Notre Dame Football: Top 5 early targets for 2019 recruiting class
By Jacob Wilson
1. Cade McNamara, QB
Cade McNamara, a pro-style quarterback out of Reno, NV, is currently committed to Notre Dame for the 2019 season. However, with the prevalence of flip-flopping across the country, it’s important to keep tabs on players regardless of how confident you are in their commitment. While McNamara hasn’t displayed any signs of backing out, nothing can be taken for granted.
McNamara is an exceptional talent, and can do it with both his arm and legs if need be. Although considered a pro-style quarterback, McNamara has a great pocket awareness and displays a distinct confidence when scrambling. His throwing style is similar to that of Matthew Stafford, as he has the ability to sidearm passes in windows you didn’t think were there.
While the raw talent is certainly present, McNamara’s footwork could use some help and he appears a tad too trigger-happy at times. What I see is a project similar to Ian Book, hopefully giving Chip Long some experience heading into his work with McNamara.
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McNamara’s role with the Irish will be heavily influenced by the success of both Book and 2018 signee Phil Jurkovec, putting little power in McNamara’s hands as of now. However, should a Wimbush/Book situation manifest in the incoming Jurkovec/McNamara duo, look for the latter to give Irish fans some exciting games over the course of 2019 and beyond.