Notre Dame Loses Top RB Tarean Folston for Season due to Injury

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Notre Dame trounced Texas on Saturday but the big win came with big consequences losing starting running back Tarean Folston for the season due to injury.

Folston tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on his third carry of the game.

The Fighting Irish backfield entered the season threadbare with Folston being the most experienced back after Greg Bryant left the program following the 2014 season. Folston led the Irish in rushing a year ago with 889 yards and six scores carrying a 5.1 yard per rush average. Bryant was second on the team with 298 yards and three scores.

With Folston out converted junior wide receiver C.J. Prosise took over carrying the ball 20 times against the Longhorns for 98 yards. Freshman Josh Adams had a great night filling in as a backup with 49 yards on five carries with two touchdowns.

The upside is Prosise is built like a running back listed at 6’1”, 220. He also brings a pass catching element to the offense but running between the tackles might be challenging early. The downside is head coach Brian Kelly is now forced to push true freshman Dexter Williams into a contributor role.

On the field Notre Dame took care of Texas winning 38-3. The Irish put up 527 yards of total offense while limiting the Longhorns to 163 yards. NDU quarterback Malik Zaire was spectacular in the season opener hitting 19-of-22 pass attempts for 313 yards with three touchdowns.

Notre Dame takes the field in Week 2 on the road against Virginia.

Photo credit: Nam Y. Huh; No. 20 CJ Prosise rushes against Texas.