Meet Notre Dame's Next Great Quarterback

Dayne Crist has all the measurements of a great quarterback: 6'5", 230 pounds, 4.66 in the 40. He also has a strong arm and good decision-making ability. But something you can't quantify might be his best qualities - toughness and leadership.

Crist missed time in 2006 due to a compress fracture of two vertebrae. The injury happened on the first play of the very first game of the season. Crist stayed in the game, determined to turnaround a game they trailed 17-0 at the half. Crist would lead a comeback, eventually winning the game 18-17. Doctors held him out the next five weeks because of the injury. Even with the missed game time, Crist finished the year with 500 yards on the ground, 1200 through the air with 17 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions.

Dayne Crist enters his senior season, primed to impress everyone and rebound from his 2006 injury. He has already verbally committed to Notre Dame starting in fall 2008. With the way the Irish quarterbacks are performing in 2007, Crist may enter spring practice with a legitimate shot to begin the year as the starter.

In addition to his toughness, Crist is one of the most competitive people you will ever meet. He wants to be the best at everything, from football to billiards to school. Overall, Crist ranks third on the national list of pro-style quarterbacks graduating in 2008. The others are E.J. Manuel from Virginia (Florida State commitment) and Blaine Gabbert from Missouri (Nebraska commitment).

Ironically, Crist plays for Sherman Oaks High School, which has the same uniform style as the Fighting Irish. Crist is also #10, the same as former Notre Dame star quarterback Brady Quinn. Now that's determining your future.

Dayne Crist has the potential to be the next Brady Quinn - a fan-favorite, successful quarterback starting most of his time at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish is a unique football program with tons of national exposure, tradition at the position of quarterback and recognition for the athletes who excel at the University. Best wishes in 2008 and beyond, Mr.Crist.