INDIANAPOLIS - Jeremiyah Love, the former Notre Dame standout running back, is making waves at the NFL Scouting Combine, not just with his athletic prowess but with his infectious confidence and humor. As he navigates the spotlight, Love is climbing up the mock draft boards with ease.
"I'm just being myself," Love shared during a lively 13-minute media session. "Whether I'm projected as a top 10 pick or a first-round pick, it doesn't change who I am. I'm going to go out there and be myself, no matter where I go."
With the NFL Draft still a couple of months away, Love is consistently projected to be a top 10 pick, with some even suggesting he might land as high as No. 5 with the New York Giants.
The last time a Notre Dame running back was selected in the first round was when Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis went 10th to the Rams in 1993. Before Bettis, Greg Bell and Vagas Ferguson were late first-round picks in 1984 and 1980, respectively.
Love is poised to become just the fourth Notre Dame running back to be a first-round pick since the 1970 merger.
"No matter when my name's called, I'm going to be Jeremiyah Love," he emphasized. "It's an honor to be recognized this way. I plan to prove myself right and prove everybody else right as well."
After clinching the Doak Walker Award and finishing third in Heisman voting, Love has become a favorite among draft analysts. He highlighted his versatility on Friday, showcasing his skills in running, receiving, and blocking, all honed during his tenure at Notre Dame.
"I want to be used as a weapon," Love stated. "Coach (Mike) Denbrock at Notre Dame made sure I was involved in the passing game, using me more as a receiver than just a running back."
Despite the trend of devaluing running backs, Love's buzz suggests a shift. Saquon Barkley's impact with the 2024 Super Bowl-winning Eagles started this change. Love also pointed out that the latest Super Bowl MVP was Seattle's Kenneth Walker, a testament to the position's growing significance.
"Running backs are very valuable," Love noted. "Kenneth Walker's success in the Super Bowl is paving the way for new and existing players, elevating the role of running backs in the league."