:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66609603/1175534578.jpg.0.jpg)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2020 season.
#12 Ian Book, QB
As the Irish head into a new season, Ian Book will begin his fifth season wearing the gold and blue, and his third as a starter. Irish fans saw this quarterback get more decisive alongside the solidification of the Irish O line, but only after the frustration of a great deal of trial and error. Despite a shaky showing against the University of Michigan Wolverines, for example, coach Brian Kelly highlighted Book’s improvement over the course of the season on the Brian Kelly Show Podcast following a major victory over the Navy Midshipmen. Kelly said Book had been “executing at a higher level.”
There was some definite yo-yoing, but Book finished this past season with a nomination for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and as the team’s Offensive player of the year. He also chalked up a few Notre Dame firsts. For example, Book became the first Notre Dame quarterback to claim at least 2,500 passing yards, 500 rushing yards, and 30 touchdown passes in just one season. He also became the first quarterback in the history of the school with five touchdown passes in one half, against the Bowling Green State University Falcons.
Spirit Animal
Big mustache energy
It was hard not to mistake Book for Ron Burgundy with that legendary mustache.
2020 Outlook
I think Irish fans will see a newfound confidence in execution from the quarterback as well as a continued commitment to living up to Notre Dame’s legacy. If he commits to improving reactivity, and timing in the pocket in particular, he can make this a memorable season for the right reasons. Book has hit the necessary roadblocks to know how to maintain a good flow going forward. Bold call, but I’m calling it; I think the ‘stache will be back this season.
Follow me on Twitter.