Quarterbacks – Coach Gino Guidugli
Coach Guidugli opened by expressing excitement about the progress of his quarterbacks — Steve Angeli, Kenny Minchey, and CJ Carr — through the early days of spring practice. All three, now in their second year in the offensive system, have demonstrated strong command and leadership.
“The challenge this spring is going against a different defense,” Guidugli said. “Structurally, it’s going to test these guys and I’m excited to see how they respond.”
When asked about balancing development with competition, Guidugli stressed that competition is development at the quarterback position. "They’re going to compete every day. That’s part of the growth — seeing how they respond and how they make the people around them better.”
On reps, Guidugli confirmed reps will be balanced, but scrimmage days may naturally skew due to drives extending or ending quickly. "It’ll all be scripted as much as possible to ensure equal opportunity."
What sets one quarterback apart? "Consistency. Building trust every single day — with teammates and coaches. Decision-making, accuracy, and footwork — but at the end of the day, can you move the offense?”
Guidugli acknowledged Angeli’s in-game experience as a confidence builder but emphasized that the true proving ground is practice. "They’ve all got to show it here."
On CJ Carr’s development, Guidugli praised his growth: “Second year in the offense — he’s got total command of run, pass, protections. Now it’s about him focusing pre-snap on defense. Playing with anticipation.”
Guidugli on Kenny Minchey: "Kenny brings the most athleticism. He’s accurate and a football junkie. All three love ball — they’re in the film room, know the script, ask great questions. All three can start anywhere in the country.”
Running Backs – Coach Ja’Juan Seider
Coach Seider was impressed by his deep, talented room after two practices. "We’ve got a lot of guys who can play. My message to them is simple: don’t count the reps, make the reps count.”
Seider shared his philosophy on coaching star players like Jeremiyah Love: "Coach your best players hard. Last year doesn’t matter — new year, new us. Jeremiah’s growth mindset will set the tone for the room.”
Asked about balancing six scholarship running backs, Seider was honest. "It’s tough. You can’t play six. Someone has to separate. Eventually, a guy like Journey Brown did for me at Penn State. Right now, guys like Jay Love, Jadarian, Gi’Bran, Aniyas, Keedren, and Nolan all need to find their role."
On Gi’Bran Payne returning from injury: “You wouldn’t know he was hurt. He looks great. Right now, everyone is healthy.”
Quarterbacks – Player Comments
Steve Angeli:
"My goal is to be a complete quarterback — leadership, extending plays, making every throw. Competition brings out the best in us. My strengths are leadership, mental intangibles, making every throw, and picking up first downs. Having the same OC back-to-back is huge — helps us play faster.”
Kenny Minchey:
“I feel more comfortable this spring. My strengths are accuracy and playmaking. The competition is even. I’m focused on decision-making — being smart with the football.”
CJ Carr:
“My mindset is simple — get better every day. I learned from Riley Leonard how to handle failure. My strengths? I can make every throw, I’m athletic enough for whatever’s asked. Year two in the system feels great — everything’s smoother. Coach Guidugli reminds us — it’s me vs. me every day.”
Anthony Rezac:
“The QB room is tight — fall camp bonded us. I’m learning every day. Having the same OC back helps — less to learn, more to grow. We genuinely enjoy being around each other."
Running Backs – Player Comments
Jeremiyah Love:
“Coach Seider’s chill, down to earth. He’s teaching us to see the whole defense. I’m working on my run efficiency — being more north-south, testing defenders. Also growing my football IQ for the next level.”
Jadarian Price:
“Coach Seider brings a QB mindset to us — helps us see the big picture. I feel I’m the most explosive back in the room. Right now, working hard on pass protection and slowing the game down.”
Gi’Bran Payne:
“Physically, I’m leaner and faster. Mentally, I’ve grown so much. Sitting out taught me patience and the mental side of the game. My relationship with Coach Seider is strong — he recruited me.”
Aneyas Williams:
“Last year, I was learning. Now, it’s about mastering the little things. I switched back to #22 — Emmitt Smith fan, it’s always been my number. I’m focused on being a versatile weapon this year.”
Kedren Young:
“I’m a downhill runner, but I can be elusive too. Pass protection is huge — that’s what gets you to the next level. Coach Seider’s got great character — he makes us laugh. I’m just learning and getting better daily.”
Closing Thoughts
The competition — both at quarterback and running back — is fierce.
The message from both Guidugli and Seider: Focus on yourself. Consistency. Compete every day.
Notre Dame’s offensive depth is real — and it’s driving growth this spring
Check out even more insights on the Len Zone!