Written by Cade Harper | Writer | Twitter (X): @CadeHarperIT
Photo by The Irish Tribune
Notre Dame's 2024 QB room is as impressive and well put together as it gets. No doubt, this is one of the better one's we've seen in the last few years. Consisting of four scholarship players, the question still stands for 2024, is this QB room the type of players Freeman and co. need to get Notre Dame back to the College Football Playoff?
Photo by The Irish Tribune
4th String QB: CJ Carr
Starting from the bottom of the depth chart is going to be newly acquired 4-star QB out of Michigan, CJ Carr. Carr is a 6'3, 190 pound stud, but his size and actual skill level isn't what catches my eye the most. For how young he is, his understanding of the game is incredible. From the way he studies, to the way he reads opposing defenses and the ability to adapt using his IQ is something a lot of the younger recruits lack. What makes him exciting in year one is how they will use him in preparation for games on the scout team, like Minchey was used to prepare the Irish for USC and we all know how that went in our favor. The way Carr will study is something to keep an eye on and most definitely one of the key parts. Some have even said because of how great Carr has looked, they assume he has already passed Minchey, and if he has not yet, he's "very close".
Photo by The Irish Tribune
3rd String QB: Kenny Minchey
3rd on the chart for the Irish is the former redshirt athletic Freshman, Kenny Minchey. As said before, Kenny's role last year was playing on the scout team being sure that he prepared Notre Dame's defense for what to expect. As for him "modeling" after Caleb Williams last year when he prepped for USC, his style is a lot like the Heisman Trophy winner. Minchey has a cannon but he can also hurt you on the ground just as much through the air. He is the modern day athletic quarterback that is always exciting to watch. It will be interesting to see how he develops this season with a veteran like Riley Leonard leading the pack as well as Angeli to look up to at times. With a nickname like "Gunslinger" it's sure going to give him that sense of comfortability and confidence he needs to succeed and do well. I'd love to see him more involved in some garbage time games this season as he only has two attempted passes in his career here, as exciting as he is, it would be nice for him to showcase that more to fans and even potential NFL teams.
Photo by The Irish Tribune
2nd String QB: Steve Angeli
The internet sensation himself from last year's Sun Bowl. His career numbers are incredible as a backup, 34-44 (77.3%) passing for 504 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. Although most were recorded in garbage time and the Sun Bowl, it was a very fun time watching Angeli's pocket presence take place. I'd be lying if I said this guy didn't exceed mine and maybe some of your expectations. Unfortunately, due to the state of college football, we may never see Angeli get a true start, however he will compete for it, it is just hard to imagine. Obviously we know Leonard has the higher ceiling with his playing ability but there is no doubt in my mind that Angeli can step up and fill Leonard's shoes when he needs to because it was proven last season. His role may be backup but given his experience, he has just as much of an understanding of the offense and the game in general as anyone, and that's what sets him apart for me.
Photo by The Irish Tribune
Starting QB: Riley Leonard
The General. Newly acquired transfer, Riley Leonard will without a doubt be Notre Dame's starter for the 2024 season. Roadblocks have happened here and there with injuries, but the Irish have yet again another top transfer, arguably the best in the transfer class. I think the goal for Leonard is simple, get Notre Dame where they want to be, which is obviously a playoff and the ultimate destination being the National Championship, along with sky rocketing his draft stock. We've seen him play first hand, one because he became a dark horse for the Heisman before the injuries, and it was against us and almost did indeed beat us, but two because he fits the scheme so well and already has an astounding relationship with the staff as if he's been a recruit target the last 3-4 years. He has a perfect lengthy build to him, pure athlete with incredible scrambling ability and a serious dual threat. Over the last two seasons combined, 2022 - 2023, Leonard has 4,069 Passing Yards, with a 61% completion rating, which is insane, along with 23 Touchdowns throwing only 9 Interceptions. As a rusher, he has over 1,000 yards rushing total on just 182 attempts with 17 total touchdowns. Add all those numbers up as total yards with total touchdowns, and this guy is a first-to-third round draft pick in my opinion. Now after a series of injuries and procedures on Leonard's right ankle, we will have our star transfer back to 100% with a great group of weapons in the offensive line, at the running back position, as well as wide receiver positions for him to do what he needs to do to succeed.
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