Notre Dame Spring Game - Offensive Standouts

Notre Dame's Blue-Gold game took place on Saturday, offering fans their first look at the future of Notre Dame football. Let's look at some of the players that stood out on the offensive side of the ball.

Photo by The Irish Tribune

CJ Carr - Quarterback

The biggest question coming into spring camp was the quarterback battle between Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr. The spring game was the first time outsiders could finally see this battle unfold in live action. Carr had the biggest performance out of the three, undoubtedly. Angeli showed a lot of what was already known about him. He made smart decisions and executed the offense well at times. Minchey showed off his athleticism with a touchdown run, and was creative throwing on the run when he chose to do so. Even with Angeli's and Minchey's solid play, Carr stood out. Carr's arm talent was on full display all game, connecting with Jack Larsen for a perfect over-the-shoulder ball for 24 yards. Carr finished the game 14-19 for 170 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Carr was not only throwing the best passes, but he was efficient while doing so. He looked fully in command of the offense, an impressive quality for only a redshirt freshman. This one performance won't win him the starting position outright, but it is an important step in determining who will earn the starting job.

The Entire Running Back Room

The spring game made it clear to many that Notre Dame may have the best running back room in the entire country. On a day when the best returning back did not play, Irish RBs looked like a group full of playmakers. Jadarian Price looked bigger and more explosive than last year, particularly when he was able to get into the open field. He will once again be a huge weapon for this offense when Jeremiyah Love is off the field. Freshman Nolan James Jr. was impressive in his first Blue-Gold game as well. James Jr. showed off his capabilities in the passing game, catching three passes for 60 yards, including one catch for 37 yards. Kedren Young was also involved in the passing game, recording three catches for 37 yards. Young also looked good in the running game, using his big frame to gain yards. Young's ability to catch with his physical running style is something that will make him a valuable piece to this team. Aneyas Williams saw the most carries of anyone during the game, running the ball 12 times for 40 yards. This spring game showed how versatile and talented this group is. Without Love, it still looked like a group that was well-balanced, physical, and very much capable of affecting the passing game positively. If this game showed anything, it's that Notre Dame's running back room will remain dominant for the foreseeable future.

Jack Larsen - Tight End

With Mitchell Evans heading to the NFL, Notre Dame has a spot to fill at tight end. Eli Raridon seems to be the designated starter, but freshman Jack Larsen gave something for the coaches to think about heading into next year. Although he only had two catches, he had one of the best catches of the day with an over-the-shoulder reception delivered by CJ Carr. Larsen finished the game with two receptions for 41 yards, showing his ability to be a down-the-field option as a part of this offense. Larsen also proved he is a solid blocker in the run game, which gives him more opportunities to see the field. Larsen is still early in his development, but his spring game performance showed everyone there is a lot to like about the tight end room for the coming years.

Elijah Burress - Wide Receiver

The wide receiver position has been a weakness as of late for Notre Dame. The Blue-Gold game showed a glimpse of that problem finally being rectified. One reason for that is freshman wide receiver Elijah Burress. Burress is the son of Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Burress's genes show through when he is on the field. He is a smooth route runner and very athletic. He was able to impact the game, scoring the first touchdown for the Blue team when Carr hit him on a bootleg and beat defenders to the pylon. Burress would also haul in another reception for 19 yards. The wide receiver room is crowded this year, but Burress is a prime example of the youthful athleticism and talent that make up the bulk of that room. The spring game was an impressive first glimpse of what is to come for Burress, as he continues to try to carve out of role on this team.

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