Notre Dame’s Running Backs Coach Wants the Pressure to Lift

When the Irish lost both Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the NFL, the void in the backfield was palpable. No fresh faces arrived via the transfer portal, so the burden fell squarely on the shoulders of the players who earned their reps, especially junior Aneyas Williams.

Williams has flashed the ability to be a game‑changer in limited action, but this season his numbers have been underwhelming: 119 rushing yards on 29 carries, a 4.1‑yard average – the lowest mark of his South Bend tenure. It’s a stark contrast to the explosive runs he delivered as a sophomore.

On Tuesday, running‑back coach Ja'Juan Seider addressed the media and the concern that’s been bubbling in the locker room. “He’s trying to please everybody,” Seider said, gesturing toward Williams. “Stop.” The comment, originally captured by Pete Sampson on social media, was blunt, but it carried a deeper message: the kid needs to drop the mental clutter and trust his instincts.

Seider’s advice is hardly a novel coaching mantra, yet it feels urgent. The Irish have been battling the same pressure for three straight games, averaging under four yards per carry. Even the All‑22 film shows a blend of missed blocks, hesitant cuts, and a lingering hesitation that feels almost palpable.

Head coach Marcus Freeman, ever the pragmatist, echoed the sentiment in his post‑game press conference after the win over Michigan State. He praised the offense’s spark in the air but admitted the ground game still feels “a little bit stuck.” Freeman reminded everyone that the season is long, and early‑season growing pains are normal – especially when you replace two first‑round talents.

So what’s the plan? Seider says the answer is not a schematic overhaul but a mental reset. Let the runner see the hole, make the first move, and don’t worry about the playbook’s finer points in the moment. “Play your game,” he urged. “You’re here because you’ve earned it.”

If the Irish can shed the weight of expectation, the backfield could rediscover the fluidity that made South Bend’s rushing attack a nightmare for opponents two seasons ago. Until then, fans will keep listening for that simple cue from Seider – stop overthinking, just run.