Notre Dame football: 3 most impactful offensive players of the Brian Kelly era
No. 1 Ian Book
Love him. Hate him. Frustrated by him. No matter. Ian Book is the most impactful offensive player during the Brian Kelly era. By far the best quarterback, even with more naturally talented players like Everett Golson littered through the era, Book led the Irish to the College Football Playoff twice during his time at Notre Dame.
Over three seasons as the starter, Book became the winningest quarterback in Notre Dame history with 30 wins as a starter.
Book took over for Brandon Wimbush in 2018, despite a 4-0 record, because he was the best option to lead that team to the College Football Playoff. Then he did it again in 2020. That’s just what happened. His accuracy as a passer and creativity in avoiding the rush and creating on the run made him a great quarterback during his time at Notre Dame, and while there was the occasional letdown game, Book was still one of the best quarterbacks in college football during his time at Notre Dame.
No one expected Book to be anything but a career backup, who chose Notre Dame over Washington State because of the prestige that comes with Notre Dame. Instead, Book was allowed to develop and waited his turn to take over.
It worked out well for Book and Notre Dame, as along with being the all-time winningest quarterback in school history, Book is second all-time in most Irish passing stats.
A look at the history of Notre Dame football’s DCs under Brian Kelly. dark. Next
Ian Book, in three years as a starter at Notre Dame, had a 63.8% completion percentage, 1,141 yards passing, and 72 touchdowns. On the ground, Book had 1,517 yards and 17 touchdowns. In 2020, Book was third-team All-ACC.