Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/561665
"He told me that I can't just offer you right now — some things needed to happen — but just to stay with it, and that's what I did." Book waited like Sanford instructed him to do, but it wasn't long before the 33-year-old coach was ready to make his move. "He kept just telling me that we could talk only so much about Notre Dame without me seeing it," Book said. "He talked me into a visit after a cruise with my family. We flew to Chicago instead of home to see what it was about." The result was a scholarship offer and commitment to Notre Dame. Book took a two-day unofficial visit to South Bend in early August, and couldn't say no to Sanford. He met with Irish head coach Brian Kelly, toured the campus and most impor- FILM ANALYSIS Strengths Ian Book shows off impressive pocket aware- ness and mobility … Has a compact release that allows him to quickly get the ball where it needs to be … Possesses a strong feel for ball place- ment, which is a must for precision passers … Drives the ball well on the out throws and fits the ball into tight windows over the middle … Has enough arm strength to get the ball over the top of the defense in certain situations … Throws very well on the run … Athletic enough to move the chains with his legs. Areas For Improvement At this point in his development, Book is still thin and undersized, and more work in the weight room is needed if he is going to hold up over the course of a long and grueling season … Has to protect the ball much better when he moves around in the pocket. — Bryan Driskell