Wimbush Taking New Role in Stride

Notre Dame is about a week into Fall Camp and the rust is starting to come off with each day on the field. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush enters his first year as the starter and likes where the offense is heading into week two.

“It’s five days in and I think we are on pace to becoming a prolific offense on September 2nd,” Wimbush stated. “We have two new receivers taking first-team reps with Freddie Canteen and Cam Smith. Getting those guys adjusted to what I am bringing and the offense, in general, is going to take a couple of weeks. We aren’t playing Temple on Monday, so we will build it.”

Head coach Brian Kelly has turned the keys to the offense over to offensive coordinator Chip Long, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t make time to coach up the 6-foot-2, 228-pounder.

“It’s been great with Coach Kelly because he has been doing this for 27 years,” explained Wimbush. “He’s taking on a new role and giving the offensive role to Coach Long. My relationship with Coach Kelly has been really good throughout this camp and the spring.” 

Wimbush has patiently waited for his time to come, and while he is still adjusting to life as the starting quarterback at Notre Dame, the New Jersey native is definitely embracing the position he’s in.

“It’s been great,” said Wimbush. “Last year was a whole different circumstance. I was the No. 3 guy and I am now the No. 1 guy and competing with day in and out with Ian Book, Montgomery VanGorder, and Avery Davis. I am taking advantage of the opportunity given to me. I hope to seize it and make the most of it.”

The former St. Peter’s Prep (N.J.) star has always been a natural leader, and Wimbush hit the ground running when Irish returned in January. However, Wimbush doesn’t feel pressure to lead, and it allows him to not force his leadership on the team.

“I don’t think it’s difficult,” Wimbush stated. “You have the guys who were on the field last year like (Mike) McGlinchey and the offensive line. They have done a great job with me and adopting me into the offense. I have so many guys around me to take on that leadership role. I don’t have to assume that by myself.”

Wimbush hasn’t played for an extended period of time on a football field for almost three years, so getting hit is something he hasn’t experienced for quite some time.  Notre Dame didn’t let Wimbush get hit in practice or the Blue-Gold Game in April, which also took away some chances for him to run.

“It’s been like three years,” laughed Wimbush. “Well, Pittsburgh my freshman year – definitely that fumble. I feel sharp. It’s going to be interesting to see me kind of use my feet a little bit. I think it will be huge for us come September 2nd and the rest of the reason."

All in all, Wimbush is pleased with where his team and his game is at through the first week of Fall Camp, but he also realizes there is plenty of work to do.

“I feel my game is where it needs to be right now,” said Wimbush. “Coach Long, Coach Rees, and the other guys in the quarterback room have pushed me to excel in my preparation. We have done a great job, and we’re right where we need to be at this point.”