot of ability, but what you’re seeing now is that he’s being consistent in practice, consistent in his reads, consistent in who he is every single day,” Freeman said.

Still, the backfield competition is far from settled.

James scored twice against Stanford, while Williams added a 70-yard touchdown reception. Offensive lineman Guerby Lambert believes that internal competition is making the entire offense better.

“Seeing young guys like Jonaz Walton pushing guys like Aneyas, that’s what Notre Dame’s all about, just guys pushing each other to get better and better,” Lambert said.

Freeman says the coaching staff enters each game with a predetermined rotation, but those plans can quickly change depending on performance.

“Once the game starts going, then you make decisions based off who’s got the hot hand,” Freeman said.

And before Walton’s record-breaking performance, his father, William Walton, made one thing clear when ABC57 asked whether his son could eventually become Notre Dame’s No. 1 running back.

“Yes, he can be running back one. When he believes in himself 100 percent that he can do the job … watch out! Watch out!” William Walton said.

Saturday’s matchup against BYU presents another opportunity for Walton to earn a larger role, but rushing production won’t be the only factor. Against an aggressive Cougars defense capable of presenting different looks, pass protection and third-down responsibilities could ultimately reveal which running back has earned the coaching staff’s trust.