Notre Dame Eyes a Trio of Running Backs to Add to an Ultra-Talented Position Group

Notre Dame has been after three highly touted running backs on the recruiting trail. Although they will not be able to add all three, any one of these players would inject elite-level talent into what is already the most talented position group on the roster.

Photo via Javian Osborne, Instagram (@osborne__era)

Jeremiyah Love was a first-time starter in 2024-2025, and is now squarely in the middle of "too early" Heisman conversations for next season. Jadarian Price is Love's bruising second act that would be number one on the depth chart for a vast number of teams across the country. Aneyas Williams has carved out a consistent third-down role with the Fighting Irish, where his pass pro abilities and receiving skills out of the backfield are on full display. In my estimation, this trio holds the title of best running back room in the nation, but that doesn't mean Notre Dame isn't looking to make its strength even stronger. Javian Osborne, Jonaz Walton, and Brian Bonner are all Top-10 running backs at the high school level, and the beautiful part is that they all possess slightly different skill sets that have earned each high praise. I got a chance to watch all three recently, and want to compare and contrast what it is that makes them special, and why Notre Dame would love to land any one of them.

Jonaz Walton - Central High School (GA)

Walton has a compact build and is an absolute tank of a running back. He possesses elite contact balance and a strong lower body, which will allow him to excel as a between-the-tackles runner. He does not have top-end acceleration on his initial burst through the line, but what he does have is very good long speed, which makes it difficult for defenders to hawk him down from behind once he creates some distance. He consistently runs through leg tackles from second and third-level defenders, and has a nasty stiff arm that he does not hesitate to deploy in the open field. He provides some plus value as a pass catcher with the physicality to catch through contact, although his route tree is limited. One of the most impressive things about Walton is his ability to stand in and pass protect. I hesitate to call any high school running back "polished" in pass protection, but he keeps a good base and he is able to anchor down and pair his upper and lower body strength to stonewall blitzers off the edge or up the middle. It's an impressive thing for a senior in high school to excel in.

Javian Osborne - Forney High School (TX)

Of the three running backs, Osborne is going to be making his commitment announcement the soonest, with a set date of May 3rd. Osborne has very good athletic ability across the board. His agility and change of direction shine in how he can consistently make defenders miss in tight spaces. He has good acceleration, which allows him to pull away from defenders in the open field. Osborne runs with very good patience, which is hard to instill in young running backs, and allows his blocks to develop before hitting his opening with very good burst. He has an explosive jump cut that he uses after pressing the hole, quickly finding space to attack. In the open field, he is not as physical as Walton, but still shows some good contact balance and loves to implement some hurdles when defenders go low. Osborne also shows a willingness to pass protect, but whereas Walton leans on his overall strength and technique, Osborne prefers to implement cut blocks and tries to take defenders out at the legs.

Brian Bonner - Valencia High School (CA)

Bonner probably has the smoothest running style of the three. He has good height and weight with a frame that projects to be able to add more muscle without affecting speed. Bonner possesses very good vision, making excellent reads on where his running lane is going to be and using good angles in the open field to set up defenders to miss the tackle or be blocked. He consistently fights for more yardage without letting the first guy take him down. Bonner has good mental processing, knowing when to hit the hole hard and when to be patient and allow for his pulling lineman to get out in front and create running lanes. He is also is aware of when to get through his first gap quickly, but then slow down half a step to let second-level blocks get in place. Of the three, Bonner offers the most upside as a receiving back, showing soft hands and the ability to high-point the ball and adjust around his frame to haul in low or wide passes. He can be used vertically down the field, not just on screens and swing routes.

No comparison of players is one-to-one, but just as a fun exercise, I found a comparison for each of the above prospects to other running backs that have donned the golden dome.

Jonaz Walton - Audric Estime

The minute I put on the tape for Walton, Estime popped into my head. Walton's build and downhill running style are very reminiscent of Estime, who racked up 29 touchdowns his last two seasons at Notre Dame. If Walton ends up choosing Notre Dame, fans should be very excited.

Javian Osborne - Jeremiyah Love (ish)

I had to add the "ish" because Love is already one of, if not the best, running backs in the country, so it wouldn't be fair to Osborne. But in terms of running style, similarities do exist. Osborne's ability to make defenders miss in a phone booth and then pull away from the pack resembles what Notre Dame fans are used to seeing Love do. Not to mention, Osborne's willingness to go airborne and over the top of defenders, well, there is nothing more Jeremiyah Love than that.

Brian Bonner - Theo Riddick

This comparison more so lies with Bonner's ability to catch out of the backfield. Riddick did not become a starter until his senior season, but was able to compile over 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns as a pass catcher during his time at Notre Dame. Bonner offers the same plus value upside as a receiving option, but with even more talent as a runner and a chance to be a true workhorse.

One thing that is certain about the 2025-2026 season for Notre Dame is that there will be a new quarterback starting under center. One of the surefire ways to ease that transition is by providing a potent running game for them to lean on. Having Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneyas Williams just so happens to be as potent as it gets. Now, once again, Marcus Freeman, Ja'Juan Seider, and the rest of the recruiting department have Notre Dame in play for some of the most talented running backs in the country. Whichever they land, if any, will continue to build out a lethal position group that can be relied upon for years to come.

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