Jones finally back with the Irish

Originally Published: September 3, 2003

By Adam Rittenberg | Special to ESPN Insider

First, the facts: Notre Dame senior RB Julius Jones will play Saturday against Washington State. How much? Coach Tyrone Willingham isn't saying. "As soon as I say exactly how many minutes a young man must play and it doesn't happen, he's very disappointed," Willingham said. "You know we want to get him in, he's very excited about this fall, but I don't want to define (his playing time) to that degree."

What Willingham will say is how much he likes the mix of Jones, starting RB Ryan Grant and backup Marcus Wilson. "We're blessed that we have a group of RBs who have their eyes open and are willing to learn from their teammates," Willingham said. "We have an excellent combination."

ILB Mike Goolsby continues to heal from a collarbone injury suffered in the Gator Bowl and will not play Saturday, Willingham said. "It's day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year," Willingham said of Goolsby. "You're able to choose the one you're most comfortable with." Junior Brandon Hoyte, who started three games in 2002, gets the nod Saturday against Washington State.

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