We live in a world of scarcity. A world where things are scarce and demand is real. Top-end quarterbacks, in that sense, are a rare breed, gracing the fields once or twice in a generation. If only colleges could walk down the street and find an abundance of high-end QBs. But that isn’t the case, right? So, in the absence of that, we have relied solely on recruits, colleges waiting impatiently to pounce on those one or two names in the recruitment class. But what about the rest? Where do the rest of the blue-chip, 3-star, and 2-star QBs go? Do they fade into oblivion or rise from the ruins to challenge the best of the QBs??
The story of Notre Dame this season may well be a story that could turn out the same. But, currently, it’s in a perennial state of uncertainty and dilemma. The Irish under Marcus Freeman had one of the best QBs in college in Riley Leonard, a player who always played with a ‘never give up’ attitude. But, now, the QB has departed, and the onus lies on three players: Kenny Mnchey, CJ Carr, and Steve Angeli to take the mantle.
Why the three names? Well, because all three are being touted to be the QB1, and only one is expected to win the spot. However, what if someone tells you there may be another solution to Marcus Freeman’s looming problem? Pete Thompson, an Irish insider, speaking on ‘The Independent’ podcast, provided a perspective where Marcus Freeman may not have to even choose amongst the three QBs this spring.
“Maybe Angeli starts at Miami because that makes sense, but then, he struggles there and then they go to Carr the next week at home, or they rotate against A&M, I guess. It’d be two weeks later at home, but I could see a scenario like that playing out too…. I sort of feel like everything’s on the table at quarterback…The spring’s not going to really resolve anything“.
Well, the scenario presented by the insider makes a lot of sense since all three players have their capabilities and strengths that Freeman can reap, depending on the situation. Take the example of Steve Angeli, a player who has decent experience, and has also led the Irish to a Sun Bowl victory in the 2023 season. The player could be used as a starter initially into the season to avoid potential risks that come with inexperience. Then there is CJ Carr.
Carr, a talented 5-star talent of the 2024 class, was ranked 45 overall and 6th nationally in his position. From a talent standpoint, Carr does edge Angeli in several aspects, like his incredible arm talent and deep passes. The player could be used later on in the season if the experiment with Steve Angeli fails or even to test his skills with lesser-ranked opponents. All in all, the scenario presented by Pete Thompson could undoubtedly do wonders if implemented correctly.
Greg McElroy weighs in his opinion about the Notre Dame QB battle
Different analysts are currently giving differing opinions on the Irish QB battle. Maybe because this is something that has happened in the Irish camp after more than a decade when they do not have a solid QB as a starter. However, most people still favor Angeli to start the season due to his experience and the Sun Bowl game. Greg McElroy also weighed in his opinion regarding the battle and picked Steve Angeli as his guy.
“I’m not saying that Steve Angel’s that (a reliable quarterback). I’m just saying maybe he is because Notre Dame did absolutely nothing for 28 minutes against Penn State. Riley Leonard gets dinged, and it goes Steve Angeli – right down the field – with tremendous efficiency. Just knowing Marcus Freeman, knowing the value that he puts in the team… I think those are qualities that he values. I think Steve Angeli has all those things“.
Apart from that Sun Bowl game, Steve Angeli has so far appeared in more than 20 collegiate games and completed 58 of the 80 passes for 772 yards, including 10 touchdowns. Amongst the three players so far, only Angeli looks to be well-equipped to make pre and post-snap in-pressure decisions accurately. Moreover, he also appeared in the Orange Bowl with the Irish trailing by 10-0. He orchestrated an end-half drive and later got a field goal in his bag along with completing the game with 44 yards and a more than 85% completion rate. The ability and experience alone show the level of pressure the guy can handle. So, with that in mind, Freeman must use Angeli to his full effect and snatch a victory in just the first game against the Miami Hurricanes.
The post Notre Dame Reporter Reveals Marcus Freeman’s Likely Masterplan to End QB Conundrum as Greg McElroy Sends Strong Message appeared first on EssentiallySports.
