'16 FL RB Tony Jones Jr. (Notre Dame Signed NLI)

[PANDFAN]

If TJ is healthy, he’ll be the #2 all season long. A senior RB that the staff trusts and is good out of the back field.

If things like agility are everything, Derrick Henry never would’ve won the Heisman.

NOT coming at you but media and people here always talk about how good he is at catching out of the backfield when in reality he has 12 total receptions in his career...now he did catch one and took to the house against usc and will always be thankful for that, but he has done nothing in MY MIND to cement any trust in him....can't take another year where we hear how explosive he looks and then plays like he has a ball and chain attached to him...jahmir smith in extremely limited action, showed me much more burst and churning of his legs to not go down with arm tackles

 

[arrowryan]

Not sure that’s a good example. He’s a pretty unique dude. 6’3 247, ran a 4.54 40, 37’’ vert, and broad jumped 10 feet 10 inches. Don’t think TJ is even sniffing those numbers while also being much smaller. So while agility isn’t everything, it helps to have other unique traits which he doesn’t have.

Yeah he is kind of a unicorn.

 

[arrowryan]

NOT coming at you but media and people here always talk about how good he is at catching out of the backfield when in reality he has 12 total receptions in his career...now he did catch one and took to the house against usc and will always be thankful for that, but he has done nothing in MY MIND to cement any trust in him....can't take another year where we hear how explosive he looks and then plays like he has a ball and chain attached to him...jahmir smith in extremely limited action, showed me much more burst and churning of his legs to not go down with arm tackles

Anymore these days, it’s just hard for me to get excited about performances in the spring game. Now, if Smith shows something against Louisville then I’ll get excited. But until then, I’ll be in a “we’ll see” mode.

 

[Riddickulous]

Kelly opts for experience over raw talent 99.9% of the time. Unless you are an absolute stud or there is no depth at your position, you're not seeing significant PT until you hit your junior/senior year. A healthy Jones falls no farther than #2 on the depth chart IMO.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Man, lots of opinions on our best RBs. I hope TJJr can be a player for us but I hope to see the best 3-4 RBs get snaps and keep fresh legs.

I dont' really have an opinion besides hoping Armstrong takes a big step because he has the athleticism to hit some home runs for us. He has to be top 5 regarding track speed.

 

[irishfan]

I think he’ll be the clear #2 as long as he stays healthy. In the event that Jafar goes down, I also think he’d remain #2 (although with a bigger role) as I think Smith has more versatility.

As others mentioned, I just see BK keeping Jones in the rotation over the young guys as he tends to do that historically.

 

[Luckylucci]

Kelly opts for experience over raw talent 99.9% of the time. Unless you are an absolute stud or there is no depth at your position, you're not seeing significant PT until you hit your junior/senior year. A healthy Jones falls no farther than #2 on the depth chart IMO.

Are you talking about RB specifically or the entire team in general?

 

[arrowryan]

Are you talking about RB specifically or the entire team in general?

I'll chime in on this one. I would say mostly the entire team with an emphasis on RB. There have been times in the BK era where true frosh RBs get good amount of carries throughout the season (Adams and Folston, mainly). But, a large majority of the time, it seems like the starting RB and even the backup have seem to have been in the system for at least two years.

 

[Riddickulous]

Are you talking about RB specifically or the entire team in general?

The entire team. Could be wrong but I feel like we play less freshmen and sophomores than most teams. That approach is fine by me, though.

 

[stpeteirish]

I thought Kyren Williams was 185 and coming in June. Just checked the roster and he’s 209 and didn’t remember he got to ND early. For those reasons I think he’s got a shot to compete for the #3 gig. The only thing is C’Bo Flemister and Jahmir Smith are both fighting for that #3 spot. There are 5 RB’s and 4 of them have experience which makes it difficult. That speaks to Kyren’s talent if he can get in right away and beat out a bunch of guys. I’m surprised by how big Kyren has gotten and I hope that doesn’t slow him down cause that’s a ton of weight to be carrying at 5’9”.

RS SO Jafar Armstrong 6’1” 220
RS JR Tony Jones Jr. 5’11” 227
RS FR Jahmir Smith 5’11” 207
RS FR C’Bo Flemister 5’11” 195
FR Kyren Williams 5’9” 209

Kyren played in the Spring game and looked good. Looked to be 5-9 209 but was agile and broke tackles. Could be ready to challenge for #2 RB.

 

[Old Man Mike]

I'm looking for Count Chunkula (Kyren Williams) to be blasting through the valleys between the Mountains (OLine) a significant portion of the year. If an older RB can do it instead, great. But I think that he's got that unique hide-behind-and-explode ripper mentality. (I admit that it's a small very inadequate dataset, but my often-flawed eyetest says "that guy has it." ... on the other hand, I thought that Brent was can't miss too.)

