Most cars depreciate as they get more mile on them, but Notre Dame sees CJ Carr’s value improving the more he’s utilized..

“Obviously going into last season, the guy never started a game, got very few snaps,” Notre Dame quarterback coach Gino Giudgli told Sports Michiana’s Angelo Di Carlo. “We kind of started the season a little bit slow not wanting to put a whole bunch on his plate. As the season unwinds, you figure out this guy can handle it. He’s got total autonomy of the offense at the line of scrimmage. He gives you the ability as the offensive play caller to have the pen last.”

As for Carr, the junior from Saline, Michigan sees the growth as well.

“I think the experience from last year and playing in a bunch of games against a bunch of really good teams the last year has been huge. Also another off-season of not only myself, but a bunch of those younger guys in my class and the year above us have stepped into leadership roles.The leadership role has been a lot of fun.”

Carr has earned his reputation by the numbers he has put up on the field. Last season, he completed 67% of his passes for 2741 yards and 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions. The expectation is all those numbers will increase thanks to greater talent in the receiving corps, as well as the departure of two first-round NFL running backs in Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.

“Some people I guess can look it as pressure, but for me, I just love coming out there every day,” shrugs Carr. “There’s nothing I’d rather be doing than playing football with my best friends. I’m obsessed with this game and at night, that’s all I can think about.”

Giudugli certainly believes in Carr, based on what he has already seen.

“Coming out of last season, we were playing our best ball at the end of the year,” states the veteran QB coach. “Coming back this year, he’s so much more confident, undertsands our offense, inside and out, understands his teammates inside and out and is going to be a weapon for us on game day.”

That first game day comes up September 6 against Wisconsin ayt Lambeau Field, a place that Carr holds in high regard.

“I grew up a Lions fan, so I was always rooting against the team that played at Lambeau,” smiles Carr. “The quarterbacks that have gone through that field have been such great players and it’s a lot of responsibility we have to uphold the tradition that field holds. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Irish fans hope they can agree, and plan to enjoy many long drives with this Carr this season.