Highlights From Gruden's QB Camp With DeShone Kizer
Former Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer participated in Gruden's QB Camp, which aired over the weekend.
Other quarterbacks participating in the eighth season of Gruden's QB Camp include Mitchell Trubisky, DeShaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes, Natan Peterman, Josh Dobbs and Brad Kaaya.
Here are some highlights from the 30-minute special…
• Gruden on Kizer: “If you have a little bit of patience, he can do just about anything you can dream up.”
• Gruden asked Kizer, a Toledo, Ohio, native, why he ended up at Notre Dame. “It's a no-brainer if you're a quarterback and you have aspirations to play at the highest levels, there’s no bigger stage Notre Dame.
• Kizer said he prepared the first two weeks of the 2015 like he was going to be the starter. When he was forced into duty when Malik Zaire was injured against Virginia, Kizer was ready. “Obviously it kind of turned into the career that I had.”
• Gruden asked Kizer to draw up a play Notre Dame used to score in the 2015 game at Clemson. It was a touchdown pass to Torii Hunter Jr. Kizer said he slid the protection to the blitz side. “That’s a hell of a job, man,” Gruden said.
• Kizer’s broke down his fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Will Fuller against Temple in 2015. Kizer threw into double coverage for a touchdown, which Gruden compared to a Brett Favre play.
• Gruden on Kizer: “He’s only 21 years old. I don’t think he can be ready yet. He hasn’t had enough seasoning.”
• Kizer said he’s goal-driven, and his ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl. He feels he has the arm talent and arm strength and intellectual ability to succeed.
• Kizer said the loss to Texas in the season opener did not take the wind out of Notre Dame’s sails.
• Kizer said the team lacked a “killer instinct” in 2016.
• Gruden had Kizer write down three letters: R (Recognition) C (Communication) and E (Execution). “I think if we can rev you up with the game planning, with the freedom, with the arsenal and supporting cast around you, I think you can be awesome man.”
• Gruden made Kizer stand up and do Notre Dame’s “Ready, set, go!” snap count. It was that simple.
• On the field, Kizer went through an entire 99-yard game-winning simulated drive. Kizer was told to audible to various plays in different situations.
• Gruden, a South Bend Clay High School grad, is the son of former Notre Dame assistant Jim Gruden. Kizer brought a South Bend Clay shirt with him to the interview and gave it to Gruden.
• Gruden told Kizer to start taking care of his right shoulder when running the ball. Gruden also stressed ball security with Kizer during the on-field drills.
• Gruden on Kizer: “He’s got the size you look for. He’s an athletic kid and sure he's got first round measurables across the board. If you're into the analytical stuff this is your guy. I just think he needs a little bit of time.
“I think a year from now you'll be really glad you go Kizer on your team.”
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