Brian Kelly: 'We're going to see the best version of Ian Book this fall'

Notre Dame has started fall practice and the quarterback position isn't the biggest story of the first week.

Nice, right?

Whether it was QB1 underperforming, a quarterback battle, or intrigue with the backup, Notre Dame has none of that heading into 2020. 

And yes, Ian Book deserves credit and praise for continuing to hold down the job. 

Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly perked up on Thursday when asked about the fifth-year senior and his development. Kelly has displayed confidence in guys before, but it's been rare to see this level of confidence. 

"His leadership has been outstanding," stated Kelly. "It was really good last year. It's even better now because I think he's developed a single-minded focus in terms of what he wants this team to accomplish and what he wants for him. It's a championship or bust." 

Book has never lacked leadership as those who have played with him will call him one of the most competitive guys they've ever seen.

That's not to say Book didn't battle through struggles as it took until the last five games of 2019 before he fully hit his stride. There were great games during the first seven games last fall, but some he could have done more and Book would be the first to tell you that. 

That said, you saw the growth of a quarterback between the Michigan and Virginia Tech game. Book didn't take much heat in 2018 when he beat out Brandon Wimbush, but he had to block out the "noise" last fall. 

"I think everything he does is so intentional on a day-to-day basis," Kelly explained. "He's not distracted by the noise of the position as a leader and quarterback at Notre Dame. He's so much more comfortable with being in the position that he's in more than anything else." 

The California native threw for 3,034 yards, 34 touchdowns and just six interceptions last year. Book was also one of two FBS quarterbacks to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 500.

And despite the big numbers in 2019, Kelly believes Book's best football is coming. 

"He's stronger, fitter and he's going to have a great year," said Kelly. "There's no doubt in my mind that we're going to see the best version of Ian Book this fall." 

Let's hope we get to see it.