Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Blake Barnett Evaluation

2015 Notre Dame Commit Blake Barnett poses for a picture with Notre Dame Head Coach Blake Barnett.

2015 Notre Dame Football Recruiting

Notre Dame landed Blake Barnett, a top 2015 Quarterback recruit, on Sunday following the BYU game. Quarterback Guru Dennis Gile said:

"“I’m saying right now, he’s the best quarterback in the country. I’m not going to say any names, but I just think he’s the best quarterback in the country right now as far as being able to do everything. There’s nothing he can’t do.”"

Gile knows what he is talking about. He has trained Tim Tebow, Ryan Mallet, Sean Renfree, Brett Hundey and top 2014 Quarterback prospect Kyle Allen. Kyle Allen is considered the best Quarterback in the 2014 class. Gile does not name any names but he clearly is stating that Barnett is even better than Allen.

So, what does the type indicate?

Size

Blake Barnett currently checks in at 6’4″ 195 lbs. Although size is becoming less and less important at the position, this is excellent size for the Quarterback position.

Arm Strength

In his mid-year Junior film, Barnett can be seen throwing the ball around 50 to 55 yards max. This is not tremendous but is adequate for a college Quarterback. This can be improve by working out and improving his mechanics.

Accuracy

Barnett had a completion percentage of 56% in his Junior season at Corona Santiago. He has also threw 12 interceptions. Compared to the 2014 class’ top Quarterback Kyle Allen, these numbers are average to below average. Allen threw for 72.1% and 68.4% in his Junior and Senior years respectively. Additionally, Allen threw 7 interceptions and 10 interceptions respectively as well.

Delivery

If there is any cause for concern about Barnett, it is his long delivery. On film, his delivery comes fall away from his body with a large wind up. This is a major area of improvement for Barnett.

Pocket Presence

Barnett’s ability to elude pass rushers is excellent. He is similar to Notre Dame Quarterback Everett Golson because he is able to keep his eyes down field while keeping plays alive. This is probably Barnett’s best asset as a Quarterback.

Intangibles 

Barnett rushed for 685 yards in his Senior season. As stated before about his pocket presence, he keeps his eyes down field which allows him to make a lot more plays in the passing game than normal. It is clear that he has play making ability that make dual threat Quarterbacks the X-factor in any game.

Summary

Blake Barnett is perfect fit for what Brian Kelly wants to do on Offense. He can definitely run the “Read-Option” which will make Kelly’s Offense more two-demensional. He is an excellent prospect who has some crucial flaws. However, these can be fixed before he steps on the field in Notre Dame Stadium.