BREAKING: Elite 2020 QB Drew Pyne Commits To Notre Dame

Notre Dame doesn’t have a quarterback in its 2019 recruiting class, but the Irish just landed their signal-caller for the Class of 2020 and there’s no doubt he’ll be one of the jewels of the group, of which he is currently the sole member.

2020 Connecticut quarterback Drew Pyne‍ just announced his commitment to Notre Dame.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Pyne is the only 2020 quarterback the Irish offered and his offers include schools like Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, LSU, Oklahoma, Penn State, Auburn, Texas A&M, Tennessee and Miami among several others.

There are multiple reasons Pyne committed to Notre Dame, but what should excite Irish fans is how he sees his goals lining up with head coach Brian Kelly’s.

“Coach Kelly wants – and is close to – winning a National Championship,” Pyne told Irish Sports Daily following the announcement of his verbal commitment to Notre Dame on Monday.

“I’m a winner and a leader, so I will do whatever coach asks of me to do.”

The New Canaan, Conn., has made multiple visits to South Bend, including one last week, and felt comfortable enough to bring the process to an early conclusion.

“When I went and visited Notre Dame this past trip, It really felt like home to me,” he said. “Being with the coaches and players I really fit in and felt like I could see myself there.”

The New Canaan High School star has developed a strong relationship with Notre Dame quarterback coach Tom Rees during the process and the coaches were fired up to hear Pyne was joining the family.

 “The staff was really excited when I told them,” he said. “Coach Rees and I have a great bond that’s special.”

Pyne started as a freshman for legendary New Canaan High School coach Lou Marinelli and led the Rams to a state championship. In two seasons as the starter, he’s combined to complete 61.8 percent of his throws for 4,702 yards and 51 touchdowns. He’s added another 703 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground.

“He’s one of our fastest players and he can throw,” Marinelli told Irish Sports Daily. “He’s elusive. He reads the field very well. He’s always going forward, always making something happen. He’s able to direct traffic as he goes. He’s the straw that makes it all work.”

Marinelli also complimented Pyne for his character off the field.

“He’s an excellent student,” the coach adds. “He’s very well-liked in school, not only as a football player, but as a student. He’s one of the leaders in the school. He’s just a wonderful kid and a great kid to have on the team.”

Pyne is the first 2020 prospect to commit to Notre Dame and expects to work to get others to follow.

“I’m going to start being a recruiter now, but don't have my eye on anyone in particular right now. I'm just focused on getting better for this season, so when my time comes I’ll be ready,” he said.

Pyne’s cousin, Massachusetts’ Kevin Pyne‍, is one of the top offensive line targets in the Class of 2020. He also has an offer from Notre Dame and was also in South Bend last weekend. Like his cousin, Kevin Pyne has a bevy of scholarship offers from the nation’s top programs.

“It would be very special to play with my cousin in college, he is a great player,” Drew Pyne told ISD about his cousin earlier. “But we both need to go to a school and program that is the best fit for the both of us.”