Notre Dame freshman Theo Riddick will be following his position coach to a new role in the Irish's offense.

Coach Brian Kelly told the Chicago Tribune that Riddick will move to wide receiver for his sophomore season. Kelly moved running backs coach Tony Alford, the lone holdover from former coach Charlie Weis' staff, to receivers coach in January.

Riddick ran for 160 yards on 29 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry last season. He also returned 37 kickoffs for 849 yards, leading the team with a 22.9-yard return average.

Moving Riddick will help Notre Dame clear space in what was becoming a crowded backfield with Armando Allen, Robert Hughes, Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood.

"We have to get more touches for the three dynamic players at running back," Kelly told the Tribune. "We got three really dynamic players that need to get on the field.

"So if you assume that the other guy we have to find room for is Cierre Wood, then if you have Cierre and Theo, somebody's not going to get a chance to get touches. So somebody had to go to wide receiver. And Theo has the best overall skills. So he's going to get a chance to compete for that inside slot receiver (spot) right away."

Riddick's transition could be slowed down as he recovers from shoulder surgery entering spring practice, when Kelly will install his spread offense.