Notre Dame RB Chris Tyree Quietly Preparing for Big 2022

A quiet confidence has been building over the last eight months around the Notre Dame program. 

It’s not overly noticeable to someone from the outside, but Notre Dame’s players have clearly embraced Marcus Freeman’s emphasis on competition and the Fighting Irish will get to show a new attitude on Saturday night against No. 2 Ohio State. 

"I think as a team, we're really excited,” said Notre Dame running back Chris Tyree. “It's a big week coming up. We just know we have to take it one game at a time and go 1-0 every week. If we can come out with a W, it would be a really good start to the season and that's our focus right now."

Preparation has also been drilled into this Notre Dame team. Freeman has pushed his team physically and mentally over the last eight months as he wants to make game day easier than practice. 

"That's what it's been about really - just our preparation,” explained Tyree. “We know that our preparation is going to pay off on Saturdays. Having that focus throughout the week, practice and knowing our preparation will pay off on Saturdays is our biggest focus." 

Tyree enters the 2022 campaign as Notre Dame’s most experienced and productive running back as he’s tallied 718 yards and five touchdowns over his first two seasons in South Bend. 

The Virginia native is hoping to see those numbers go up as Freeman has made crystal clear running the football will be the staple of his teams. 

"Coach Freeman preaches to us all day that it's an O-Line/D-Line driven program,” stated Tyree. “Having confidence up front and confidence in our O-Line is something we have to push. We have to let our O-Line know we believe in them no matter the down and distance. 

"We have confidence in them. Having that contagious energy and confidence throughout the whole team is really important." 

And yes, Tyree approves of the emphasis on the run game. 

"It's something you want to hear from your head coach, knowing he has confidence in us,” Tyree said. “Giving us the opportunity to affect the game in big situations is really exciting." 

Another exciting piece to the 2022 Fighting Irish is sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner, who can attack defenses in a variety of ways. 

What stands out to Tyree the most about Buchner?

"A playmaker,” stated Tyree. “It's as simple as that. He makes plays no matter whether he's throwing, running, making checks or reads or communicating to the offense. He makes plays." 

Buchner and Tyree will be counted on to make plays in a hostile atmosphere on Saturday night and the 5-foot-9, 197-pounder will be ready. 

"It's two powerhouse programs going at it week one,” said Tyree. “This is a game you really dream of as a child - playing in those big games, playing Saturday night football games. Having the opportunity to play on a big stage is really exciting." 

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