Marcus Freeman updates Notre Dame QB competition, addresses idea of 2 quarterback system

After Steve Angeli transferred to Syracuse, Notre Dame’s quarterback competition is down to two. Kenny Minchey and CJ Carr are vying for the job, and Marcus Freeman offered an update on where things stand.

Freeman expressed his gratitude to Angeli, who entered the transfer portal after spring practice, and he would be “rooting for him hard” at Syracuse. That decision came amid the battle with Minchey and Carr, and Freeman pointed out the impact both players could have on the offense.

Freeman also pointed out the different skillsets the two quarterbacks have, which adds to the intrigue around the competition. With training camp on the horizon, each player will try to create separation.

“We’ve got two guys that were really battling with Steve in the spring with CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey,” Freeman told Greg McElroy on Always College Football. “And both did really good things. Both, as you evaluate the quarterback position, have an extremely high ceiling. They both do things really, really well and they do them differently. Our job is to say, who’s going to give us the best chance to win as we get ready to face an opponent? And those questions will be answered by the quarterbacks during fall camp.

“I love it because I love competition. Now, you can add a little bit of pressure through competition to see who can perform under those high-pressure situations. I think they’re both capable of being the starting quarterback at Notre Dame or they wouldn’t be in this quarterback battle. But I’m looking forward to an extremely challenging and high-pressure fall camp.”

Because the two quarterbacks have different skillsets, McElroy asked Freeman about a possible two-QB system – at least, to start the year. Minchey is known as more of a dual-threat while Carr does more of his work in the pocket.

Marcus Freeman didn’t entirely rule it out, pointing out the need to win, first and foremost. That’s why he the staff are looking at all options while evaluating the competition into the summer and fall.

“You’re going to look for any way to help your team win,” Freeman said. “And if that means you use two quarterbacks for certain situations, then you’re going to find a way to use two quarterbacks. That might mean two quarterbacks on the field at the same time. Who knows?

“Creativity is so important, and we have some creative football coaches and players here. We’ll come up with the right plan. You’re going to have one starter. You’re going to have one guy that’s going to be your quarterback. But I could see us using both quarterbacks to find a way to help us win.”