Marcus Freeman updates QB depth entering bowl season

In his first season as the Notre Dame head coach, Marcus Freeman has had to deal with issues at the quarterback position. Week 1 starter Tyler Buchner went down with an injury in Week 2, which knocked him out for the regular season. Backup Drew Pyne replaced him and was up and down in his efforts to do so. Now, however, Pyne has announced that he will transfer, leaving a question mark about who will play quarterback for Notre Dame’s bowl game.

During a press conference, Marcus Freeman was asked about the team’s depth at quarterback and if Tyler Buchner or Steve Angeli would be the starting quarterback for the bowl.

“We haven’t defined exactly what the quarterback position will be,” Marcus Freeman said. “Both guys have gotten reps with the ones. Between Steve and Tyler, both have had reps with the ones.”

Marcus Freeman admitted that the focus hasn’t yet turned to what quarterback is going to start the bowl game, yet. Instead, it’s been about getting them reps in practice. In particular, getting reps for Tyler Buchner as he tries to return from a high-grade shoulder sprain.

“Tyler’s practiced the majority of all the practices. So, we’ll sit down probably next week and just say hey what’s the plan as we really start focusing on South Carolina, but right now we just want all these guys getting reps and rolling and continuing. You know, Tyler hasn’t played football for a long time. So, just getting him in there with a bunch of different groups of receivers and o-linemen and let letting him get acclimated. But, he looks good. He’s done a good job in practice. Steve’s done a pretty good job too.”

Tyler Buchner is a dual-threat quarterback and a former four-star recruit in the Class of 2021. However, injuries have slowed down his progress. For his part, Steve Angeli was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2022.

Notre Dame plays South Carolina in the Gator Bowl.

Marcus Freeman on Drew Pyne’s departure

One thing that’s important to Marcus Freeman is honesty. That honesty between coaches and players is important because it’s the foundation of trusting one another. That honesty included telling Drew Pyne Notre Dame wants to take a quarterback from the transfer portal. A decision that directly led to Pyne’s departure.

“We had to be honest, I love Drew Pyne but part of that love is to tell him that we’re looking at the transfer portal and possibly taking a quarterback. I could have not told him, could have lied and waited until after the game… but that’s not what we’re built on. We’re built on really authentic relationships and having those honest conversations,” Marcus Freeman explained.

“You know what? Drew made the best decision for Drew. And I say that because he made it. I love him and we’re so grateful for what he did for the program this year.”