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Notre Dame QB competition: CJ Carr, Kenny Minchey are 'neck-and-neck' | Sporting News Canada

Notre Dame QB Competition Heats Up: CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey Battle Neck and Neck

In the ever-competitive world of college football, the quarterback position at Notre Dame remains a focal point of intrigue as the Fighting Irish gear up for the upcoming season. With established talent and promising newcomers vying for snaps, the battle for the backup role behind presumed starter Riley Leonard has taken center stage. According to recent insights from head coach Marcus Freeman, true freshman CJ Carr and redshirt freshman Kenny Minchey are locked in a tight race, described as "neck and neck," highlighting the depth and potential within Notre Dame's quarterback room.

Riley Leonard, a transfer from Duke, arrived in South Bend with high expectations following a solid career with the Blue Devils. His experience and mobility make him the frontrunner to lead the offense, but injuries during his time at Duke have underscored the importance of reliable depth. This is where the competition between Carr and Minchey becomes crucial. Steve Angeli, who served as the backup last season and even started in the Sun Bowl victory over Oregon State, adds another layer to the mix. However, it's the emergence of the younger quarterbacks that has captured attention during spring practices and early fall camp.

CJ Carr, the grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr and son of former NFL quarterback Jason Carr, brings a pedigree that's hard to ignore. As a highly touted recruit from Saline High School in Michigan, Carr was ranked among the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 class. He enrolled early at Notre Dame, allowing him to participate in spring ball and accelerate his development. Observers have praised his arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ, attributes that align well with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock's scheme, which emphasizes downfield passing and quick decision-making. Carr's ability to process information rapidly and make throws under pressure has been evident in practice sessions, where he's shown poise beyond his years.

On the other side, Kenny Minchey, who redshirted last season after enrolling as part of the 2023 class, has used his extra time to refine his skills. Originally from Tennessee, Minchey was a four-star recruit known for his dual-threat capabilities. His athleticism allows him to extend plays with his legs, adding a dynamic element that could complement Leonard's style. During his redshirt year, Minchey focused on learning the playbook and building chemistry with receivers, and reports from camp indicate he's made significant strides in consistency and leadership. Coach Freeman has noted Minchey's growth in understanding defensive coverages and improving his footwork, which has helped him close the gap with more experienced options.

Freeman's comments during a recent media availability shed light on the intensity of this competition. He emphasized that both Carr and Minchey have been "extremely competitive," pushing each other to elevate their games. "It's neck and neck right now," Freeman stated, underscoring that the battle is far from decided. This isn't just coach-speak; it's a reflection of Notre Dame's philosophy under Freeman to foster competition at every position, ensuring the team is prepared for the rigors of a demanding schedule that includes matchups against top programs like Texas A&M, Florida State, and USC.

The implications of this QB race extend beyond just the depth chart. Notre Dame's offense, which struggled with consistency in recent years, is looking to rebound under Denbrock, who previously coordinated high-powered attacks at LSU and Cincinnati. With Leonard at the helm, the Irish aim to blend a strong running game—bolstered by running backs like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price—with an efficient passing attack. Having capable backups like Carr or Minchey ready to step in could be vital, especially given the injury risks inherent in the position. Last season, the team navigated the loss of starter Sam Hartman without major disruption, thanks in part to Angeli's preparedness, and Freeman is intent on maintaining that resilience.

Looking deeper, Carr's background adds a narrative richness to his candidacy. Growing up in a football family, he was exposed to the game's intricacies from a young age. His grandfather's success at Michigan, including a national championship in 1997, and his father's professional experience have instilled in him a work ethic and strategic mindset. Carr has spoken about the pressure of his last name but views it as motivation rather than a burden. In interviews, he's expressed excitement about learning from Leonard and Angeli, whom he credits for mentoring him through the transition to college ball.

Minchey, meanwhile, represents the archetype of a developmental prospect paying dividends. After a high school career at Pope John Paul II in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where he threw for over 3,000 yards and rushed for nearly 1,000 in his senior year, Minchey chose Notre Dame over offers from programs like Alabama and Texas A&M. His redshirt season allowed him to bulk up physically and mentally prepare for the speed of the college game. Teammates have lauded his competitive spirit, noting how he's often the first in the film room and the last to leave the field.

As fall camp progresses, the competition will likely intensify with live scrimmages and simulated game scenarios. Freeman has indicated that performance in these high-pressure situations will be key in determining the pecking order. While Angeli's experience gives him an edge for the immediate No. 2 spot, the "neck and neck" status between Carr and Minchey suggests one of them could leapfrog into a more prominent role if they continue to impress. This depth bodes well for Notre Dame's long-term prospects, potentially setting up a future where the QB room is stacked with talent ready to lead the program back to national contention.

The broader context of Notre Dame's season adds urgency to this battle. With a playoff berth on the line in the expanded 12-team format, every position must be optimized. The Irish's defense, anchored by stars like Benjamin Morrison and Howard Cross III, is expected to be elite, putting pressure on the offense to match that level. If Leonard stays healthy and the backups develop as hoped, Notre Dame could make a strong push for the College Football Playoff.

In summary, the quarterback competition at Notre Dame, particularly the close contest between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey, exemplifies the program's commitment to excellence. As these young talents vie for position, their progress will be closely watched, not just by fans in South Bend but by college football enthusiasts nationwide. The outcome could shape the Irish's fortunes this season and beyond, reinforcing why Notre Dame remains a powerhouse in the sport. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/ncaa-football/news/notre-dame-qb-competition-carr-kenny-minchey-neck-and-neck/4d5cf6ba157a50177a8321a0 ]