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Cierre Wood has the job of starting running back at Notre Dame - for now.
The junior started six games in 2010, led Notre Dame in rushing with 603 yards on 119 carries and figures to receive plenty of carries.
''Going into camp we have (Wood) listed as the No. 1 guy because that's where we finished spring practice,'' Irish offensive coordinator Charley Molnar said after Monday's practice. ''But to say he's got the position wrapped up would be an exaggeration.''
Fighting Irish coaches are also impressed with senior Jonas Gray, who's back in good health after a knee injury limited him last year.
''Jonas Gray is practicing as well as anyone on offense right now and Cierre's got his work cut out for him to be the starter.''
Wood says he knows he'll have to earn a starting spot.
''Nothing's ever given to you,'' Wood said. ''I'm fighting for my spot just like everyone else is ... (But) I'm more focused, I'm more in tune with everything. I gained a little weight, I'm up to 218 now and I'm prepared to take the beating.''
A top recruit from Oxnard, Calif., Wood started five games last season after taking over for Armando Allen, who suffered a season-ending injury.
Wood averaged 5.1 yards per carry and finished the season with 81 yards including a 34-yard touchdown run, in Notre Dame's 33-17 victory against Miami in the Sun Bowl.
Gray, a Pontiac, Mich., native, played 22 career games, including seven last year while collecting 100 yards on 20 carries.
Described by coaches as a powerful back with good feet, Gray has fully recovered and is making a big impression.
''We're really seeing a Jonas Gray that we've never seen before,'' Molnar said. ''He's healthy, he's mentally into it and working exceptionally hard. It's exciting watching him play, but we need to see him in more live work.''
The Irish aren't anywhere close to making a final call.
''Both of those young men are going to play a lot of football for us and have a lot of carries,'' Molnar said. ''But who actually goes out there first with the offense that remains to be seen.''
