3 Notre Dame football quarterback storylines to watch in fall camp
The Notre Dame football team has a ton of excitement around it for 2024, especially because of their chances of making the 12-team playoff field. However there are some questions surrounding the team that has to be answered.
We saw last year how important quarterback play was. As good a season as Sam Hartman had, his performance wasn’t good enough. He had games where he didn’t show up. That’s why there are a couple of very important storylines around the Irish quarterback position that bear watching this fall practice.
How fast do Notre Dame football quarterbacks pick up the new offense?
Mike Denbrock’s scheme is going to be fun to watch this season, as long as Riley Leonard and the rest actually pick it up quickly. That’s especially something to watch for Leonard, who didn’t get to participate fully in Notre Dame football’s spring practice.
He’s obviously had plenty of time to study film and playbooks. It’s different when getting out on the field and actually running the plan. Leonard’s teammates are all a bit ahead of him, can he catch up quickly?
Riley Leonard’s health
Yes, this is an obvious one. But it’s also the most important question of any facing Notre Dame this fall.
He’s said he’s healthy. He’s said he’s full go. But when you consider he’s already suffered some setbacks, one has to wonder if his ankle is going to be something that will bother him repetitively.
A big part of his game is running the ball. Even if he’s healthy enough to play, if he’s not healthy enough to run, his value decreases. Especially, in Denbrock’s offense.
Can CJ Carr stay content down the Notre Dame football depth chart?
True freshman quarterback CJ Carr has said and done all the right things. But one has to wonder if that’s going to continue this fall.
Obviously he came to South Bend knowing that he was going to back up Riley Leonard. But what if he doesn’t win the backup job. Or even third place?
Kenny Minchey has gotten a ton of mention lately. Steve Angeli is the odds-on favorite to be the top backup. Will Carr be ok being fourth? Does he want to redshirt this season? This is one thing that people should keep an eye on, especially with Deuce Knight coming in next year.