Film Don't Lie | Jayden Limar

By Jamie Uyeyama

May 26, 2022

8,261

No one freaked out about losing Sedrick Irvin Jr.‍ from Notre Dame’s class and a big reason why is that they knew the Irish were in a good spot to land running back Jayden Limar‍. He made it official by committing to the Irish tonight.

There is a lot to like about Limar’s game and it doesn’t hurt that his skills are so similar to the best back the Irish have had in the previous decade. It’s a fantastic addition to the class and nice win for running backs coach Deland McCullough.

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 190

Projected Position: Running back

ISD Grade: 90 (4-star)

National Average Grade: 90.2 (4-star)

What he does best:

Limar isn’t the biggest back, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by how he runs. He can be physical and finish like he does here. He has the ability to be a tackle breaker.

His ability to explode laterally and get up the field quickly is impressive. This run is special. It’s not just the cuts, but the anticipation to make that first and then second cut. The first overhang defender getting his ankle broken could be a meme. It's so filthy.

He is a very talented receiver. He’s going to be a weapon in that part of the game and his ball skills are exceptional for a running back.

What he needs to improve:

His verified testing numbers (4.58 40) are good and some other unverified numbers I have seen are even better, but to me it doesn’t match up completely with what I see on film. He’s a very good athlete, but I don’t know if he has the speed to be a true home run hitter.

Perhaps that shows up more as a senior.

How much bigger can he get? Kyren Williams proved that one doesn’t need to be a monster to be a RB1, but figuring out what is optimal for his game will be important. Williams got too big too quickly and then found his sweet spot when he slimmed down. It could be the same type of thing for Limar at Notre Dame.

What’s his ceiling?

You’ve probably heard me and others compare him to Williams frequently and that’s because it’s impossible to watch him and not see the similarities.

I was a big fan of Williams as a prospect when he committed to Notre Dame, but I have to admit that he shattered the ceiling of the player I thought he’d be for the Irish. That’s what makes Limar so intriguing. Can he be everything that Williams was? It’s possible.

At the very least he can be a back with the versatility to threaten as a runner and receiver. It will tough to match the toughness and grit of Williams as a runner, but Limar might have even more upside as a receiver.