Notre Dame opened Spring practice this past week in South Bend. One of the biggest storylines for the Fighting Irish this Spring is the high-stakes contest to fill the void at quarterback. With Riley Leonard gone, Steve Angeli, CJ Carr, and Kenny Minchey are vying to claim the coveted role of QB1.
As practices heat up, the quarterback competition will be under intense scrutiny. Notre Dame quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli addressed the media on March 21, offering insights into the progress of Angeli, Carr, and Minchey.
“Kenny, Steve, and CJ, even though it’s been kind of abbreviated practices, they’ve all been very good,” Guidugli said from the podium. “I’m happy with the growth from last season to this Spring. All three of them have total command of the offense. It’s nice to have some consistency there where guys can build on the foundation from last year. I think it’s a nice challenge this Spring to have a different defense to see structurally some things that are going to challenge these guys. I’m excited for the rest of this Spring.”
“They are going to compete every day,” he added. “That’s part of the development. Those guys have to go out and compete. We’ve got to put them in situations to see how they respond. That’s the nature of the beast at the position. You have to go out there and make everyone around you better.”
Quarterback Battle Looms as Notre Dame Opens Spring Practice
A Talented Trio
Following Leonard’s one-and-done season, the Irish have plenty of arm strength and leadership waiting in the wings. Angeli, the elder statesman of the trio, owns an experienced edge. In 2023, Angeli played in eight games for Notre Dame. He started the season finale against Oregon State in the Sun Bowl, leading the Irish to a runaway 40-8 victory. He completed 15-of-19 passes, throwing for 232 yards and three touchdowns in El Paso.
Against Penn State in this year’s Orange Bowl, Angeli came up big for the Irish once again. In limited playing time, he completed 6-of-7 passes for 44 yards, including a crucial 14-yard completion on a desperate third-down conversion. The play kept a drive alive that resulted in a Mitch Jeter field goal to end the first half, making it a one-possession deficit for the Irish.
Carr, a redshirt freshman this season, made his Irish debut in a win over Purdue last September. He took the final four snaps in the dominating win over the Boilermakers. Carr, who changed his jersey number to No. 13 with Leonard’s departure (he wore No. 12 last year), suffered an elbow injury on his throwing arm later that month. He is reportedly back at full strength this Spring.
Like Carr, Minchey also played in the win over Purdue, demonstrating his versatility and athleticism. He had a pair of rushes for 12 combined yards. He recorded his first collegiate touchdown with a seven-yard scoring run. Minchey also completed one pass for four yards.
Notre Dame QBs: Balancing Reps in Spring Practice
Balancing playing time in practice is a delicate act. Guidugli is keenly aware of the challenge. He outlined his strategy for ensuring a fair evaluation of all three quarterbacks.
“That (reps) is going to be equal,” Guidugli said. “We are going to do our best to give everybody equal opportunities as far as overall snaps in practice and also overall snaps with the first and second groups. At times, it can get uneven on scrimmage days, and during the parts of practice that aren’t scripted. One series can go 16 plays and another series goes three-and-out. That’s what it is at that point. Outside of those days, it will be scripted out where everything is equal.”
As far as what Guidugli is looking for in his future starter, he emphasized the importance of consistency and leadership, qualities that will decide the competition.
“To me, it’s about consistency and just building trust with your teammates and coaching staff. I can’t have two good days and a bad day. It’s about going out there and executing the offense at a high level consistently. That’s what I am asking them to do every day. Ultimately, we’re going to judge them on everything—decision-making, footwork, accuracy—but at the end of the day, decision-making is a huge part of it. And the ability to move the ball, move our offense.”
Will Spring Practice Determine QB1 for Notre Dame?
The competition for the starting quarterback position promises to be a captivating storyline to follow in the coming weeks. Angeli, Carr, and Minchey are certain to make compelling cases for the job. Angeli brings proven poise and experience and has steadily grown within the system. Carr, the highly touted redshirt freshman, possesses raw talent and potential. He may even have the highest ceiling of all three. Meanwhile, Minchey’s athleticism and playmaking ability add another dynamic to the battle. As Guidugli alluded to, the final decision on QB1 will hinge on who displays consistency, a command of the offense, and who can best elevate the Irish offense in pursuit of another championship-caliber season.
Spring practice may not crown a definitive winner. Yet, it’s clear that Notre Dame’s quarterback room is brimming with promise. Spring practice will culminate with the annual Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 12.
Main Photo: MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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