 

[IrishLion]

I'm looking for Count Chunkula (Kyren Williams) to be blasting through the valleys between the Mountains (OLine) a significant portion of the year. If an older RB can do it instead, great. But I think that he's got that unique hide-behind-and-explode ripper mentality. (I admit that it's a small very inadequate dataset, but my often-flawed eyetest says "that guy has it." ... on the other hand, I thought that Brent was can't miss too.)

I'd like to see Jahmir Smith get a legit shot in the first couple of games, too.

The Blue and Gold game made him look like a slightly more explosive version of TJ Jr.

Having three or four RB's that all seem worthy of an extended opportunity is a pretty decent problem to have, even if none are proven or home-run hitters (though Jafar certainly could be).

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I'd like to see Jahmir Smith get a legit shot in the first couple of games, too.

The Blue and Gold game made him look like a slightly more explosive version of TJ Jr.

Having three or four RB's that all seem worthy of an extended opportunity is a pretty decent problem to have, even if none are proven or home-run hitters (though Jafar certainly could be).

Jafar's gonna eat this year.

I'm just hoping some other RBs join him so it can be a banquet.

 

[IrishLion]

Jafar's gonna eat this year.

I'm just hoping some other RBs join him so it can be a banquet.

I agree; the conversation had defaulted in my brain to commenting on finding a good #2 to serve behind Jafar. I said it somewhere else, but I think Jafar is going to have a monster year, even if it's not necessarily via running the ball. He's gonna catch 3 or 4 checkdown passes from Book each game where he's alone in the flats with just a LB or nickel DB in the area, and his experience catching passes is gonna turn those plays into big gains.

If TJ Jr stays healthy, his experience likely limits the opportunities for Jahmir, C'Bo, and Kyren.

I just hope Jahmir gets a shot. I get the feeling that he's one of those guys who will consistently move the chains, no matter what.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

IIRC TJ Jr had a very, very nice catch from Wimbush against Vandy in week three on a wheel route. So, even if he only has 12 catches, he has certainly flashed his goods hands. He is also well documented as the best pass protector out of the backfield from the staff and is assignment sound = RKG BK adores, mucj to our consternation at times.

To me he is one of those guys that does just about everything well, but nothing great, other than his strong lower body that makes him a tough tackle one on one. Would still like to see him show off those squats and drag a pile a couple of yards, which i don't really recall off the top of my head over the years.

TJ Jr isn't going to get buried on the depth chart and we will see plenty of him throughout the year, and a bunch early on, IMO. But, I wouldn't be surprised to see Smith and Kyren's roles expand as the season goes on.

 

[Wild Bill]

NOT coming at you but media and people here always talk about how good he is at catching out of the backfield when in reality he has 12 total receptions in his career...now he did catch one and took to the house against usc and will always be thankful for that, but he has done nothing in MY MIND to cement any trust in him....can't take another year where we hear how explosive he looks and then plays like he has a ball and chain attached to him...jahmir smith in extremely limited action, showed me much more burst and churning of his legs to not go down with arm tackles

Definitely agree with you here - reports always seem to have TJ Jr. looking like the best back in practice. He hasn't shown the same in games, IMO. Definitely a plus player on the roster but hasn't been the type of back who can keep other backs off the field and I doubt he's able to keep some of the young guys off the field this year either.

 

[stlnd01]

TJ’s a fine #2 RB. Good blocker. Stout in short-yardage. Capable, if not prolific, as a pass-catcher. He contributes but he’s not an RB1 and, hopefully, he doesn’t keep Kyren and Jahmir Smith from seeing the field at least some. I’m not sure what’s controversial here.

 

[Luckylucci]

I agree; the conversation had defaulted in my brain to commenting on finding a good #2 to serve behind Jafar. I said it somewhere else, but I think Jafar is going to have a monster year, even if it's not necessarily via running the ball. He's gonna catch 3 or 4 checkdown passes from Book each game where he's alone in the flats with just a LB or nickel DB in the area, and his experience catching passes is gonna turn those plays into big gains.
If TJ Jr stays healthy, his experience likely limits the opportunities for Jahmir, C'Bo, and Kyren.

I just hope Jahmir gets a shot. I get the feeling that he's one of those guys who will consistently move the chains, no matter what.

Me too. A healthy Jafar for 12 games is gonna be beast mode. Dude seems ready to go.

I think when all is said and done his yds from scrimmage numbers could look damn good. 1000 rushing and 500 receiving, seems reasonable.

 

[jjsccer2]

He is running a lot better than last year. He looks to have lost weight, but the roster says he’s up 4 pounds. Either way, he’s doing very well.

 

[stlnd01]

He is running a lot better than last year. He looks to have lost weight, but the roster says he’s up 4 pounds. Either way, he’s doing very well.

