Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price Taking on Leadership Role, Building Confidence
At this time a year ago, Jadarian Price and just about everyone else were hopeful he would return for the 2023 season after suffering an Achilles injury that caused him to miss his freshman campaign.
The Texas native not only played in all 13 games as a sophomore but also quickly found a role within the Notre Dame offense. Price finished the year with 272 rushing yards, 65 receiving yards, and four total touchdowns, which also included his 99-yard kickoff return for a score against USC.
Entering this spring, Price isn’t putting big expectations on himself. He’s more focused on finding his voice in the running back room.
“The only thing different is I’ve stepped up into a leadership role,” Price stated. “My confidence has improved more, and as far as athletic ability and health, I’ve been good for a while now.”
Price is also focused on learning the finer points of the game, including becoming more proficient in pass protection.
The good news for Price and the rest of Deland McCullough’s group is Al Golden is on the opposite side of the ball and is constantly preparing them for Saturdays in the fall.
“You learn over time recognition, especially against our defense,” explained Price. “Coach Golden does a good job of throwing linebackers stunting and things like that. Our defense is pretty hard recognizing who’s blitzing and who’s not, so just being able to recognize that.
“On top of that, the technique. I’m working on my hands right now, my first contact and being able to shuffle my feet and finish it off. So I’d say my big things are recognition and hands.”
Notre Dame’s offensive line will have a new look to this fall as Joe Alt and Blake Fisher have left the program for the NFL.
Price got a close look at what the new offensive line could potentially be like in the Sun Bowl, and the returns seemed positive. In the bowl game, Price ran 13 times for 106 yards and one touchdown, including a 54-yard burst in the second half.
“A lot of the guys have stepped up, especially at the tackle position,” said Price. “Charles (Jagusah) has done a great job of being a young buck on that starting line but really imposing his will on the defensive line and stepping up. He continues to add the leadership component of the o-line group.”
The new faces on the offensive line aren’t the only change the Irish offense is working through this spring. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is installing his offense and it’s brought some excitement to the program.
“A lot of 11 personnel,” stated Price. “There are a lot of things that help the run game and the pass game is really improved. It’s also given the running backs a chance to show what they can do (in the passing game). Jeremiyah is getting reps at receiver. They trust us to catch the ball.”
Price is also using the Sun Bowl performance in a couple of ways. There is no mistake he gained confidence from getting more carries and producing, but it’s also motivation for him as he wasn’t satisfied when he watched the film.
“Honestly, I feel like I left a lot out there,” said Price. “I feel I could have had 200 yards, honestly. But the past is in the past and I can learn from it. It was a fun experience and it just gave me a lot of confidence going into the spring.”
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