The Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicked off their 2024 spring practice on March 7, a tradition that will culminate in the Blue-Gold game on April 20. This year’s spring session comes with new dynamics as head coach Marcus Freeman integrates fresh faces into his coaching staff and evaluates a mix of returning players and new recruits. Among the new additions, transfers and early enrollees, particularly at quarterback, are expected to draw significant attention.
Departures
The quarterback position is under scrutiny due to the departure of Sam Hartman, who joined the Irish for his final college season last year. Despite some struggles against Louisville and Clemson, Hartman provided strong leadership and showcased why his arrival was a strategic decision for Notre Dame. Hartman opted out of the Sun Bowl to focus on preparing for the NFL Draft, and it remains uncertain where he will be selected or how he will fare compared to other recent Notre Dame quarterbacks whose professional careers have faltered.
Arrivals
Anticipating Hartman’s limited time with the team, Freeman sought a new quarterback through the transfer portal and secured Riley Leonard from Duke. Leonard came close to defeating Notre Dame last season, throwing for 134 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 88 yards. Unfortunately, he sustained a high ankle sprain during the game, which was later compounded by a toe injury that ended his season. Leonard, who underwent ankle surgery in January, is now back in action and will look to mesh with new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock.
Another player to watch is early enrollee C.J. Carr. The true freshman, who obtained a waiver to participate in some of Notre Dame’s Sun Bowl practices, is the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr. With his impressive football IQ, strong arm, and good size, Carr is expected to make an impact this spring.
A Look Back and Forward
In 2023, Hartman benefited from solid offensive line play for most of the season, accumulating 2,689 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Despite throwing eight interceptions, some of which were related to line breakdowns, Hartman generally avoided forcing passes. His mobility was notable, including a crucial fourth-down run on Notre Dame’s final drive that led to a game-winning score and a 68-yard scramble in the Clemson game. However, his primary focus was on passing, especially given the injuries affecting his receiving corps.
After Duke’s season concluded, Leonard had the option to follow his former head coach and ex-Irish assistant Mike Elko to Texas A&M but chose to join Freeman at Notre Dame. Leonard, who has accumulated over 4,445 yards and 24 touchdowns through the air in his college career, along with more than 1,200 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, is expected to play a significant role. His running ability will add a dynamic element to the offense, compensating for the loss of Audric Estime’s powerful running.
Assuming Leonard remains healthy, Steve Angeli is expected to see limited action, primarily in backup situations. Hartman’s opt-out gave Angeli the opportunity to lead the Irish in the Sun Bowl, where he threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-8 victory over Oregon State. However, there is concern that Angeli might seek opportunities elsewhere if he doesn’t see a future role as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback.
Kenny Minchey, a redshirt freshman from last season, is another quarterback to watch. Freeman has praised Minchey’s practice performances, though it remains to be seen if he will rise up the depth chart. The spring competition between Minchey and Carr is expected to be particularly intriguing.