Notre Dame football: 5 reasons Ian Book should return next season

CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 14: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on after the Fighting Irish defeat the Boston College Eagles 45-31 at Alumni Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 14: Ian Book #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on after the Fighting Irish defeat the Boston College Eagles 45-31 at Alumni Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
One last ride? (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images)
One last ride? (Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: 5 reasons Ian Book should return next season

Reason No. 3: Prolong his career

Ian Book proved he is able to play at an elite level by beating No. 1 Clemson, 47-40. However, he is still physically limited for the NFL. Earlier this year, ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper said of Book’s NFL future:

"“Ian Book is just a good college quarterback. I think, as a backup in the NFL, that’s what you’re hoping maybe he can develop into. He’s not Jake Fromm. Look where Jake Fromm went, fifth round. Is he as good as Jake Fromm? No. His grade is not going to be as high. Jake Fromm went in the fifth round to be in Buffalo backing up Josh Allen. Ian Book is just a good college quarterback, consistent week in and week out. I have him at nine in terms of the quarterbacks. He’s in that mid-round to late-round type of guy.”"

A long term successful career in the NFL is unlikely at this point. If Book wishes to prolong his football career, it might not happen at the next level. Another year at Notre Dame would give him another full slate of games where he would be the starting quarterback. This reason might be enough for Book to return to play for the Irish.