Notre Dame Football: 3 early signees who’ll have instant impact in 2018

While he’s not the highest-rated recruit that Notre Dame has in the class, he could be the most important. Kelly did give a lot of attention to Pine-Richland High School product, from Gibsonia, PA, Phil Jurkovec.

If Wimbush continues to struggle in the passing game, Kelly could be looking for some answers at the beginning of the 2018 season. Sophomore quarterback Ian Book did not show much promise either in limited action during the regular season.

At some point next season, Jurkovec will get his chance to prove his worth to Kelly. Notre Dame is sure to come into the 2018 campaign with high expectations, and the team does have the resources to contend nationally again.

Next: Takeaways from regular season for Notre Dame

It was not too long ago that the Irish were staring a spot in the College Football Playoff field right in the face. Two disappointing losses at the end of the regular season cost them their chance. Yet, Jurkovec could be just the right guy to take them to the first playoff berth in program history.