Dec. 4, 2000
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Irish head coach Bob Davie confirmed what many have speculated since the middle of the season.
Davie announced Sunday that Arnaz Battle will move from the quarterback position to flanker effective immediately.
“It’s something (Arnaz) is really excited about,” Davie said. “In the back of his father’s mind, since Arnaz has been here at Notre Dame, he always kind of thought that was Arnaz’s natural position. What excites me is that Arnaz is excited about it.”
Battle still has two full years of eligibility left to master the flanker position. The former quarterback has not seen any action since early September. Battle suffered a broken navicular in his left wrist in the game against Nebraska.
“First of all, I want Arnaz Battle on that field. Arnaz Battle is a guy who rushed for 110 yards against Nebraska. He didn’t throw for 110, he ran for 110,” Davie said.
Battle is scheduled to have the cast removed just prior to Christmas. He will take part in bowl game practices but is not expected to play. If Battle were to play in the Fiesta bowl, he would forfeit his chance for a fifth-year.
This move is in the best interest for a variety of players. The move enables Battle to utilize his speed and strength at a position that is not as crowded.
Also Battle’s switch allows the three freshman quarterbacks to continue to develop without having to share snaps. It is also confirms Davie’s confidence in freshman quarterback Matt LoVecchio.
Davie made his decision this early in order for Battle to gain as much as experience as possible prior to the start of next season.