Lance Taylor Wasted Little Time Making Positive Impression On Recruiting Trail

Notre Dame running back coach Lance Taylor's resumè spoke for itself when he arrived in South Bend last winter. 

Taylor had recruited and developed some of the hottest and most productive running backs over the last five years in college football.

But could he do that at Notre Dame? 

On Wednesday, Taylor answered those questions as composite five-star running back Chris Tyree‍ signed with Notre Dame. 

"The thing that sticks out is Chris is a great player and a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands," stated Taylor told Notre Dame’s Caroline Pineda on Signing Day. "The speed is something I can't coach or teach. You love that part he brings to our group, which is the speed and dynamic playmaking ability."

Notre Dame hadn't landed an 'elite' back in several classes, but what's more impressive is Taylor locked down Tyree and kept him locked down while joining the recruitment pretty late in Tyree's process. 

"It's like any relationship," explained Taylor. "The more you get to know somebody, the more comfortable you each feel. That's what it's become with him and his family. They're a great family and I've enjoyed getting to know them. I look forward to spending more time with them." 

Taylor's NFL background, along with recruiting Christian McCaffrey and Bryce Love, resonated with Tyree - along with a certain 2021 five-star running back who goes by the name of Will Shipley‍.

"The biggest thing is having the experience of NFL and college," Taylor said. "Being at both levels and coaching some great players at different levels and it's helped to know what you're looking for when you're in the evaluation process.

"It also gives me something to talk about to the recruits in terms of how to make it to the next level, what it takes to get to that level and where they ultimately want to be." 

Taylor has hit the right notes, but he'd also be the first to tell you Notre Dame's brand has also helped him on the recruiting trail.

"I think the biggest thing is Notre Dame is such a special place," said Taylor. "It's rich in tradition and history. It's nationally known and recognized. When you go into schools, people recognize the Notre Dame brand. That's really unique, neat and cool."