'08 CA QB Nate Montana (Preferred Walk-On)2010 Schollie Player/Transfer to WVW)

[irishunclebill]

Pro-style Quarterback
De La Salle (Concord, CA)

Height: 6-Foot 5 Inches
Weight: 185
Forty:

Links of Interest: Rivals Profile ( http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=69156&sport=1)


Schools of Interest:
Notre Dame
Southern Cal
UCLA
Louisiana Tech

[irishunclebill]

Reserved for Photos:

[irishunclebill]

This thread is as much to clear up some confusion for me as it is to clarify Nate's status. Nate is listed as being in the class of '09 at some other sites, which always confused me because when Lemming raved about his performance at a combine in May, he referred to him as a Junior QB. It turns out Lemming was correct. Nate will graduate in June of 2008 and he has been offered Preferred Walk-On status by the Notre Dame football program. More on that in a moment. It is expected that Nate will accept this offer and if he does he will become a member of the 2008 ND recruiting class without taking up a schollie. All three of Nate's older sisters attended Notre Dame and it would be very surprising if Nate and his younger brother do not follow suit.

[irishunclebill]

A preferred walk-on is a walk-on that's invited to be on the team as opposed to one that's forced to try out. In other words if Nate decides to attend Notre Dame he will pay his own tuition but will be on the Football roster without having to try out for the team.

Nate is the back-up QB for De La Salle, one of the storied High School Programs in the country, but he is not expected to get much playing time this year as De La Salle is running a wing-T offense.

[irishunclebill]

Some more info on Nate & his younger brother, Nicholas.

The Montana boys transfer to de La Salle (http://talk.ocregister.com/showthread.php?t=20711)

07-11-2006, 08:52 PM
FridayKnights
Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 385

Guess who's going to DLS

Two years after its national-record 151-game winning streak ended, De La Salle High School has officially become home to football royalty.

Nathaniel and Nicholas Montana, the sons of immortal 49ers quarterback Joe Montana, have been admitted to the Concord school for the 2006-07 school year.

Joe Montana, his wife, Jennifer, and their four children (their two daughters attend Notre Dame, where he launched his football career) have lived in Calistoga in recent years, where Joe dabbled in winemaking and cutting-horse competitions. The family now reportedly is looking to buy a home in Contra Costa County so Joe can be closer to his business interests in the Bay Area.

"It makes sense to me," said De La Salle defensive coordinator Terry Eidson.

"They went to Cardinal Newman, a Catholic school, and now they're moving here, and we're the only Catholic school in the area."

Montana's oldest son, Nathaniel, 16, played junior varsity football and basketball at Cardinal Newman High in Santa Rosa last year but may play only basketball for the Spartans. He will be a junior this season.

Nicholas, 14, is expected to play basketball and football at De La Salle.

Both Montana boys play quarterback, as did their Hall of Fame father.

"They are just a great family," Pat Fitzgerald, basketball coach at Cardinal Newman, said of the Montanas. "He just wants to be like any of the other dads and support his sons. He's pretty mellow and doesn't want attention."

This is not the first child of a Hall of Fame athlete to attend De La Salle. NBA players Jon and Brent Barry, sons of former Warriors great Rick Barry, attended the school in the late 1980s..

"I understand their dad's name, but we're going to be teaching and coaching his sons, and it's important they have their own identity," Eidson said.

Lemming on Nate Montana (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/preps/401473,cst-spt-preps25a.article)


Joe's son

Recruiting analyst Tom Lemming reports the most impressive performer last weekend at the All-American Combine at the College of DuPage was junior quarterback Nathaniel Montana of De La Salle in Concord, Calif. -- the son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana.

[rontdtarchala]

smokin thread IUB never knew any of that and am very interested thanks

[IrishKnight1023]

Now if only Golics father would pay his tuition...I don't think that'll happen though.

[iloveirish_12]

Don't you think if he did so good at that Combine, he get an offer from someone?

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Perhaps the thought is that he would go to ND anyway, so why bother with an offer..

[irishunclebill]

Now if only Golics father would pay his tuition...I don't think that'll happen though.

Which pretty much proves that Golic was offered a scholiie because CW & company must consider him to be a damn good lineman.

[KamaraPolice]

Golic is rated a 5.7 on rivals, which is the highest three star rating. I wouldn't be surprised to see Golic become a 4-star by the time NSD rolls around. Whether he becomes a 4-star or not, however, IUB is right, the offer validates his ability.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Problem with Golic is Cave. That guy is a monster. Anyone think one of them will move to another position? I think Cave would moreso than Golic.

[Sweeney6083]

I love the idea of Montana and Rice's kid lining up for the irish, NBC would have a field day with that shit. Plus it would give us a renewed hatered by all the other fans ou there.

[IrishRamMan10]

Ill make sure to go to a couple of De La Salle games to see him play... I live about 15 mins away from that school... Infact i believe my HS plays them this year, not positive though

[stonebreakerwasgod]

"Third and one, Montana takes the snap from Golic".

[Akron Irish]

Great job IUB.

[Smithers]

6'5", 185?

Somebody get this kid a cheeseburger.

[tedwick]

6'5", 185?

