Jonaz Walton’s Record-Breaking Performance Shows Notre Dame’s RB Culture

The last two weeks have been quite the statement from Notre Dame’s running game.

The Fighting Irish have combined for 595 rushing yards in double-digit wins over North Carolina and Stanford.

On Saturday, Notre Dame ran for 361 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 7.7 yards per carry.

The driving force behind the recent surge has been freshman running back Jonaz Walton.

Walton has recorded back-to-back 100-yard games, including a career-best 181 yards and two touchdowns on Saturday. Along the way, he broke Josh Adams’ Notre Dame freshman single-game rushing record.

Following the game, however, Walton wasn’t too high on his individual performance. Instead, he quickly credited his offensive line and tight ends.

“It's really cool,” stated Walton. “I didn't know it was going to happen, but I really can't take all the credit. I give it to everybody – the o-line to the tight ends, to the coaches. It wasn't just me. It was a team effort that helped me get to that stat."

Jeremiyah Love made a habit of breaking off 90-yard runs during his time at Notre Dame, and Walton set a high bar of his own on Saturday.

The Irish opened the second quarter at their own 3-yard line and Walton quickly turned the field position into a 20-0 Notre Dame lead with a 97-yard touchdown run.

Walton admitted he was a little gassed by the end of the run, but celebrating with his teammates gave him a second wind.

“I was tired because that was a long run,” laughed Walton. “I'm grateful for it and the celebration with my teammates, them loving me up. It was a lot, but the adrenaline helped a good bit.” 

Over the last two weeks, Walton has rushed for 301 yards and two touchdowns while averaging an impressive 8.3 yards per carry.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman spoke highly of Walton during fall camp, but the freshman’s recent production reflects more than just his natural ability.

Freeman has seen a noticeable improvement in Walton’s preparation and consistency throughout the week.

“What you're seeing now is that he's being consistent in practice, consistent in his reads, consistent in what he is every single day,” explained Freeman. “That's giving him more opportunities to go out there and play on the field. When you're consistent in your everyday play and everyday expectations, now you'll get more opportunities.”

Freeman wasn’t necessarily surprised to see Walton break loose for a 97-yard touchdown. What pleased him most was seeing the Georgia native’s development translate from practice to game day.

“That was a great play,” Freeman said. “One is God-given ability. He's got some speed on him. Once he broke it, I didn't think he was going to get caught. He's learning how to practice and prepare consistently every day. If he continues to do that, man, he's got a bright future.” 

So where did Walton’s improved practice habits come from? Look no further than Notre Dame’s running back room.

Walton credited sophomore Nolan James Jr. and junior Aneyas Williams for showing him the way while making him feel welcome in the group.

“I learned how to really practice at this level,” Walton stated. “Those are two really impressive running backs that I continuously want to learn from. The way they read, the way they work throughout, the way they train. I'm just continuously looking up to those guys.”

Freeman preaches Team Glory on a daily basis, and Notre Dame’s running back room might be one of the clearest examples of that philosophy in action.

A year ago, Love and Jadarian Price shared the spotlight. This season, James and Williams have helped Walton develop, creating an environment where individual success doesn't come at the expense of the group.

“We're always having each other's backs,” explained Walton. “Whatever we see, that's something that we can get better on in that single rep. We're always helping each other. Everybody wants to see each other succeed.” 

Walton hasn't earned a starting role in the blue and gold just yet. That opportunity could come soon, but the freshman isn't concerned with who gets the first carry.

In fact, coming off the bench offers Walton an opportunity to study how the defense is playing Notre Dame's running game before he enters the action.

“It helps me see how the defense is playing the running backs,” Walton said of coming off the bench. “It doesn't matter who starts. It matters what you do when you get into the game.” 

As for what's next, Walton isn't focused on setting lofty goals or looking too far down the road.

He's concentrating on getting better every day.

“It's just my freshman year, so I have such a long road ahead of me to continuously try to improve, try to work on my craft,” said Walton. “Getting faster, getting stronger, or reading better. It's just going every single day and trying to get to the best version of myself.” 

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