Notre Dame Football: The Rise of Fighting Irish Running Back Jonas Gray

For any coach, regardless of sport or league, it's beyond frustrating to have a highly talented player failing to reach his potential. Such was the case with Notre Dame running back Jonas Gray.

Gray, a Detroit native, and graduate of Country Day High School, committed to former Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis in October of 2007. It was surely a victory to secure a 4-Star recruit like Jonas Gray for a program in the midst of one the worst seasons in school history.

Upon receiving his official letter of intent on National Signing Day 2008, Fighting Irish fans began to proclaim Jonas Gray as the "next big thing" at Notre Dame.

The program hadn't had a dominating running back since Julius Jones graduated following the 2003 season. It was Jonas Gray who was destined to fill the shoes that Jones had left behind five years prior.

Unfortunately, Gray didn't live up to the hype during his first three seasons on campus. He was buried on the depth chart behind running backs Armando Allen, Robert Hughes and James Aldridge.

Throughout the 2010 season, it was becoming apparent that Jonas Gray would be relegated to the bench for the remainder of his career in South Bend.

However, that notion was eradicated at the conclusion of last season.

With Robert Hughes having exhausted his eligibility, Brian Kelly was in need of a powerful, bruising back.

Thankfully for Jonas Gray, Kelly turned to him to fulfill that role.

It wouldn't be easy, though.

Since his high school playing days, Gray has been a naturally big athlete. Yet, he was reluctant to play like he weighed 230 pounds. More often than not, Gray molded his style of play after smaller, more shifty running backs.

Brian Kelly made it clear that Gray needed to become an "enforcer" on the football field, similar to former Irish great, and Super Bowl champion, Jerome Bettis.

Bettis, in town for Notre Dame's summer fantasy camp, just happened to be the man who pulled Jonas Gray aside and give him some words of wisdom.

Brian Kelly had to have been appreciative of Bettis' advice (via the Chicago Tribune):

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"He had a conversation with Jerome Bettis, and since that conversation, I've seen a difference in his demeanor when he comes to practice."

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Not only was there a noticeable difference on the practice field, but the results have also been apparent on Saturdays.

When Notre Dame has needed a few yards in critical situations, it has turned to, perhaps, the most underrated running back in college football, who has embraced his role. 

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"If they gave me the freedom to make jukes all the time, I'm sure I would be doing that," Gray said. "That wasn't what the team needed. That wasn't a part of my role. From watching Rob (Hughes) last season, and obviously talking to Jerome Bettis, that's what it came down to."

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Thankfully for Jonas Gray, he has reached his potential.