Notre Dame sophomore quarterback Tommy Rees isn’t sure how to answer when asked if the Irish have become his team.
Even though he led Notre Dame to four consecutive victories a year ago, including a 33-17 triumph over Miami in the Sun Bowl, and has the Irish at 3-2 this season, Rees wasn’t able to give a one-word answer to the question. In the victory over Miami, he became the first freshman quarterback to lead the Irish to a bowl-game victory.
“I’ve brought leadership to the team,” Rees said, “but it might sound selfish to say this is my team. Football’s a team game, but I’ve taken a strong leadership role. Playing quarterback starts with leadership. I bring different things, but I think if I bring calmness on the field my teammates react to that.”
Rees leads the Irish into today’s game against the Air Force at 1:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Stadium. So far this season, his passing has made it seem as if Notre Dame is his team.
Rees (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) has thrown for 10 touchdowns and completed 65 percent of his passes. Last week, in a 38-10 victory over Purdue, Rees threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns. Senior receiver Michael Floyd has been his top target with 47 catches for 561 yards and three touchdowns.
“Part of being a successful quarterback is having time to make plays and that starts up front,” Rees said. “Our line has done a good job with protection.”
Rees entered in relief when starter Dayne Crist struggled in the opener against South Florida, and he has had the job since. Coach Brian Kelly has placed a priority on developing Rees. A year ago, Crist suffered a season-ending knee injury with four games to go.
“The way a quarterback develops is by playing,” Kelly said. “That’s part of the reason why I left Tommy in during the Pittsburgh game when he wasn’t having a good day.”
Rees had an interception and a fumble against Pittsburgh, but his fourth-quarter touchdown pass and two-point conversion pass, both to tight end Tyler Elfert, won the game 15-12.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
