Iron Sharpens Iron in RB Room

Autry Denson has seen his running backs have great success in his time at Notre Dame and it all goes back to the culture he has established. The ability to find kids that fit into that culture has allowed his players to develop a belief in his message.  

“I think that starts with recruiting,” Denson stated. “My approach is always the truth. We want to recruit really good football players and really good young men. The culture I have established in the room, and the guys trust me enough to buy into it; it’s about the room. It’s about moving forward as a unit. The person that is actually playing at the time, his responsibility isn’t to play for himself, but to play and represent for his brothers that aren’t playing.

“He takes that responsibility seriously and the guys that aren’t playing root and push him because their time is coming.”

While Denson’s message has kept the room united, it’s also important to note the talent in the room. Josh Adams has rushed for 1,768 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons at Notre Dame. Dexter Williams could very well be one of the most explosive running backs Notre Dame has had, while sophomore Tony Jones Jr. could be the most complete back on the team.

Sophomore Deon McIntosh has shown flashes during camp, and freshman CJ Holmes is extremely talented but is coming off shoulder surgery, which has limited him during camp.  

It’s not easy to watch another guy get carries, but each running back has bought into the process, and there isn’t a negative vibe from those not getting touches.

“My guys genuinely love each other,” stated Denson. “They root for each other. They go at it and compete. At the same time, they want the best for everyone because they care about each other. There isn’t any animosity.”  

With the talent in the room, the competition is at an all-time high in 2017. Denson makes sure each back prepares like the starter regardless of the spot on the depth chart.

“Not one of those guys in that room is just another face,” Denson said. “There is no way to prepare to be No. 2. I want five or six that feel like they are the No. 1, but realistic enough to work for it and continue to grind for it.

“When you create that environment, it will work itself out. Hard work is always rewarded.”

The running backs bond with each other has also allowed them to take pieces from each other to incorporate into their own games.  

“Tony Jones is going to be Tony Jones,” said Denson. “The cool thing is when you put the right talent together, they want what’s best for them, but they see the bigger picture.

“The guys borrow from each other’s game. What Tony came in with, those nuggets he has got from Josh and Dexter has enhanced his game mentally and physically. Iron sharpens iron, and that’s what is going on in our room. I don’t have to worry about keeping those guys happy. They will play themselves on the field.”