As a running back in the game of football, every yard counts. Whether it is breaking the next tackle, reaching the ball as far as possible toward the first down marker or depending on a teammate for a block to get down the field, running backs can help make or break a game. University of Notre Dame sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love takes this duty to a whole new level by doing one thing in particular that has gained national recognition: hurdling defenders.
Some may be wondering where Love came from this season. As a freshman, Love was the primary backup along with sophomore Jadarian Price to junior Audric Estime, but after Estime declared for the draft and opted out of the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, Love had the opportunity to have his first career start in a bowl victory for the Fighting Irish. During the offseason, Love put in the work, gaining 20 pounds, making him a harder target for opponents.
This season, Love became the go-to RB, starting in every game that Notre Dame Football has competed in. He has helped the Fighting Irish to a 14-2 record, with seven recorded wins against ranked opponents and one of the highest scoring offenses in the nation, eventually making it to the National Championship. In the 2024 season, Love had 163 carries for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns.
“Listen, Jeremiyah Love is gonna create a big play. He’s got a chance to create a big play every time he has a ball in his hands,” said Notre Dame Dick Corbett Head Coach Marcus Freeman at a postgame press conference on Oct. 26, 2024. “And, that’s what I saw today. Some really good connections and executions between the wideout and quarterback, but also Jeremiyah Love being Jeremiyah Love.”
Now, what has Love gained the attention of football fans around the nation for doing? Hurdling people. That’s right, hurdling his opponents during games has become Love’s favorite, and also most effective, way of gaining more yardage on each of his carries. This strategy has clearly worked as his average yards per carry has increased from 5.4 in the 2023 season to 6.9 in the 2024 season. Love’s hurdling first gained attention from fans and spectators during Notre Dame’s game against Army in Yankee Stadium, when he jumped over a defender for a touchdown. Since then, he has showcased his vertical many times, drawing in many fans, and impressing a lot of the football community.
“After the NIU game, I kinda just wanted to do [the hurdle] and once I got my first one off, it was just kinda like dang this is fun,” said Love in an interview prior to the College Football Playoff Championship. “Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I’ll probably take it and I just like to show off my athleticism and show what I can do. It’s also fun – jumping over people.”
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