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Notre Dame Football: 5 breakout players to watch in Spring Practice

By Andrew Miller

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumbled punt in the second quarter of a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Drue Tranquill #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumbled punt in the second quarter of a game against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Head coach Brian Kelly swapped between Wimbush and Book a few times during the 2017 season. However, Wimbush got the good bulk of the snaps last year, and continues to occupy the first team reps during Spring Practice. That does not mean that a quarterback battle is not ongoing.

The push for the starting gig for Book starts during Spring Practice. If he can make a real impact on the thought process for Kelly before the Michigan matchup in Week 1, he’ll have a good chance at significant early playing time this year.

Last year, Book threw for just over 450 yards and four touchdowns, with four picks too. He built some momentum up from the Citrus Bowl victory over running back Derrius Guice, quarterback Danny Etling and the LSU Tigers. That also should earn him some brownie points from the coaching staff.

Book has the better passing accuracy over Wimbush, and that could also sway the Notre Dame fan base to really push for him to start. Wimbush is an inconsistent pocket presence, usually completing less than 50 percent of his passing attempts. Book could be the answer in 2018.

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