Notre Dame Football: Looking At the 2012 Recruiting Cycle: Quarterbacks
The following is part three in a continuing series that looks at some of the recruits in the 2010 cycle. Some have been offered scholarships others are on the radar.
The quarterback position will undoubtedly be the most talked about spot over the spring, with the transfer of Nate Montana and with Luke Massa making the move to wide receiver, the time is already upon us to look down the road.
While who the starter in 2011 is anything but clear, one thing is clear and that is that the depth in the signal caller position is not only deep but diverse. Meaning that there are numerous options after the starter. The strong arm of Andrew Hendrix or the slashing style of Everett Golson.
Here is a look at what the long term future might hold for the Fighting Irish.
Maty Mauk: Kenton, OH
1 of 8
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185
Offers: Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Ball State and Missouri
Preview: In his first three years at Kenton H.S. Maty Mauk has thrown for over 13,500 yards and 151 touchdowns for a completion percentage of 62.8. He attempted 1544 passes with 47 interceptions, out of a pro style offense. Mauk has also rushed 429 times for another 1981 yards and added another 35 touchdowns on the ground.
This First Team All-Ohio quarterback sees the entire field, he can scramble left and throw a dart to the right with pin point accuracy. Mauk is not afraid to stay in the pocket until the last possible second before making a decision to pass or run. He throws with a whip like motion that is dead on over the top or at a three quarter slot.
Muak is also a punishing rusher who lowers the boom on defenders. His highlight film is easy to watch especially since the music is "Let The Bodies Hit The Floor." It should be interesting to see how many times that Mauk puts the ball in the air in 2011.
Gray Crow: Clearwater, FL
2 of 8
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 220
GPA: 4.25
Offers: Miami
Preview: Gray Crow is a big kid, his biggest number might be his 4.25 GPA. With a lone offer from The University of Miami, Crow gave a verbal commitment on February 14th.
In his junior season Crow led Countryside H.S. to it's first undefeated regular season in school history. He passed for 1449 yards and seven touchdowns.
Crow operates out of a pro style offense, and looks comfortable both under center and out of the shotgun. He displays good footwork and reacts well under pressure, not forcing throws. He seems to hop around quite a bit in the pocket and could work on his fakes on play action.
Gray Crow has visited the Notre Dame campus at least three times so far.
Cyler Miles: Denver, CO
3 of 8
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 215
Offers: Notre Dame, Colorado, Arizona State and Vanderbilt
Speed: 4.47
Preview: One word, fast. Cyler Miles is fast. Miles, who was named the QB MVP of the U.S. Army combine has personal best times of 11 seconds flat in the 100 meter dash and 22.29 in the 200 meter dash as a sophomore.
In 2010 Miles completed 150 of 212 passes (67.9 percent) for 2114 yards and 20 touchdowns. The quarterback also rushed the ball 73 times for 255 yards and two touchdowns, an average of 3.5 yards per attempt.
Look for Cyler Miles to improve his speed this year. Depending on how many quarterbacks Coach Kelly wants to sign in 2012, Miles may be a strong candidate for one of those slots.
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Jameis Winston: Hueytown, AL
4 of 8
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 200
Speed: 4.6
Offers: Notre Dame, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Ohio State, Stanford and many others.
Preview: Jameis Winston is a dual threat quarterback that threw for 2,334 yards and rushed for another 870 (6.8 per carry) in 2010. He is also is a top baseball prospect that throws in the 90's and plays centerfield. Winston is on the ESPN150 watch list for next season.
Winston is not afraid of contact, when he lowers his shoulder the defender knows it. His execution of the fake on play action is superb. He has a bench press of 185 pounds, this is evident in his longer pass attempts.
Jameis Winston can thread the needle and seems to make the right choices on when to throw or when to run.
Gunner Kiel: Columbus, IN
5 of 8
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 220
Offers: Notre Dame, Michigan, Alabama, USC, Cincinnati, Iowa and others.
Preview: Gunner is the nephew of former Notre Dame quarterback Blair Kiel, and has two brothers that are signal callers at Illinois State and Indiana University.
Kiel is a pro style quarterback with a cannon for an arm, his footwork is exceptional and he looks for second and third options when looking for a receiver.
With a quick release and excellent mechanics, Kiel has a short and quick motion, snapping the ball right from his ear hole. Gunner Kiel will be a prep quarterback to watch in 2011.
Brendan Nosovitch: Allentown, PA
6 of 8
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200
Speed: 4.6
Offers: Virginia
Preview: Brendan Nosovitch was Pennsylvania's AAA Player of the Year in 2010, he accounted for 4,758 yards and 68 touchdowns. Nosovitch is being recruited by Notre Dame offensive coordinator Charley Molnar who is one of the best judges of quarterback talent in the nation.
Named the Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year, Nosovitch threw for 3,112 yards and 35 touchdowns and rushed for 1,283 and 18 scores.
Nosovitch stays in the pocket as long as possible and is a dual threat, he is a tough kid that needs to develop his throwing motion. 3,112 yards in the air is impressive, but a lot of that is due to some quality receiver. The number that stands out the most is one, being the one offer by Virginia.
Robert Gregory: Chicago IL
7 of 8
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 183
Speed: 4.6
Ranking: Scout 3-Stars
Preview: Robert Gregory threw for 1,576 and 32 touchdowns and rushed for 919 yards and 16 more scores in 2010. Gregory is listed as a dual threat quarterback.
There is only two highlight clips of Gregory, each lasting nine seconds, so I cannot give you a breakdown of his skills. With no offers as of yet, it will be interesting to see if the Irish go after him.
Zeke Pike: Edgewood, KY
8 of 8
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 230
GPA: 3.6
Speed: 4.7
Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Iowa, Penn State, Boston College, Michigan and others.
Preview: Zeke Pike received his first scholarship offer before he played a single varsity down. He threw for over 2,200 yards last season, and rushed for another 1,072.
Looking at film, Pike immediately reminded me of Ben Roethlisberger. I'm not comparing the two but the physical resemblance and footwork was definite. He throws well under pressure and rolls out well on bootlegs. This pro style quarterback only threw five interceptions in 175 attempts as a sophomore.
When lining up at linebacker, Pike looked quick busting through the line to block numerous kicks, he moves great laterally. This kid could play offense or defense at a Division 1 level.
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