Rivals250 running back Audric Estime thought he could put his recruitment behind him when he committed to Michigan State back in September. Then he went on a warpath this season with his Montvale (N.J) St. Joseph’s Regional team, putting up huge statistics, and gaining more attention on the recruiting trail.
Notre Dame, Penn State, and Wisconsin were just a few of the teams pursuing Estime in the last few months but the offer from Notre Dame, which came on Monday, was just too much for him to pass up.
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CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
COVERAGE: Rivals Transfer Tracker | Rivals Camp Series
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IN HIS OWN WORDS...
“I think it was just about the fit for me,” Estime said. “It's a great program and great school academically and athletically. I think Notre Dame will put me in the best position to be successful and reach my goals in life of getting to the next level and to be a successful man for my family down the road.
“I think they way that they will use me is perfect,” he said. “I know what I bring to the table and I know what their offense brings to the table. The way they use their running backs is great and their offensive line is always known to be great. They're dominant in the trenches and open up holes. I know I can be dangerous running behind a good offensive line.
“I’ve been talking to the coaches all the time,” said Estime. “Doing a lot of FaceTime calls and getting to know the coaches is what really helped build these relationships.”
WHAT NOTRE DAME IS GETTING
Estime is a very tough runner that can pick up big chunks of yards running between the tackles or off the edge. He’s more of a power back that can shrug off would-be tacklers or drag them for a few extra yards. Estime has really improved over the last year in a few areas. He showed better balance and overall athleticism this season, hurdling some defenders and bouncing off others. Estime has also done a better job catching the ball. It’s clear he spent a lot of time in the weight room as well. Estime showed up this season much stronger with very little body fat. He ran for more than 1,800 yards, averaged just under 10 yards per carry, scored a total of 24 touchdowns, and added about 180 receiving yards. Against some of the best competition in the country, Estime ran for more than 300 yards in two games and over 200 yards in four more games.
WHY IT'S BIG FOR THE FIGHTING IRISH
Notre Dame’s running game is really clicking this season behind some tough running from Kyren Williams and the speed of freshman Chris Tyree. They’re going to need some strong inside runners and Estime should be able to fill that need early in his career. Notre Dame, at least on paper, should have plenty of depth at the position but none of the backs will be as big or as strong as Estime.
