Florida running back Tarean Folston announced his verbal commitment to Notre Dame at the Under Armor All-American Bowl this afternoon, choosing the Irish over the Oregon Ducks. Folston, long at the top of Notre Dame’s wish list as a dual-threat running back, chose the Irish over a slew of other offers that included Florida, Florida State, Nebraska and Stanford.
At 5-foot-9, 190-pounds, Folston doesn’t figure to be the type of workhorse runner that carries the offensive load. Yet paired with fellow Florida prospect Greg Bryant, he gives the Irish two of the very best running backs in the state of Florida.
Folston’s versatility looks to be one of his strongest traits. In early reports from the Under Armor game, Folston was excelling as a defensive back, working well in coverage before flipping to the offensive side of the ball and doing the same. Whether it’s working as a pass catcher or runner, there’s room for him in the Irish offense — with Theo Riddick’s departure opening up a role that seems perfectly suited for Folston.
Folston looks to be one of the final offensive pieces of the recruiting class, a strong group of skill players that are joining a rock solid offensive line class. After making his announcement public on ESPN, Folston caught up with IrishSportsDaily.com’s Christian McCollum, talking about the decision.
“Notre Dame is just a home feeling,” Folston told ISD. “It’s a lot of guys striving for the same goal, getting to that championship and winning it. I think these guys are going to succeed this year. And next year when we get there, we’re going to do it also.”
Folston, a consensus four-star prospect across the board, is the 22nd member of the Irish recruiting class. He might not be the only recruit to commit at the All-Star game, with safety Max Redfield also set to make a decision shortly.
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Reuters
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