Here's a guarantee. If Jimmy Clausen and Dayne Crist stay, for the most part, upright and healthy over the next five to six years, then Notre Dame is set at quarterback. End of story. No others need apply.
Oh sure, the Irish will need a body or two for depth and to run the scout team but aside from that, the Domers are covered. It's hard to imagine anyone else forcing their way into the picture. There's just no room. Not with these two young turks manning the controls.
We already know about Clausen. The most celebrated incoming ND quarterback since Ron Powlus, Clausen has the pedigree, high school resume and temperament that suggests he'll be a superstar. It almost seems preordained.
And, on the few occasions he's been adequately protected by a leaky Irish line, Clausen has shown he can deliver the ball on target and on time. In the face of extremely trying circumstances, Clausen has hung tough and proved himself to be made of stern stuff. Still in the infancy of his collegiate career, Clausen's upside and growth potential is enormous.
But as good as Clausen figures to be, he just may get pushed by the 6-5, 221-pound Crist once the Notre Dame Academy and California product steps onto campus at South Bend. You can't watch Crist in action without getting a strong impression that here's a youngster who's the real deal. In other words, he looks very legit.
Crist's considerable skills were on display last Thursday during ESPN2's nationally-televised game between ND Academy and local rival Birmingham. Though Crist and team would eventually be on the losing end of a 28-21 count, the gifted senior lived up to the significant hype that has surrounded him. He more than met expectations.
You name it and Crist showed it. Composure, patience, moxie, leadership and determination. He battled his way through a spotty first-half and then came on like gangbusters in the second. He got better and better as the game progressed. He saved his best for last.
Yes, he wasn't perfect. On occasion, he threw flat-footed and his mechanics weren't always flawless. But, on balance, he shined brighter than his glistening gold helmet.
Crist demonstrated he can throw with plenty of zip and on rhythm. And he clearly has the requisite touch for every kind of toss, be it short, intermediate or long-distance.
He stood John Wayne tall and unafraid in the pocket. Yet, when his protection evaporated and broke down, Crist took off and ran with purpose and authority. This guy can definitely move and maneuver. Not merely a thrower, Crist is a real threat with his legs. So much so that ND Academy has designed plays that take full advantage of Crist's mobility and athleticism.
Crist is also a true presence on both the field and the sideline. He's constantly conversing with the coaches and interacting with his teammates. He's animated, involved and fully engaged with the task at hand. It's obvious that he cares passionately about winning.
Sometimes when you watch and scrutinize an athlete, you get a sixth sense that there's something special about him. It's a gut-feeling one gets that the player in question is simply born for success. It's almost as if he can't miss. He seems a surefire bet. You're convinced he's going to make a sizable mark.
Well, Crist gives off that kind of positive vibe.
Given the way he carries himself, his decisive actions on the field and his ultra competitive nature, a bright and promising future seems to be a certainty for Crist.
And if that's the case, Jimmy Clausen better not take anything for granted. He best not assume that the starting job will be his by default or proxy. Because Crist will come in highly motivated and ready to compete.
And it wouldn't surprise this reporter, in the least, if Crist has Clausen looking over his shoulder sometime soon. Crist has the capability to challenge Clausen and make Jimmy work his butt off in order to remain the starter. Clausen will be pressed to the limit and that will greatly aid in his overall development. Intense competition will only make Clausen all the more accomplished.
But ultimately, no matter when, Crist will get his chance to be the Irish triggerman, the go-to guy. And when he does, taking all factors into account, both real and intangible, it would be shocking if he doesn't make the most of it. Crist has impact player written all over him.