(Notre Dame) — When Ja’Juan Seider left Penn State’s running back room to come coach that group at Notre Dame, he wasn’t fully sure what to expect.  After all, in this era of the transfer portal, the veteran coach knew a coaching change might lead some players to depart.

“The one thing I can say about the whole room is it’s so refreshing to be unselfish,” noted Seider after Saturday’s practice. “Kudos to all these kids. We had every kid come back in a world where it’s easy to transfer and go chase money. Every kid stayed to the course. They know J-Love’s here. They know Jadarian (Price) is here. They’re waiting for their time. I can’t thank them enough. I tell them all the time ‘I apreciate you being unselfish.'”

With a room full of great backs, Seider will have to work hard to find time for everyone, but there’s no doubt Jeremiyah Love will have an enhanced role this season. The junior from St. Louis has been more involved in the passing game this season, where he can be a huge mismatch for linebackers and nickel backs.

“I get real excited, because when I’m in open space, I feel like I can do a lot of good for the team,” smiles Love. “Whenever I get outside and get to line up at receiver, it’s just a different kind of feel. I feel more free. I feel like I am able to do more. It’s one-on-one. It’s me against you, and I’m gonna win that every single time.”

That doesn’t mean Love won’t get his share of carries, too, but don’t be surprised to see him lining up in two-back sets with Price. The junior from Denison, Texas was overshadowed by Love last season, but still ran for 746 yards and seven touchdowns.

“We’ve been asking for this (two-back sets) since Coach McCullough was here and Coach Denbrock finally listened to us,” laughs Price. “We’ll have a lot in store this upcoming fall. I just want to be productive on every down, be trustworthy on every down.”

Much like McCullough, Seider will likely be able to rotate a number of backs through the offense, including 240-pound redshirt freshman Kedren Young. Despite his size, the Lufkin, Texas native has a burst that makes him dangerous.

“He’s a kid that’s ready to play,” states Seider. “Kedren will play. I don’t the roles yet, but he’s kid that’s tough. He’s physical. He’s a load to bring down. He’s lea. He’s big-bodied. It’s gonna be hard for people to attack him one-on-one. So I think he’s got a bright future.”

Young adds “I’m bigger and stronger now. When you run to contact, people bump off you. It always gives an advantage when I’m running fast, I can break a tackle.”

And don’t forget about sophomore Aneyas Williams. The Hannibal, Missouri native made some big plays in the College Football Playoff, showing versatility as a runner and receiver.

“For the longest time I told myself ‘you’re just a freshman’,” admits Williams. “Just getting rid of that whole mindset this year. I’ll do a little bit more out of the backfield. Obviously, running the ball a little bit more and even get out in space in the slot a little bit.”

Throw in bruising junior Gi’Bran Payne who returns from an injury last season and freshman Nolan James, Jr., and it’s easy to unerstand Seider’s excitement entering the season.

“I told the guys ‘I don’t need you to be something you’re not'”, challenges the Irish coach. “I need your best version of yourself. Let me coach you hard. I need to earn their trust, because if they know I’ve got their best intentions, they’re going to give me their best effort.”