One could argue for or against signing a quarterback within the class of 2012. Adding to the debate, Notre Dame wants to become more athletic at the quarterback position, and some of those athletic quarterbacks could move to other positions.
Which side of the argument does one fall? Take a signal caller every year? How about assessing the depth chart before determining whether to recruit a quarterback within a particular class? Now consider how versatile a run-pass quarterback can be, and how he could eventually morph into a slot wide receiver, free safety, running back, or even a tight end. It makes the decision to sign a quarterback more difficult. With that said, playing the side of taking a quarterback this year, the following represents players that fit the dual-threat role Notre Dame probably prefers.
Note: this is a guess list based on skill set and does not represent anything more. Notre Dame may or may not consider recruiting any one of the quarterbacks listed below. You can read a recruit's ESPN profile by clicking on his name.
Anthony Alford, 6-0, 210, Petal, MS – One of the most highly recruited players from Dixie this year, Alford could certainly fit into Notre Dame’s style of offense. He’s big enough and strong enough to contribute as freshman, and he possesses the running ability to make the Irish offense dynamic. Notre Dame looked into the possibility of recruiting Alford earlier this year.
Cyler Miles, 6-4, 220, Denver, CO (Mullen) – Notre Dame decided to go in another direction earlier this year. From all of the quarterbacks on this list, Miles might be the most likely for the Irish to re-enter the race because its already familiar with Miles and Miles being familiar with Notre Dame, and because he committed to Washington, a school that also earned a commitment from a local quarterback commitment, Jeff Lindquist, another dual-threat signal caller like Miles.
Brent Vanderveen, 6-5, 205, Arroyo Grande, CA – An Oregon State commitment, the Golden State product went under the radar in the recruiting rankings. He did earn an offer from Arkansas, however, and Bobby Petrino knows quarterbacks. Vanderveen can certainly run and throw on the run. He does not possess an elite arm, but he’s an intriguing prospect.
Faton Bauta, 6-2, 220, Palm Beach Gardens, FL (Dwyer) – A physically developed quarterback, Bauta did not commit to a college yet. He does have a long list of suitors including Alabama, West Virginia, Maryland, Boston College, Kentucky, Louisville, and Vanderbilt among others.
Patton Robinette, 6-4, 200, Maryville, TN – From a style perspective, Robinette’s physical movements resemble Dayne Crist. He’s not as physically developed at the same stage of their careers, but Robinette should fill out. He’s a good athlete that can make some plays with his feet. A North Carolina commitment, it would not be surprising if he looked at different college options because of the impending probation that will hit Chapel Hill sooner than later.
Chris Moody, 6-0, 195, McDonough, GA (Henry County) – A truly electric player with the football in his hands, Moody applies pressure to the defense with his arm and his feet. He could play another position beyond quarterback. Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and Mississippi State offered Moody among others.
The aforementioned list includes some players that did or did not earn interest from the Irish earlier this season. That’s just it: one never truly knows which direction Notre Dame may go with its recruitment of a quarterback. The most important position of the field deserves a great deal of attention. Perhaps Notre Dame will jump back into the quarterback sweepstakes with one of the players above, or perhaps Notre Dame will go after a different signal caller. Notre Dame may not go after any quarterback. Time will tell.
