Jurkovec Gets Visitors, Ready To Recruit
Notre Dame might have been on a bye week last week, but the coaches hit the road to check on some of the top talent across the country. One visit head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Sanford made was to see 2018 quarterback commit Phil Jurkovec.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder has been committed to the Irish since May, but an appearance at Pine-Richland (Pa.) High School on Thursday, made the a positive impression on the five-star prospect.
“It went well, but because of NCAA rules we couldn’t talk,” Jurkovec told Irish Sports Daily. “I did get to see them and talk with them after.
“It does mean a lot that they wanted to come down and stop at the school when there are so many recruits that they have to get to. It really does mean a lot.”
It’s no secret the Irish are having a rough season, but Sanford has communicated with Jurkovec that Notre Dame is close to turning it around.
“I haven’t talked to Coach Kelly lately, but talking to Coach Sanford – I mean so far the 2-5 is definitely not where they want to be at and it’s disappointing,” stated Jurkovec. “His message is that they haven’t stopped fighting. They are close to winning those games and as along as they change a few things, they will be back on top.”
Jurkovec was off to a hot start in 2016 before a thumb injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. In six games, the Pennsylvania native completed 104 of 167 passes for 1,673 yards, 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also had rushed for 481 yards and eight touchdowns on just 82 carries.
The thumb injury won’t keep him out long, as he plans on being back for his hoops season.
“I am doing well,” Jurkovec explained. “I got surgery two weeks ago, so I have six more weeks in recovery. After that, it will take me into basketball season. I will be playing basketball this year. We should have a good team this year too.”
The game he injured his thumb was against Central Catholic (Pa.), which is the home of two Notre Dame commits, linebacker David Adams and defensive lineman Kurt Hinish. Despite the injury, Jurkovec finished the game and had fun playing against two of his future teammates.
“It was cool playing against them,” he stated. “They have a bunch of other players and it was good competition. It was fun to play against them because of how can play and the talent they have.”
Much has been made of 2018 Notre Dame running back commit Markese Stepp’s work on the recruiting trail, but Jurkovec is hanging right there with him. Several of Notre Dame’s top recruits in 2018 have mentioned him reaching out and Jurkovec wants a big-time class coming to South Bend with him.
“There are a group of guys we are going after,” said Jurkovec. “The majority of the guys are waiting it out a little bit and maybe not committing right away. The guys we are going after are like Zack Kuntz, Malik Vann, Jaelen Gill, TJ Pledger, Bookie Radley-Hiles and Dallas Gant.
“There are bunch of guys we think we can get and they are definitely liking Notre Dame.”