Jadarian Price Seizing Veteran Role in Notre Dame RB Room
Dating back to last summer, Jadarian Price has always been firm in the fact he was fully recovered from his Achilles injury that cost him his freshman season in 2022.
It’s hard to argue it.
The Texas native rushed for 272 yards and three touchdowns while adding five receptions for 65 yards and another score in his first collegiate season.
Sure, the stats aren’t going to pop off the page, but Price showed the explosion that he had in the spring of 2022 that caused great excitement coming out of the spring game.
“I think physically, I've been myself since last summer,” Price stated. “Physically, I've been fine. I think the biggest thing is now mentally, I am more prepared, more tough and you just having that mindset of I'm not afraid to go in and get hurt or make that cut because I know that physically, I'm okay.”
“Mentally, I'm capable of it now, and the thing is confidence. I'm two years removed from Achilles injuries, and I just build on confidence, especially with Audric (Estimè) gone and me stepping into a leadership role. I have no choice but to be and that's the standard I have for myself.”
Price’s mental growth has come from talking to various people in his circle, including running backs coach Deland McCullough.
“You are your biggest critic, but having a guy like Coach will color your site and meeting with me once a week and just telling me what I need to hear,” explained Price, who totaled eight runs over 10 yards and 75 yards after the catch. “Whether it's good or bad, and it's mainly good and being able to hear that feedback gives me a little bit more confidence.
“Also the guys in my room. Even though Gi'Bran (Payne) is out, he has told me he believes in me and he knows I will be able to step up.”
Price, a junior, will enter the season as Notre Dame veteran back despite playing just one season. It’s definitely taken some time to get used to, but it’s a role Price has embraced.
“I've technically been here the longest and I'm really starting to feel it,” stated Price. “That's also helped me with my confidence. Even though it's been a shift in the room, our standard hasn't changed and we're doing everything we can possible to prove people wrong or prove people right, whichever way it is.
“There are high expectations for us this year. Just like last year, this year, I think we're also the group to lead the offense and I truly believe that.”
McCullough sets the standard. There are grades following each practice, which has led to competition and the drive to reach that high standard.
The end goal is to find the most productive back, but also the right job for each player.
“I think that plays a big role into what our jobs become,” Price said of McCullough’s practice grades. “At the end of the day, the higher grade you have, you're most likely going to lead that job.
“It's all about characteristics. If you're a guy who rarely misses up on pass pro in practice, you're probably going to be put in on third-down situation. It's just a matter of trust, and that's what all of us are trying to do is we're not aiming for specific jobs, we're aiming for the overall running back position.”
Notre Dame will look different in the backfield in 2024. Price and Jeremiyah Love are expected to share most of the workload, but the most significant change will be quarterback Riley Leonard.
Leonard is the new face, but his ability to run the ball will make it easier on Notre Dame’s running backs, as backside defensive ends can’t crash anymore.
Price has been impressed with Leonard on the field, but also away from it as he had to earn the locker room’s trust over the last seven months, which include him missing most of spring practice.
“We did a pretty good job as a team bringing him in as one of our own, like we do any other transfer, whether he's quarterback or receiver or not,” Price said. “Whatever position it is, we're gonna bring in someone and obviously trust is earned. Doing that on a consistent basis at the quarterback position, you know, it's hard.
“I watch Steve (Angeli) go through it every day and Riley coming in, his senior year, people have been there for a while, but he still came in and earn the trust. Now, I trust him, and I can't wait to see the start of the season and how we're going to do.”
As for Angeli, who was his roommate a year ago, Price has seen the same person regardless of the situation.
“For the offense and the team as a whole, the standard hasn't changed,” stated Price. “Steve has continued to be a leader throughout the winter workouts, spring ball, summer OTAs into fall camp. So was Riley, and I think that won't change throughout the season, whatever the outcome is.”
When it comes to returning to Texas to face the Aggies later this month, Price will be ready.
“It’s a little chip on my shoulder,” said Price. “I never got much visitation from them, but there are a lot of people in my hometown who went—a lot of alumni and fans there. It’ll be a pretty good sight to see. I have a lot of people coming to that game.”
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