Tommy Rees: This program needs Drew Pyne

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish announced early in August Tyler Buchner as their starting quarterback, beating out fellow sophomore Drew Pyne. Despite losing the battle to Buchner, Pyne has been a consummate professional throughout the process, and that has not been lost on his coaches in particular offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. During a recent press conference, Rees highlighted the importance of his young signal caller to the quarterback room and the program as a whole.

“Yeah, this program needs Drew Pyne. I mean, there is zero doubt in my mind. I don’t know when, how, why, or where, but this program needs him right now,” said Rees. “And this program is going to need him moving forward. I mean, there are not 15 guys in this program that are more important to Notre Dame than Drew Pyne. I cannot give him enough credit for the way he’s prepared, practiced, and put himself in a position to be the best version of him he can be.

In his first two season at Notre Dame, Pyne has been a perennial backup. He was behind New Orleans Saints quarterback Ian Book in 2020 and only attempted three passes in the 12-game season. And last season was third-fiddle to Jack Coan and Buchner, only appearing in two games. Pyne attempted 30 passes and compiled two touchdown throws. Still, Pyne will be counted on to be a leader for the team on the field and in the locker room. But most importantly, to be ready at all times.

“He needs to continue to lead, continue to be a guy that everyone counts on. He’s going to be great in the room and be very supportive of Tyler. And then, at the end of the day, he needs to be ready to play. I think we’ve all been around this game long enough that you know you better have two (quarterbacks) that could help you win games, and that’s how we feel right now. We’re extremely confident in our group. I think they’re extremely confident in themselves, and we’re ready to continue forward.

Pyne has handled his loss in the quarterback competition well. But arguably, the best thing the sophomore quarterback has done is keep his head in the game. No one knows for certain what the future holds, but if Buchner has to miss time or be replaced at any point in the season, Pyne must make sure he is ready to go.