Notre Dame’s CJ Carr embraces growing expectations while leading young quarterbacks this spring

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- After a breakout first full season as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback, CJ Carr is entering the spring with a new level of attention.

Carr threw for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions last season, establishing himself as one of the top young quarterbacks in college football. The strong campaign has already sparked early talk of NFL potential and Heisman Trophy consideration heading into next season.

But Carr said Wednesday he is not letting the outside hype consume him. Instead, he is focused on tuning out the noise, spending less time on social media and helping lead a quarterback room that includes several young players competing behind him.

“I have talked about how close that quarterback room is before,” Carr said. “Those two are going to be fun to watch this spring as they battle it out and we get Teddy in the fall. He’s going to be a great addition and I’m excited to be able to watch those guys continue to progress over spring and into fall.”

This spring is less about whether Carr can play and more about whether he can take full command of the offense. Notre Dame coaches want to see continued growth in his decision making and more consistency from snap to snap as he takes another step in his development.

Quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli said Carr has the tools to leave a lasting mark on the program.

“I think CJ is going to have a chance to be one of the best quarterbacks ever to come through the University of Notre Dame,” Guidugli said. 

With three freshmen preparing to battle for the backup role behind him, Carr has also taken on more responsibility as a leader in the room.

Head coach Marcus Freeman has said competitions like that tend to bring out the best in players, and Notre Dame is hoping the same is true again this spring as the younger quarterbacks push each other behind their established starter.