2018 Notre Dame QB Commit Phil Jurkovec Focused on Stars
2018 Pine-Richland (Pa.) quarterback Phil Jurkovec has heard a lot of talk about stars over the past two years as the five-star prospect is one of the top players in the country.
On Monday evening, the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder spent time researching and learning about stars as part of a seniors-only class.
“It was an extra class I could take, but it’s not at night every day,” Jurkovec told Irish Sports Daily. “For bonus points, they had a night class, so I went on Monday night.
“We were looking at different constellations and everything like that.”
The Notre Dame commit has also been living up to his five-star status on the field this fall. Through five games, Jurkovec has completed 73% of his passes for 1,470 yards, 12 touchdowns and just two interceptions. On the ground, Jurkovec has rushed for 239 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Yep, you read that right, 24 total touchdowns in five games, but Jurkovec isn’t satisfied yet.
“I haven’t completed everything yet,” stated Jurkovec. “My end goal is to win a championship. We’re doing pretty well so far. We haven’t had a game yet, so I’d say we’re on the right track.”
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly had seen Jurkovec play basketball with 2017 Notre Dame signees David Adams, Kurt Hinish, Josh Lugg, and offensive coordinator Chip Long, while former offensive coordinator Mike Sanford had attended Jurkovec’s football and basketball games in the past.
Last Friday, Pine-Richland faced off against one of the top programs in the area in Bethel Park, and Kelly was in attendance to show how much the Irish value the commitment from the Gibsonia native.
Jurkovec put on a show in front of his future head coach as he completed 19 of 23 passes for 355 yards and scored five touchdowns in the first half as the Rams led 54-7.
“It was great to have him there on Friday,” explained Jurkovec. “I knew he was going to be there. He had texted me earlier in the week, but I didn’t see him at all.
“I didn’t try to change too much. It did give me a little more motivation.”
Motivation is something Jurkovec, and his Rams don’t need this week. Pine-Richland will host Central Catholic (4-1), and there isn’t a lot of love between the two programs.
“We don’t just want to beat them,” Jurkovec said of the rivalry game. “We really want to drive it down their throats and destroy them this game. We’re definitely coming for blood this game.”
Pine-Richland lost 48-35 a year ago to Central Catholic, which had Adams and Hinish on the defense. It’s also the game Jurkovec hurt his thumb and eventually led to an early end to his junior season.
“They are our rival, and there’s been so much talk about this game,” said Jurkovec. “We really want to make a point and beat them badly.”
When it comes to Notre Dame, Jurkovec has remained in contact with Kelly, Long and quarterbacks coach Tommy Rees, but neither side is looking for a ton of contact. Both sides are focused on the season, and Jurkovec got to spend time with the staff on his most recent visit to South Bend.
“There are texts here and there,” Jurkovec stated. “I haven’t spoken with them much. I got to speak with them when I came up for the Georgia game. We have all been focused on the season.
“They told me to take care of business on the field this fall. They talked about the game and stuff. It wasn’t too much.”
Jurkovec is solid as ever in his commitment to the Irish, and he also gave some insight into the recruiting process.
Over the last two seasons, Jurkovec has seen big wins and losses inside Notre Dame Stadium, and he admitted things are better after a win, but at the same time, the Georgia loss was different than the others.
“It’s definitely a lot better with a win no matter what the score is as long as it’s a win,” said Jurkovec. “The way they fought and played against Georgia, all the recruits were impressed.
“It was a one-point loss, and everyone knew Georgia was a really good team. They way they have played after that game has really picked up the recruiting too.”
Notre Dame’s play through four games of 2017 has definitely got Jurkovec’s attention and the attention of other prospects around the country.
“You can tell the strength program is really paying off,” stated Jurkovec. “The guys just look a lot stronger and faster. The defense has been playing great, which is exciting because you want to play with a great defense.
“The offense has done very well. Being able to rush the way they have to go with the way (Brandon) Wimbush has made plays has been huge.”
Despite the offense change, Jurkovec has been very pleased to see what the Irish are doing with Wimbush at quarterback.
“Honestly, it’s a lot of the stuff I run in high school,” said Jurkovec.
Music to the ears of all Notre Dame fans.