SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – 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 ofcarries.

But Fighting Irish coaches are also impressed with senior Jonas Gray, who’s back in good health after a knee injury limited him last year.

Wood says he knows he’ll have to earn a starting spot.

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.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)