Marcus Freeman describes the value of CJ Carr enrolling early at Notre Dame

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is thrilled to have freshman CJ Carr already on campus ahead of the Sun Bowl against Oregon State.

Carr, one of the top quarterback prospects in the Class of 2024, enrolled early. Not only that, he got to campus in time to practice with the Fighting Irish since the team has extra bowl practices.

Freeman observed Carr as he began practice Saturday just getting his feet wet.

“It’s great,” Freeman said. “I couldn’t imagine being CJ and coming in here by yourself and he was here yesterday for meetings and walkthroughs. And it was like the first day of school, you’re the new guy. I was able to spend some time with him during practice and after practice, and today, he was slinging the ball around and he’s gonna be a great player. 

“But it’s just good to have him here right and that comfort. And so as you move into the winter and you move into spring ball, he’s not starting from ground zero. He knows what the expectations are, he’ll know where to go. He’ll be able to help those guys that are coming in January figure it out, but I’m glad he’s here and I’m excited for the future of CJ Carr.”

As a member of the Class of 2024, Carr is a four-star recruit out of Saline (Mich.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 6 quarterback in the class and the No. 59 overall prospect in the class.

“Polished quarterback with a technically developed skill set,” Carr’s On3 recruiting and scouting report reads. “Measured at around 6-foot-2.5, 195 pounds prior to his senior season. Hand size has measured between 9.25 and 9.5 inches. Registers as average athlete with good quickness, running a 4.94 second 40-yard dash, 4.26 second shuttle and jumping 26.7 inches in the vertical at the Elite 11 regional. Has a quick, easy release that is easily replicated. 

“Consistently spins the ball well, throwing a tight spiral. Shows the ability to layer the ball and throw with touch. Flashes functional movement skills and reactive quickness in the pocket. Capable of making off-script plays at times. Looks most comfortable in neutral, on-air settings at this stage. Completed 68.1% of his passes for 2,685 yards and 26 touchdowns against 5 interceptions.”

Tyler Horka of On3’s Blue and Gold does not believe Duke quarterback Riley Leonard transferring in affects the youngster. If anything, Carr has a year to take a back seat and gain experience as a true freshman.

“I think CJ Carr is locked in,” Horka said during an episode of Andy Staples On3. “It’s always nice when the guy is coming in as a true freshman because this is a 17, 18-year-old kid and Riley Leonard is Riley Leonard. He’s done all of these things at the college football level. So, if you’re CJ Carr, you say ‘This doesn’t really affect me right now.’ [Leonard] is a one-year rental. This time next year, we’re not talking about Riley Leonard.”