Whether you’re looking or not, there is no ignoring CJ Carr. The sophomore was named Notre Dame’s starting quarterback by head coach Marcus Freeman on Aug. 19 after a fall camp-long battle with junior Kenny Minchey. The battle, which was apparently neck-and-neck to the surprise of many who were expecting Carr to win the job with ease, only strengthened Notre Dame's stance.
Carr heads into Miami with just one appearance under his belt, appearing in a 66-7 rout of Purdue last season. That lack of experience has raised questions, especially with Notre Dame’s recent tendency of starting experienced transfer quarterbacks. But while Carr may not have many snaps to his name, he isn’t stepping into Hard Rock Stadium unprepared. Carr has been surrounded by elite mentors en route to his first start with the Irish.
One of those mentors was Ian Book, Notre Dame’s all-time win leader at the quarterback position — a statistic made even more impressive when considering the other names on the list.
“Ian’s been a great resource throughout the whole process,” Carr said. “Being able to talk to a guy who’s done it before and been through the Notre Dame quarterback cycle and understood the highs and lows of the position, especially here, has been great. He played at Miami too one of his years and talked about the crowd and the atmosphere. Getting those little tidbits has been really important.”
Carr was also able to learn from his predecessor Riley Leonard through watching his routine throughout the entirety of last season.
“I think watching Riley was a big pro for me and to see how he handles himself, how he handles pregame,” Carr stated. “The night before a game, the day before a game. That stuff has really helped give me a baseline into what I want to do before going into a game.”
While Book and Leonard provided Carr with stories and on-field mentorship, his grandfather Lloyd, a College Football Hall of Fame coach, offered some more direct advice.
“He texted me after I got named and he said that football runs the Carr family blood and this is your moment," Carr said. "You’re ready for this, so go out against Miami, attack, and don’t look back.”
Carr’s attacking mindset will be on full display as he steps under center on Sunday night. Having played Friday night lights only two years ago, the jump to the bright lights of college football primetime is certainly a sizeable one. But, with the support surrounding Carr, it’s one he’s ready to make.
Carr’s ready-to-go mindset is paired with an elite football IQ. Born into gridiron royalty, Carr has an intuitive knack for the game. This natural gift is paired with his maniacal work ethic in the film room, something he’s sure to rely on Sunday night.
“How are we going to attack these guys, what are the good plays, what are the checks we want to get to, and what are they playing,” Carr said, regarding the game prep. “We’re coming up with a good plan.”
Although Carr emphasized studying up on what his key checks are, don’t be shocked to see the former four-star recruit sling the ball deep downfield. A key reason why Carr won the narrow quarterback battle was his ability to stretch the field vertically. His arm can break open defenses and create big play opportunities. With speedy receivers such as senior Will Pauling and graduate Malachi Fields, this is something that offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has been longing for since assuming his role.
In addition to his star-studded receiver group, Carr will also have a loaded backfield to work with. Senior Jadarian Price, sophomore Aneyas Williams and Heisman candidate junior Jeremiyah Love will all make Carr’s life much easier come gametime, especially if rain plays a factor as it’s currently forecasted to.
However, above all the elite talent Carr will work with and the cannon of an arm he possesses, Notre Dame's newest man under center is, at heart, just a kid in love with football.
“This is what you worked for your whole life,” Carr said. “I was talking to my dad earlier when we were in the competition and was saying if I would’ve told you as a middle schooler or high schooler that you would be at the University of Notre Dame competing to be the starting quarterback here you would be jumping up and down. Actually being here and able to win the job is amazing.”
It’s that passion for the game that supersedes all the hype surrounding his starting debut. If Carr can take that love onto the field in Miami, the kid who plays for the joy of it will surely turn doubters into believers.
