Notre Dame Football: 5 impactful newcomers for the Irish

5. Jack Coan (transfer) quarterback:

It is not easy getting excited about Jack Coan as a transfer. Last season Graham Mertz started, and Coan did not see the field. So how do you get excited about a quarterback brought in to start who lost the starting job the season before?

In Coan’s defense, Mertz is the highest-rated quarterback prospect the Badgers have ever recruited and had to play. As a result, Mertz potentially could be the difference-maker the Badgers need to upset the Buckeyes in the Big Ten championship game.

The last sentence seems contradictory, but it is not, well, not really. Okay, so Jack Coan does not leap off the page as a difference-maker. Notre Dame football is not exactly ready-made this season, with so many veterans graduating and off to the NFL.

However, if things congeal the way head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees want, Coan could be the right signal-caller this season. Coan is a veteran with a Big Ten West title under his belt. He’s a near 70 percent passer for his career.

The Irish know what they have in running backs, Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree. But, if Braden Lenzy and Kevin Austin can stay healthy and be the deep threats the Irish have needed for the last three seasons, the offense could look dangerous.

One thing is for certain, Coan’s accuracy and veteran presence could get the Irish to the College Football Playoff. Unless they think Tyler Buchner is a difference-maker.