Why learning leadership is up next for Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner

Speculation met reality Saturday when Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman named sophomore Tyler Buchner his opening-day starting quarterback.

Buchner was long presumed to be the frontrunner but nothing was made official through his quarterback derby with junior Drew Pyne during spring ball and seven fall camp practices.

With that storyline settled, the Irish offense can practice with more continuity and Buchner can start learning the finer points of his role, one of which is leadership.

Playing behind senior center Zeke Correll and graduate offensive guards Josh Lugg and Jarrett Patterson — with graduates Joe Wilkins Jr., and Braden Lenzy a couple of likely receiving targets — Buchner faces a unique leadership challenge.

The above players have been in the program two and even three years longer than Buchner. 

In fact, Buchner won’t turn 20 until Nov. 7, making him the third youngest starter on the Irish offense behind sophomore tackles Blake Fisher and Joe Alt, who won’t turn 20 until early next year. 

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Freeman explained that he sees Buchner’s leadership qualities growing every day, but …

“You got to remember, he’s a second-year guy surrounded by some seniors up front, surrounded by some guys that have done it,” Freeman said. “So, it’s not the easiest thing to do to be that vocal alpha male. But you can see him every day stepping outside of his comfort zone.

“There’s many different ways to be a leader but I see him challenging himself to be more of a vocal leader, and that’s all we ask of him.”

And when asked about the leadership challenges he’ll face as only a second-year player and a first-year starter, Buchner explained how it must come organically. 

“Leadership doesn’t always have to be about, ‘Hey, you go do this, you go do this,’” Buchner said. “Just communication. At the end of the day, just continue to communicate. Let [teammates] know my opinion on certain things and we can talk it through, just continue to be vocal.”

Making strides

Consider that because Buchner didn’t play in 2020 as a high school senior back in San Diego because of COVID-19, he’s had minimal time and situations to grow his leadership skills. 

Though, Buchner did appear in 10 games as a Notre Dame freshman backup last season and performed well in some difficult situations and environments.

Freeman referenced the extended reps Buchner played in a raucous venue at Virginia Tech when he helped his Irish earn a hard-fought 32-29 win. 

Buchner led Notre Dame in passing that night with 113 yards, though he did throw two interceptions versus one touchdown. On the ground, Buchner added another 67 rushing yards and a score. 

Freeman believes that experience at Blacksburg, Va., will help prepare Buchner for his start on Sept. 3, at Ohio State.

“He’s continued to grow. When you meet with the quarterbacks, he’s the alpha male in that room,” Freeman said when asked about Buchner’s maturity level. “He’s a confident guy. I think he is still getting comfortable being a vocal leader amongst his teammates.”

For Buchner, becoming a strong leader starts with being a strong player.

“The goal for my personality is to have the utmost confidence in myself, in my teammates, and this whole program,” he said. “Having confidence comes with execution. As long as I continue to execute, continue to stack good days, the confidence will go up.”

Captain my captain

Freeman was also asked Saturday where he stands on naming his first group of team captains, and the rookie coach indicated there is no urgency. 

Expect Patterson and graduate wide receiver Avery Davis to return as second-year captains, even after the tragic news broke Saturday morning that Davis is lost for the season with an ACL injury. Beyond that, Freeman said strong team leaders don’t necessarily need to wear a C on their chest. 

“Listen, if we’re looking for captains to lead us, wooo, it’s going to be a long year,” Freeman said. “I’ve challenged every one of those seniors. I’ve challenged our SWAT captains. We need leadership whether you’re named a team captain or not. We need leadership amongst everyone in our program.”