Keeping The ND QB Secret

You’ve got to hand it to Charlie Weis. The guy knows how to keep a secret.

Weis admitted after Thursday's practice that he knows who the starting Notre Dame quarterback will be. In fact, he’s known for at least a week.

The interesting part is Weis hasn’t told the quarterback yet. Or, it seems, anyone outside of the coaching staff, and we’re really not sure about the staff.

Weis wants the starter to be a surprise for Georgia Tech in the Sept. 1 season opener. He wants Tech to prepare for all three candidates -– Demetrius Jones, Evan Sharpley and Jimmy Clausen.

The only way to keep a secret, or keep the players from lying about it, is to not tell anyone. All three quarterbacks continue to work with the first team, although you figure the starter is getting more reps. It’s hard to know for sure because practices are closed except for the first 15 minutes or so, and most of that time is devoted to stretching and drills.

Figure Jones will play because of his athleticism and dual-threat capability, although he might not start. Instinct suggests that Sharpley will be the other quarterback to play, and the most likely starter. He is, in fact, the quarterback with the most experience.

Remember, of course, that the first-game starter might not make it through the season. That will depend on individual performance as well as victories. Winning remains paramount, and that won’t change, even if the quarterbacks do.