Tony is doing great. Was a warrior against Georgia, and rewarded for it against Virginia. We just need more at RB than he alone can give.

 

[ThePiombino]

Tony is doing great. Was a warrior against Georgia, and rewarded for it against Virginia. We just need more at RB than he alone can give.

Agreed. I like TJJ, just not as our RB1. That's a slight on our recruiting at the position, not him.

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[ulukinatme]

Agreed. I like TJJ, just not as our RB1. That's a slight on our recruiting at the position, not him.

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Disagree. Tony has all the tools and consistency you want in a starting running back. He's not an explosive runner like Dexter was, and that's the only real knock on him. He does everything well though: he takes care of the football, he can pass protect, he can catch, and he can pickup extra yards after initial contact. We've seen in the past where talented runners like Dexter, Cierre Wood, and GA III have struggled with picking up all all the responsibilities of the position and that's why they often played second fiddle most of their careers to a more complete back.

 

[ThePiombino]

Disagree. Tony has all the tools and consistency you want in a starting running back. He's not an explosive runner like Dexter was, and that's the only real knock on him. He does everything well though: he takes care of the football, he can pass protect, he can catch, and he can pickup extra yards after initial contact. We've seen in the past where talented runners like Dexter, Cierre Wood, and GA III have struggled with picking up all all the responsibilities of the position and that's why they often played second fiddle most of their careers to a more complete back.

Agree to disagree then. If you're satisfied with our RB recruiting and think TJJ is the best we can do, good for you! I wish I could share in that optimism, but personally I want my RB1 to be able to be a game breaker, not just a "trustworthy" player. I'm not saying there isn't room on this roster for players like Tony - the more the better! I'm just saying I would prefer a more dynamic RB1.

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[Some Irish Bloke]

Agree to disagree then. If you're satisfied with our RB recruiting and think TJJ is the best we can do, good for you! I wish I could share in that optimism, but personally I want my RB1 to be able to be a game breaker, not just a "trustworthy" player. I'm not saying there isn't room on this roster for players like Tony - the more the better! I'm just saying I would prefer a more dynamic RB1.

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I agree with both of you to an extent. I think TJJr is a fine RB1, but I do wish we had that once cut and gone burner type that we got so spoiled with since 2015 between Prosise, Adams and Dex. Our offense always operated at it's highest during those years when we had that HR threat at RB to keep defenses honest.

Let's wait and see how this offense looks when we get Jafar back before we throw in the towel. We still haven't had a 100% healthy offense for a full game yet, and he is a big piece to the puzzle.

 

[tussin]

I think the compromise here is that TJJ is a good player and a fine RB1, but not the type of player ND needs at the position to get over it's next big hump as a program (win a playoff game).

 

[ThePiombino]

I agree with both of you to an extent. I think TJJr is a fine RB1, but I do wish we had that once cut and gone burner type that we got so spoiled with since 2015 between Prosise, Adams and Dex. Our offense always operated at it's highest during those years when we had that HR threat at RB to keep defenses honest.



Let's wait and see how this offense looks when we get Jafar back before we throw in the towel. We still haven't had a 100% healthy offense for a full game yet, and he is a big piece to the puzzle.

Problem is we won't have him for SC and possibly not Michigan. We don't really need him to win any other games.

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[ThePiombino]

I think the compromise here is that TJJ is a good player and a fine RB1, but not the type of player ND needs at the position to get over it's next big hump as a program (win a playoff game).

This.

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[ulukinatme]

Agree to disagree then. If you're satisfied with our RB recruiting and think TJJ is the best we can do, good for you! I wish I could share in that optimism, but personally I want my RB1 to be able to be a game breaker, not just a "trustworthy" player. I'm not saying there isn't room on this roster for players like Tony - the more the better! I'm just saying I would prefer a more dynamic RB1.

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I didn't say I'm satisfied. I'm saying he has the tools to be the starting running back. Does that mean he's going to be a super star like Nick Chubb? No, but I would rather have a complete back that plays a majority of the snaps as oppose to a guy like GA III that can't pickup blitzes and doesn't take care of the football. I'd love to have a burner at RB and give him carries, but unless he's a complete back he's not going to get a majority of the snaps. I'm just saying it seems rare we find a complete package at RB, and maybe that's due to recruiting or poor coaching in the past.

I think the compromise here is that TJJ is a good player and a fine RB1, but not the type of player ND needs at the position to get over it's next big hump as a program (win a playoff game).

I think that's a fair assessment.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

Problem is we won't have him for SC and possibly not Michigan. We don't really need him to win any other games.

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On the contrary, IIRC we will be back for USC.

 

[ThePiombino]

On the contrary, IIRC we will be back for USC.

Really? I thought he was out up to 8 weeks with week 8 being Michigan. Would love to be wrong here...