Film Don't Lie | JD Price
Notre Dame picked up two quality backs in the 2021 class, but I would classify either as a true home run hitter. That made getting a big play back a necessity in the 2022 class.
Consider that need met with the addition of JD Price out of Texas.
The 4-star prospect has explosive ability and the Irish can only use more of that at the skill positions.
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185
Projected Position: Running back
ISD Grade: 93 (4-star) National
Average Grade: 91.4 (4-star)
What he does best:
The biggest thing with Price that makes him a great prospect is his ability to take advantage with only a small crease from his blocking. This isn’t a huge hole to run through outside, but the acceleration when he sees it followed by the finish to score is special.
One big improvement I saw from him as a junior is his strength. Yards after contact is huge in college football and backs need to be able to break arm tackles. Price showed he could do that consistently and keep his balance to gain those big chunk yards.
Good patience and vision are two important traits for someone to succeed as an inside runner. Price checks both of those boxes and has proven that he is more than a track guy.
What he needs to improve:
I liked to see him be a bit more decisive with some cuts (like that last run I highlighted). He can make defenders miss, but sometimes there are runs where he can one-cut and go a little quicker.
He definitely gained weight and strength as a junior and I honestly don’t think he needs to get that much bigger. Stronger is a must, though.
He had 28 catches as a junior, which was up significantly from his freshman and sophomore years. I think he has the potential to be a weapon in the passing game and certainly displayed talent after the catch. I hope to see that part of his game grow before he gets to Notre Dame.
What’s his ceiling?
A multi-sport athlete (basketball and track), Price is a top-100 level prospect in my opinion. Explosive plays are like gold in college football and with his vision, balance, and speed (10.9 100M as a sophomore in 2019), he should help provide them in college.
I wouldn’t put him on the same level as Chris Tyree as a prospect, but he’s in the same ballpark and that would be my comp for Price. He’s one of my favorite backs this cycle and I think this is a great pickup for Notre Dame.
BREAKING | 2022 Four-Star RB JD Price Commits to Notre Dame