Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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commitment profile: deshone kizer "Notre Dame is getting a guy that is going to get so much better when his focus is on football only and he gets his mechanics cleaned up. I just want to see him become more consistent. Once that happens, look out." Former NFL quarterback and Elite 11 coach Trent Dilfer on Kizer terbacks to ever play the college game, and you're talking to a coach who is the best in college football who can accommodate a pro-style and dualthreat guy. It was crazy." As one of the nation's top quarterbacks, Kizer earned an invite to the Elite 11 Finals and The Opening in Beaverton, Ore. One of the perks of the invitation was the opportunity to work with Elite 11 coach Trent Dilfer. The former Super Bowl winner discussed what's in store for the future Notre Dame quarterback. "Kizer is a very coachable kid. He takes what I say to heart, and I like that," Dilfer said. "I told him that he needs to stay in the moment and make sure that he makes the right reads and not force the ball. "He struggled a little this week, and he's got some stuff that needs to be cleaned up, but he's going to be a tremendous player. He's going to be very good. "Notre Dame is getting a guy that is going to get so much better when his focus is on football only and he gets his mechanics cleaned up. I just want to see him become more consistent. Once that happens, look out." During his junior season, Kizer completed 108 of 179 passes (60.3 percent) for 1,611 yards with 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 442 yards on 65 attempts and scored eight touchdowns. 247Sports ranks Kizer as the No. 7 prospect in Ohio, the No. 8 pro-style quarterback in the nation and the No. 147 overall recruit in the country. ✦ Film Analysis Strengths Kizer has terrific size at 6-5 and 210 pounds, and he has the frame to easily add 25 pounds … He throws with a natural, smooth motion and a high release point … Is an excellent deep-ball passer with good touch … Oozes with potential and, with coaching, is going to be outstanding down the road … Is raw at this point in plenty of areas, but he has the natural ability that you want at quarterback. Areas To Improve He needs to improve on his arm strength and the zip that he puts on his intermediate throws, which will come with added muscle and size in a collegiate weight program … His footwork needs to be tightened up; while he gets away from the line quickly, his footwork can get a little choppy prior to making his throws … The struggle with his steps late in his drop can hinder his passing accuracy … His weight transfer is one area that will need to improve before he plays for the Irish … When he steps into his throws and lets them fly, he throws with impressive accuracy and velocity — but there are plenty of moments where he throws off his back foot, diminishing his accuracy and the zip that he puts on the ball. — Tom Loy