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Notre Dame Football

Notre Dame RB Chris Tyree Focused on Small Details & Opportunity

December 28, 2021
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Notre Dame's running back position will look different during Saturday's Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State. 

Kyren Williams is gone and while Chris Tyree, Logan Diggs and Audric Estime have all played this season, all three will be counted on for much more. 

And it's an opportunity Diggs, Estime and Tyree have embraced. 

"We see a great opportunity being that Kyren was such a big piece of our offense," said Tyree. "That's where we got a lot of our energy from, so all three of us see a big opportunity this weekend making plays and finding our role in the offense." 

For Tyree, 2021 has had many ups and downs. The sophomore has rushed for 204 yards and one score, while catching 18 passes for 143 yards and a score. Tyree also had the electric kickoff return for a touchdown against Wisconsin, but most of his season has centered around rehabbing a turf toe injury. 

"I don't think I would wish turf toe on my worst enemy," stated Tyree. "It was a really tough injury for me. Working with Rob (Hunt) and the training staff, getting back healthy was my main goal and that's where I'm at right now. I feel really good." 

On Saturday, Tyree will not only be healthy, but he'll have a chance to jumpstart himself for next year with more reps. 

The chance to work all three downs will be a big opportunity and it's one Tyree saw Williams embrace. 

"There's a wave of consistency you have to have as an every-down back," explained Tyree. "He has a lot of great habits that set the standard for what we have to do in the future. Honestly, learning and being in the room with him, I'm pretty confident in myself."

To have success, Tyree believes it starts with the small details and focusing on the little things has allowed Notre Dame's offense to take off over the last six games. 

"I would say over the course of the season, our biggest focus was doing the little things right every play," Tyree said. "That's where the explosives happen. When someone breaks to the second level and the receivers are finishing his block. Little things like that. Being able to master that and become experts in doing the little things right is what has brought our success this season."

Tyree also believes Notre Dame's new three-back stable will provide some excitement on Saturday as Estime's game could surprise some folks. 

"I think from pictures and seeing him on the field, you would think of him as a big bruiser that's really stiff and has straight power," said Tyree. "After watching him, everyone sees he can do a lot more than that. He's not just a bruiser and that's really exciting to see.

"They both bring their own personalities and style to the game. They're both really beneficial to our offense. I think that with all three of us rotating will be really exciting to see. I'm excited for the game." 

 
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