They've come a long way from having to move receivers to the backfield just to be able to practice

We begin a new exercise following Notre Dame's 10-3 campaign.

Notre Dame running back Gi'Bran Payne finds himself in line for a significant role in 2023 and Marcus Freeman has changed a few key points around the Irish program this summer.

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman spoke on Monday as the Fighting Irish prepare for Saturday's season-opener against Navy in Dublin, Ireland.

Coach Deland McCullough has intentionally managed the workload of the Notre Dame running back stable, pulling multiple backs from contact periods during fall camp. “I feel a lot fresher,” Audric Estimé said. “I feel like my legs are underneath me more.”

Notre Dame running back Gi'Bran Payne spoke following Tuesday's practice.

Notre Dame running backs coach Deland McCullough spoke following Tuesday’s practice.

Notre Dame made the entirety of fall camp practice No. 1 open to the media on Wednesday. The Fighting Irish wore helmets without shoulder pads.

Two Fighting Irish players have rushed for at least 800 yards six times in the history of the program, but 2023 will mark the first time that both members of the backfield duo return.

A string of lower-body injuries limited Payne in each of the last three seasons. Now, the former blue-chip prospect is back to 100% health and receiving a heavy workload with the Fighting Irish this spring.

Notre Dame running back Gi'Bran Payne spoke following Thursday's practice.

Greg Flammang and Jamie Uyeyama bring on ISD’s Drew Mentock to talk about the Notre Dame offense after seeing them in last Saturday's open practice

Everybody is returning in the Notre Dame backfield and the Irish are adding more speed to position as well

Notre Dame returned to the practice field on Friday and ISD was on site for its entirety.

Running back Gi'Bran Payne is starting to become comfortable at Notre Dame as he hopes to contribute in 2022.

Notre Dame will have four scholarship running backs at its disposal. All of them are working hard at various aspects of their games in order to be prepared for a 12-game season.

Notre Dame running backs coach Deland McCullough spoke following Wednesday's practice.

Notre Dame returned to the practice field on Friday and ISD was on site for the first five periods.