Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Pregame Quote, 12/26/2018

Have you taken any time to contemplate how both quarterback situations are similar, both you and [Trevor] Lawrence taking over three or four games into the season? And obviously the decision worked out perfectly for both teams. Actually, a couple days ago I was thinking about it. Both of us are very fortunate, couldn’t be in a better situation. And the season goes by so fast. And there’s certainly times where you sit back and realize where you are and, again, just how fortunate we are to be here and playing in such a big game.

What were the biggest obstacles for you personally to overcome when you take over a team that’s undefeated and then all of a sudden, boom, you’re the guy that’s taking things over? Yeah, it’s different obviously. You know, I’m just excited. And I’ve been waiting for my shot ever since I got Notre Dame. Struggles come into every game. There’s plays you want back every single day even in practice and games, and that comes in college. There’s a lot of pressure that come with being quarterback. You have a bigger target on your back, but it’s something that I dreamed about since I was in about third grade. So just feel really fortunate.

Is there an immediate comfort level as far as being a starter or is there a process to command the huddle and be the unquestioned leader of this squad? I felt extremely confident my first start. Even when I wasn’t starting, I tried to get myself ready for the opportunity.

Was it a big deal looking back now? Obviously it was a big deal, but it seems like it was pretty seamless, not like the offense changed or anything. Yeah, I think it was a big deal for me. It was my chance to play and show my skills and show the offense that I can lead this team to victory and be a leader for the guys.

What difference does it make to have the playmakers already there? Huge, helps so much to be able to use Miles [Boykin] and Chase [Claypool] and those guys to go out there and make plays and have a backfield like we do and an offensive line. Sam [Mustipher] is a huge leader. Definitely a great situation for me to step into.

It makes a difference knowing that you’re taking over not to have to make every play. Oh, yeah. Like I said, to have all those playmakers making plays every day, it helps me a ton. And just to have the leadership already on the offense, I can come in and be a leader as well. To have so many leaders on the offense just makes it that much easier.

Looking at that Clemson front four, what stands out about those guys? Obviously the D line speaks for itself, very big athletic guys, a lot of experience. It’s going to be a great challenge for our guys. And I know personally with the offensive line, everyone is just excited for the challenge.

Is there any one of those four that kind of stand out to you? They all do. They’re all good players. They’re going to go play at the next level and just present a great challenge for our offense.