Notre Dame football commit impresses in first official practice
![Saline quarterback CJ Carr runs off the field after scoring against Lake Orion during second-half Saline quarterback CJ Carr runs off the field after scoring against Lake Orion during second-half](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_980,h_551,x_807,y_189/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/167/01hhx7pfpdy9gcth5qg2.jpg)
Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman talked to the media for the first time in a few weeks and touched on a number of subjects on Friday. While most of the focus was on the Fighting Irish getting ready for the Sun Bowl, he also touched on one of the newest members of his squad.
2024 quarterback CJ Carr has graduated from high school. He's signed his LOI with Notre Dame football. And now he's practicing with the team. Though he still won't be able to play in the bowl came. Carr is still a member of the program and that means that Freeman can actually discuss him.
"It's great. I couldn't imagine being CJ and coming in here by yourself. He was here yesterday for meetings and walkthroughs and it was like the first day of school. You're the new guy," said Freeman of the 6-3, 195-pound 4-star prospect. "I was able to spend some time with him during practice and after practice. Today, he was slinging the ball around. He's going to be a great player. It's just good to have him here and that comfort. As you move into the winter and you move into spring ball, he's not starting from ground zero. He knows what the expectations are."
It helps that at least part of the expectations for Carr is that he wait and watch. He almost certainly won't be the starting quarterback in 2024. That honor belongs to Riley Leonard. The former Duke Blue Devil wouldn't have picked South Bend if he thought he was sitting next season.
Notre Dame football commit impresses new head coach
It's what comes after Leonard that is the real question. Steve Angeli is going to be getting the start in the Sun Bowl since Sam Hartman is sitting. He'll get the first shot to show what he can do in a game.
CJ Carr, however is going to get to practice with the team and show Freeman what he offers. Notre Dame football is going to be better off because of it. So will the incoming freshman.
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