Phil Jurkovec Wants To Win At Notre Dame

Phil Jurkovec‍ is getting a good look at what it’s like to play with and against the nation’s best prospects down in San Antonio this week for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and so far, the 2018 Notre Dame quarterback signee is enjoying it.

“It’s been really good,” he said. “It’s been challenging, but a lot of fun.”

Jurkovec has also enjoyed the opportunity to visit and play with future teammates like tight end George Takacs, defensive tackle Jayson Ademilola, linebacker Shayne Simon and defensive back Derrik Allen.

“It’s been cool,” he said. “We’ve been hanging out a lot. The other part is we’re all on the East, so we get to play together for the first time. It’s been fun.”

The Pine-Richland High School product didn’t do a ton of camps and showcases during his prep career, but doesn’t feel the need to prove himself this week.

“I’m not looking to prove anything to anybody else, I’m just trying to prove to myself that I can play,” he said. “I’m not really focusing too much on that. I’m just trying to go out and compete.”

More than anything, he wants to make the most of the experience.

“The whole experience is very cool,” he said. “I’m just trying to get better this whole week at a bunch of different things.”

California wide receiver Amon-ra St. Brown may be the biggest target left on Notre Dame’s board and announces during Saturday’s game, but Jurkovec has his eye on an Under Armour All-American as well.

“Amon-ra would be the huge get if we could get him,” said Jurkovec. “Nicholas Petit-Frere, out of Florida, they’re probably the two guys right now we’re going the hardest for.

“I took the official to Notre Dame with (Petit-Frere), so I was hanging out a lot with him there.”

Jurkovec trusts the Irish staff’s opinion on the incoming class.

“The coaches really like the class and it seems to be pretty highly-rated,” he said. “I think we have a lot of guys who can come in and play. I think we have the potential to be very good.”

The Pennsylvania native doesn’t have any true goals coming into his college career outside of one major one.

“I just want to win. I want Notre Dame to win no matter what my role on the team is. I just want to win. If I can play, then I will, but if I’m the backup then I’ll just keep competing and keep pushing the other quarterbacks.”