HANDED
THE KEYS
Brandon Wimbush is ready
for his chance to shine
at Notre Dame
BY MATT JONES
A
s Notre Dame endured one of its worst
seasons in program history in 2016, there
was a simmering optimism for
the future because of one particular
player.
Brandon Wimbush did not play a single
snap last season. The quarterback observed from
the sidelines on game day, wearing a baseball
cap while encouraging teammates. In practice, he
worked with the third stringers — and later in the
season, the scout team.
The 6-1½, 226-pounder did not make a single
play that contributed to the 4-8 campaign. In fact,
one could argue the Irish would have been better
off at times with Wimbush at the helm rather than
eventual second-round NFL Draft pick DeShone
Kizer.
But Wimbush waited his turn. Backup quar-
terback Malik Zaire announced his intention
to transfer shortly after the season, and Kizer
turned pro in December. All of a sudden, Wim-
bush was Notre Dame's best — and essentially
lone — option at quarterback.
Wimbush saw action in a pair of games as a freshman
in 2015, completing 3 of 5 passes for 17 yards while
running seven times for 96 yards (including a 58-
yard touchdown).
PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA
