Phil Jurkovec Wanted To Find Belief

Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec opened up on Thursday and it was the first time he had spoken since transferring from Notre Dame earlier this month. 

The 6-foot-4, 227-pounder admitted there was some uncertainty when he entered the Transfer Portal, but it's clear Jurkovec feels at home in Chestnut Hill.

"It is scary throwing your name in and not knowing what is going to come out of it," stated Jurkovec. "Immediately, Coach (Jeff) Hafley and Coach (Frank) Cignetti showed a lot of interest and it was a clear choice as to where to go for me." 

And Jurkovec knew he would have to earn the job wherever he landed.

"I knew where I was going to go there would competition," said Jurkovec. "The quarterbacks on the roster are very good and we've been competing already." 

When it came to a decision, Jurkovec wanted faith from the coaching staff, but also a staff who could help him reach his high ceiling. 

"The two criteria I was looking at when making a choice as to where to go was really about the coaches," explained Jurkovec. "The coaches that were going to believe in me and develop me. I think I've got a lot of room to grow and that's what I found with Coach Hafley and Coach Cignetti."

The Eagles won't meet the Irish until 2022 and it's a game Jurkovec wants to be part of - if he's still at Boston College. 

"I've got a lot of friends at Notre Dame," Jurkovec said. "My former teammates, I wish them the best. They're on the schedule in a couple of years, so if the chance comes, it would be awesome." 

Jurkovec, who hails from Gibsonia (Pa.), will be tutored by Cignetti, a native of Pittsburgh. 

Cignetti plans to use a variety of schemes and Jurkovec believes he'll fit right in.

"I think I can fit into different offenses - the spread and pro-style," Jurkovec stated. "Talking to Coach Cignetti, it will be a mixture here as to what he does. 

"I think I can morph into different styles, but it's really about my development. I think I have a lot of room to grow in terms of knowing football, offense and defense. There's just a lot I can do." 

When it comes to Jurkovec's transfer, he declined to comment and gave props to Notre Dame's starting quarterback. 

"I'd rather not talk too much about Notre Dame," said Jurkovec. "Ian Book is a very good player and I wish him the best." 

Jurkovec did feel he benefited from playing in a few games for the Irish and is looking forward to testing himself when Boston College opens spring ball.

"I don't think I got too much of an opportunity to showcase what I can do, but it was fun being out there," Jurkovec explained. "I love the game. I love competing, so I'm excited for spring ball here." 

As for a waiver to play in 2020, Jurkovec didn't know the status of it, but one has been filed.

"I'd rather not discuss that," said Jurkovec. "I'm not totally sure right now."