Brandon Wimbush: “There is no relying on anyone else"
Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush was surrounded with many questions heading into spring football, but after 15 practices, the New Jersey native has answered many of them.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder completed 19-of-33 passes for 341 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the Saturday’s Blue-Gold Game.
“I thought I played OK and the offense played to the standard we set all spring,” stated Wimbush. “Guys made plays.”
The experience from 2017 helped Wimbush this spring, but also another year in the same offensive system allowed the game to slow down.
“I felt good,” explained Wimbush “In year two, things have slowed down, and things have become easier. I know what Coach (Chip) Long and the offensive guys want from me. We were executing pretty well.”
One piece to Wimbush’s big game was Chase Claypool. The junior receiver recorded six catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
“I didn’t think he was going to do what he did on Saturday,” laughed Wimbush. “He’s been working hard and staying locked in. He looked great. I think he will continue to improve.”
Opposite Claypool, Miles Boykin capped off an impressive spring with three catches for 132 yards and one score.
“I wouldn’t say he’s a different guy,” Wimbush said of Boykin after a big Citrus Bowl. “He’s made the same catches he made in the bowl game. He’s been one of the most consistent guys on the offensive side of the ball.”
When it comes to the quarterback competition, Wimbush isn’t worried about it and has embraced it. Ian Book and Wimbush are good friends, and it’s not a competition filled with drama.
“I’m not thinking about it,” stated Wimbush. “I’m going to go hang out with Ian Book after this and spend some time with him. The quarterback competition, we had a great spring along with Avery Davis. Going into the summer, we’re going to continue this competition.”
Wimbush will look to fine-tune the small details and fundamentals in preparation for fall camp, but he’s also going to make sure the bond amongst the team stay strong in the coming months.
“The chemistry is going to continue to build,” Wimbush said. “That comes with spending time together throughout the summer. Fall camp will be a huge period of time for as an offense.”
A large part of Wimbush’s resurgence was due to some time he spent away from the football field.
“Your foundation is where you started this process,” explained Wimbush. “I went back home and spent a couple of days back home and debriefed. I took the next step in my training process. I met with some other people, and I thought it really helped me get to where I am today.”
September 1st will be here shortly, and Wimbush knows what he has to do for the team to reach its potential.
“I have to be at my best at all times,” said Wimbush. “There is no relying on anyone else. I have to be the best I’ve ever played at to get this team to go 14-0.”