No one really knew what would happen when the NCAA announced the transfer portal but after multiple years, we know how it works with quarterbacks. If they don’t play, they’re most likely looking for another destination. The Irish have been on both ends, as [autotag]Phil Jurkovec[/autotag] transferred out, while [autotag]Jack Coan[/autotag] transferred in.
In today’s meeting with the media, [autotag]Marcus Freeman[/autotag] was asked about this past off-season and this coming off-seasons decision about looking towards the portal for a quarterback. He explained that a discussion was had about taking one last year, but ultimately they opted to go with who was on campus. That might have not been the right choice, but hindsight is 50/50.
Marcus Freeman said Notre Dame discussed exploring taking a transfer QB last offseason but ultimately chose not to pursue one. Said that will be another conversation this winter depending on Tyler Buchner's recovery, Drew Pyne's performance and Steve Angeli's development.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) September 19, 2022
As for next year, it seems like it should be an easy yes for the Irish to recruit a transfer quarterback. [autotag]Tyler Buchner[/autotag] just can’t stay healthy and might not exactly fit into what offensive coordinator [autotag]Tommy Rees[/autotag] wants to do. [autotag]Drew Pyne[/autotag] showed us this weekend why the quarterback competition ended very quickly during fall camp. He’s a great spark off the bench but he’s not ready to be handed the keys just yet.
It remains to be seen who will enter the portal and a potential choice that Freeman and Rees make could really dictate how 2023 turns out. With no quarterback committed in the 2023 recruiting class, they surely can’t afford to enter next year with the same group. New blood needs to be brought in, even if it’s just to push the current crop of quarterbacks.
What I would like to see is more of a pocket-passer but one who is athletic enough to make things happen with their feet if needed. Coan flourished after getting his opportunity in South Bend and if Freeman and Rees could find someone in his mold, it would be a great idea.
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