SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Josh Adams is probably selling himself short.
The freshman running back’s 98-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of Notre Dame’s 28-7 win over Wake Forest is the longest play from scrimmage in program history. It’s the longest play from scrimmage by an FBS player this season, and is tied for the longest run by a freshman in FBS history.
Adams, after the game, gave all the credit to Ronnie Stanley, Quenton Nelson, Nick Martin, Steve Elmer and Mike McGlinchey.
[MORE: DeShone Kizer takes the next step toward being a championship QB]
“That just means this group of offensive linemen got the longest run in Notre Dame history,” Adams said.
“… Getting to the opportunity to run behind a group like that who has a lot of experience working together, especially me being a young player, getting that experience of what it’s like to run behind a line like that, it’s definitely something that’s humbling.”
But Adams still delivered a punishing stiff-arm to Wake Forest safety Ryan Janvion. He’s stopped for a nice gain if he doesn’t successful shove Janvion away from him, and then he still had to out-run Wake Forest’s defense, so he deserves more credit than he gave himself for the run.
“The only thing I was thinking was don’t get caught from behind,” Adams said. “That’s like a running back’s worst dream, getting caught from behind. You just want to kick it into another gear.”
He also credited his wide receivers, specifically Chris Brown, who delivered a key block downfield to allow him to glide untouched into the end zone.
[NBC SHOP: Gear up, Notre Dame fans!]
Adams’ run was the highlight of a generally insipid afternoon. He started in place of C.J. Prosise, who sat out Saturday’s game after suffering a concussion last week against Pitt.
Prosise is expected back for Notre Dame’s date with Boston College next week at Fenway Park, but Adams has carved out a larger role in the Irish offense with back-to-back weeks in which he’s rushed for 147 and 141 yards, respectively.
“He is a young man that runs tough, physical, between the tackles, and has size, strength and speed,” coach Brian Kelly said. “He's got all those things, and he's only going to get better. It's nice to see a true freshman out there competing at that level.”
