Nolan James Jr. calls Week 1 performance ‘average’ after first career touchdown

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame running back Nolan James Jr. scored the first touchdown of his college career and finished with 67 receiving yards in the Irish’s season-opening win over Wisconsin. His grade for himself? Average.

“I think I kinda hyped it up in my head a little bit too much going into it,” James said. “I was trying to press things a little too much and I think that resulted in my performance.”

The sophomore entered the season without a college reception and with just 37 career rushing yards. Against Wisconsin, James caught four passes for 67 yards, averaging 16.8 yards per reception. Two of those catches went for 28 yards.

With Notre Dame leading by three in the second half, James turned a short pass from quarterback C.J. Carr into a 28-yard gain to the Wisconsin 6-yard line, helping set up an Aneyas Williams touchdown.

James followed a similar formula late in the fourth quarter, taking another Carr pass 28 yards for his first career touchdown.

“It was really cool,” James said. “Scoring is always cool, but that one was a little more special since that was my first one. It was almost nice to get it out of the way.”

With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price now in the NFL, Notre Dame is developing a new identity in the backfield. Williams earned the Week 1 start, but James showed how his ability as a receiver could give the Irish another weapon.

Pass game coordinator Gino Guidugli said James’ versatility creates favorable matchups, particularly against linebackers.

“We can use Nolan in a bunch of different schemes, like we can use a receiver,” Guidugli said. “When we have the opportunity to get him matched up on linebackers, that’s going to play in Notre Dame’s advantage every week.”

Head coach Marcus Freeman also praised James’ performance, calling him a “phenomenal” talent who made the most of his opportunity and was rewarded with his first touchdown.

For James, however, Week 1 was only a starting point.

“I have to be more patient and just slow down and let the game come to me,” James said. “Going forward in the season I know where I have to improve.”