Irish Should Ride The “Estime Express” In 2023
Ever since Sam Hartman’s arrival to Notre Dame, he has been the center of attention when it comes to discussions about the Irish offense and how it may look different in 2023. This is quite understandable. QB is the most important individual position in sports and Irish fans have waited years to see one be able to light up the passing game with confidence & ease.
But what about Hartman’s supporting cast? Notre Dame is hopeful multiple Wide Receivers emerge as weekly threats, but this is largely still a group of unknowns at this point. So what can / will Notre Dame be able to rely on? Hopefully, the offensive line and running back group, led by Audric Estime.
Let’s examine the different reasons he may be one the most important players on the field for Notre Dame in 2023.
Reliability
A player can only be effective if they are actually playing. Estime is ultra-reliable. He’s a player that does not need to be at 100% to be a difference-maker. With what is expected to be a very solid offensive line, there’s no reason Audric can’t have a terrific year. One that may lead him to enter his name in the next NFL draft.
Aside from the attributes Estime brings to the table himself, the loss of Logan Diggs makes it almost a guarantee that he will get more carries this year than those previous. Number 7 is poised for a huge year.
Mentality of Physicality
When Irish fans see Estime, they have instant flashbacks of Jerome Bettis. This is quite the compliment in every way. He’s a throwback runner in many ways. He prefers to deliver hits rather than absorb them. He’d rather go through you than around you. This is a physical gift but also a mental one. His mindset of physicality makes him a dangerous weapon to an opposing defense and a natural leader.
Estime seems to gain energy as games move into the later stages. This is such a rare attribute. He can grind on defenses, push them around, then eventually drag them down the field. He’s the perfect “game closer” in this way. He’s getting lathered up while the opponent is getting worn down. It’s a beautiful thing.
Hartman Impact
The arrival of Sam Hartman should also help Estime succeed in 2023. Unlike in recent years, the Irish offense should be able to stretch the field on opposing defenses much more effectively in 2023. This will force teams to have to play “honest” and defend the entire field rather than being able to cheat up near the line of scrimmage.
There is the possibility that as the Irish will run the ball less overall in 2023 with a more capable passing game emerging, but the runs that are available will be more likely to provide open creases and room to navigate.
Experience
Audric Estime knows it’s his time. He knows what it takes to be great and has been determined to get better week to week, game to game year to year. He is laser-focused on being in the best shape possible entering 23′ and has his eyes on a great season for Notre Dame and possibly entry in the NFL Draft.
Audric will be one of the key cogs to the Irish offense next year and will be a leader by literal force. He will be a perfect punch to lean on, especially early in the year as Notre Dame fine-tunes its newfound passing game.
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