Notre Dame Football Recruiting: 5 Running Backs Who May Sign with Irish

With a lack of depth at the running back position, it is the most urgent need for Brian Kelly and his staff during the current recruiting cycle.

As the mid-way point of July has passed, the Irish still have not reeled in a running back.

Some have started to worry, but those worries should be tossed away.

Just look at what defensive coordinator Bob Diaco was able to do with Ishaq Williams and Stephon Tuitt during the last recruiting go round.

There's reason to believe that he and his fellow coaches will be able to bring in at least one elite running back in this class.

Following are five backs who Notre Dame is still in the mix to receive a commitment from.

5. Chris Mangus

Chris Mangus of Broughton High School in Raleigh, North Carolina has been targeted by Notre Dame.

A three star prospect according to Rivals.com, Chris Mangus is one of the faster running backs in the 2012 class as he has been clocked at 4.46 in the 40.

According to IrishIllustrated.com, Chris Mangus had a "good vibe" during his visit to campus in June.

Aside from Notre Dame, Chris Mangus has received offers from Clemson, Duke, East Carolina, Memphis, Minnesota, North Carolina State, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

4. Dami Ayoola

National high school power Saint Thomas Aquinas has produced another great prospect in running back Dami Ayoola.

A power back at 5'10" and 201 pounds, Dami Ayoola has garnered a lot of attention from major programs including Notre Dame.

He received a scholarship offer from the Irish in May.

Dami Ayoola has left his options open to this point as his list of offers includes Auburn, Boston College, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Rutgers, South Florida, West Virginia and Wisconsin, among others.

3. I'Tavius Mathers

I'Tavius Mathers, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee native, is a dynamic running back who has great size (6'0", 195) and speed (4.5).

According to Irish Eyes, I'Tavius Mathers has shown interest in Notre Dame despite having received offers from many SEC schools.

Among the schools that have offered him are Alabama, Kentucky, Memphis, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia and Wake Forest.

2. KeiVarae Russell

KeiVarae Russell, a speedster out of Everett, Washington, recently named his top three.

Lucky for Notre Dame, the Irish were among those three with the other two schools being Washington and Cal. 

Tight ends coach Mike Denbrock is KeiVarae Russell's main recruiter and has done a great job thus far as the only official visit that KeiVarae Russell has taken is to Notre Dame.

Keep an eye on KeiVarae Russell as he may be making a final decision in the next month or so.

1. Byron Marshall

San Jose, California native Byron Marshall has been rated a four star prospect by Rivals.com and is being recruited primarily by west coast schools.

Byron Marshall has also received an offer from Notre Dame.

The Irish are certainly in the running according to IrishIllustrated.com.

Byron Marshall says that he has heard a lot from the coaches at Notre Dame and is considering taking an unofficial visit this summer.