Notre Dame added to its fantastic running back depth as Jadarian Price signed early with the Irish. Price is the lone running back in the Notre Dame 2022 recruiting class. However, with three underclassmen slated to get carries in 2022, quality, not quantity, was the Irish focus. And quality they are getting in Jadarian Price.
Price is a top-20 running back and top-200 overall prospect. For comparison, Kyren Williams was the #24 running back in his class and ripped off back-to-back 1000 yard seasons. Williams’ heir apparent, Logan Diggs, was the 35th-ranked back in his class. Price comes in as a very nice get for the Irish in this class. The Irish offense will have a blend of young talent and experience in 2022, and Price could contribute sooner than later.
Jadarian Price Fits the Mold
Price’s signing made good on his verbal commitment to the Irish in February. Oklahoma State and Stanford were among the schools in hot pursuit of the Denison, Texas product. Price visited the Cowboys early in the recruiting process, and Stanford received a few crystal ball predictions for the all-purpose back. Ultimately, though, Price remained locked in on the Irish. He’s an exciting prospect with three-down back potential. He received comparisons to UNC’s Ty Chandler, who was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Tar Heels this season.
The scouting report on Price should sound familiar to Irish fans. Recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks describes Price in his report: “A tough-minded runner with impressive instincts and vision.” That sounds a lot like the tough-running Williams, and it’s the same qualities Diggs and Estime have featured. Price is a little leaner than any of those backs, but the Irish strength program should provide him a little opportunity to add some power. He also operated more as a receiving back in his last two seasons, which fits well with the Irish offensive scheme.
Price could see the field quickly, but given the Irish depth and Price’s skillset, it may be worth giving him a year. He is an exceptional talent, but a little time with a college workout program to add some speed and size would be beneficial. He fits the mold of previous Irish backs and there’s no reason to jump the gun on using him, given the talent ahead of him. Price is a very solid offensive recruit and versatile threat for a loaded Irish running back room. Diggs, fellow freshman Audric Estime and sophomore Chris Tyree all figure to get carries next season.
