COLLEGE FOOTBALL | NOTRE DAME PREVIEW

James Aldridge isn't sure when he'll carry the ball in Notre Dame's season-opener with Georgia Tech.

All the former Merrillville High School star knows is he's going to have an opportunity to showcase his talents against the swarming Yellow Jackets defense Saturday.

"When they call our numbers, that's when we go in," said Aldridge, who has battled knee injuries since the end of his junior year in high school.

"I know I'm in on certain packages we'll be running out of different formations, but I can't really tell you what those packages or formations are."

Fifth-year senior Travis Thomas, who started 10 games at linebacker last season, appears to be the lead back as the Fighting Irish begin their third season under head coach Charlie Weis.

"I did what I could to earn the job," Aldridge said. "I tried my best and did it on every down. It was all up to coach Weis."

While the more experienced Thomas is expected to start against Georgia Tech, Aldridge said he's healthy and physically ready to go.

After missing the first five games following a surgical procedure in the spring of 2006, Aldridge ended up burning his redshirt year. Even though he couldn't really compete for the starting job last year, Aldridge ended up playing in seven of the last eight games. He rushed 37 times for 142 yards (a 3.8 average).

"Last year, I was never close to where I am now, physically," Aldridge said. "I'm much stronger physically now and I'm in great shape after fall camp, that's for sure."

Aldridge can't wait until his number is called.

Like all of his teammates, he's tired of hitting and being hit by teammates. He can't wait to lower the boom on someone else.

"Whenever the coaches call my number, I'm going to be ready," Aldridge said. "Man, I can't wait to get in there and play. You have no idea. I'm just thanking God for giving me the opportunity to showcase my athletic abilities in front of a crowd like this. I couldn't really ask for more."

While Aldridge is expected to get the first shot at halfback behind Thomas, Weis and offensive coordinator/running backs coach Mike Haywood expect to call upon a stable of backs against Georgia Tech. There's a lot of excitement about a couple of freshmen -- Armando Allen and Robert Hughes -- who have speed and unlimited potential.

Haywood has admitted he plans to get all five backs -- Thomas, Aldridge, Allen, Hughes and senior Junior Jabbie -- involved in the game plan.

"Last year, when I moved Travis over to defense, there was such a big drop-off from Darius (Walker) to the next guy -- there really wasn't much competition," Weis said. "Well, there's great competition at the running back position this year."