Somebody get this kid a cheeseburger.summer workout schedule:
8 am - sit on couch. eat cheeseburgers. repeat.
1 pm - lunch.
2 pm - sit on couch. eat chesseburgers. repeat.
10 pm - go to bed.

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Substitute pizza and GH, and it's my weekend down pat.

[IrishR#1]

Another Montana quarterback.

[IrishR#1]

Hopefully he can bring some of the magic that his dad did.

[KamaraPolice]

So he will be a senior in high school this year, 2007? Am I reading that correctly.

[rontdtarchala]

correct kp

[rontdtarchala]

I would love to see him in gold and blue just having the montana name on the field would be nice. he has his dad, CW, and some very talented young QB's to learn from and gain experience with....

[Jiggafini19]

A preferred walk-on is a walk-on that's invited to be on the team as opposed to one that's forced to try out. In other words if Nate decides to attend Notre Dame he will pay his own tuition but will be on the Football roster without having to try out for the team.

Spot on Uncle Bill.

[RichardRiot]

Problem with Golic is Cave. That guy is a monster. Anyone think one of them will move to another position? I think Cave would moreso than Golic.

I think they can both move positions; Cave is said to be able to play both positions, and Scout actually list Golic as a Guard. Whatever happens, it is nice to have some depth on the O-Line.

On the subject of Nate....6-5 as a Junior in HS. Dad was a good b-baller, but got the feeling that Nate (who also plays ball) who be stuffing Pop's on every lay-up.

What a great way to get another quality athlete!!! And to the comment of waiting on another scholarship: I'm sure that DAD doesn't mind paying his way into Notre Dame, and then what does Nate care??? The only issue might be if he was concerned about the depth at the QB position. If he has the competitive blood of Joe, I don't think the depth alone would stop him.

[NDgrandson]

Montana is coming in next year and he can't be worse than McLoud Bethel-Thompson. :eek:

[stew654]

Montana is coming in next year and he can't be worse than McLoud Bethel-Thompson. :eek:

Nate Montana is part of the 08 class coming in correct? Why do we here so little about him? I would think that Montana's first son playn qb goin to ND would generate more media

[irishunclebill]

Nate Montana is part of the 08 class coming in correct? Why do we here so little about him? I would think that Montana's first son playn qb goin to ND would generate more media

He is part of the '08 class but he is not committed to ND in any way. His preferred walk-on status means that he is automatically on the team if he wants to be, but Dad is paying the tuition. Nate will be making no committment to ND until May 1 when he will presumably enroll at ND like any other regular student. He has no college offers so it is almost certain that he will enroll at ND.

Part of the reason there is no buzz about Nate is that he is the 3rd string QB at De La Salle and gets very little playing time. His younger brother Nicholas who is presently a sophomore is apparently the better QB prospect although it is unlikely that he will start at De La Salle until his senior year. Nicholas may generate some buzz two years from now, but most other schools will probably not pay much attention to him as they would expect him to enroll at ND as well. The only difference may be that ND might have to expend a schollie on Nicholas.

[mcnallyk]

I absolutely love it! The Montana boys wearing the Irish uniform. Scholarship or not, we have to bring them both to ND. I can see it now, Montana back to pass...

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Montana to Floyd sounds sweet.

[mlcspinner]

Montana to Floyd sounds sweet.


It sounds as good as Stoney buying another round for Spinner :p

[stew654]

Here is one guy you dont have to worry about
Golden Legacy at ND
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/752313,CST-SPT-mont22.article

Innate ability? ND thinks so
NOTRE DAME | Joe Montana's son was no prep star, but he has the tools -- and lineage -- to walk on with Irish

Notre Dame's star-studded recruiting class ranks among the best in the nation, but the incoming freshman with by far the most famous name is not listed among the four- and five-star recruits.

Nate Montana, son of legendary Notre Dame and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana, has been invited to walk on with the Irish despite spending his lone varsity football season on the third string.
» Click to enlarge image
Joe Montana, father of Nate Montana, played quarterback at Notre Dame from 1974-1978.
(Sun-Times file)

Imagine, the son of one of the most celebrated players in Notre Dame history cast as Rudy.

''He's got an opportunity if he goes out and works for it,'' Joe Montana said. ''[Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis] has really helped. He'll protect him from all the b.s. that comes with my name.''

How can a Notre Dame coach not take a chance on a quarterback named Montana? How can Weis not welcome the son of an old college friend to his program?

That Nate Montana is 6-4, 195 pounds and has an impressive arm makes it an easier decision, even if he is a football neophyte. A leg injury sidelined him during his sophomore season. He transferred to California powerhouse De La Salle High School in Concord before his junior year, but the coaching staff recommended that he concentrate on basketball before joining football players for workouts.

Montana spent most of his senior season directing the scout-team offense against the first-team defense for a team that won the California state championship. Coach Bob Ladouceur, who engineered De La Salle's celebrated 151-game winning streak from 1992 to 2004, calls Montana a ''major project'' but believes he has some of the tools necessary to develop into a Division I player.

''Never say never,'' Ladouceur said. ''If he was 5-11 and had a weak arm, I'd be much more inclined to say never, but you can't say that about him. He has the makings of someone who can really play that position.''

CSTV recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said Montana is talented enough to play at Notre Dame despite completing 10 of 16 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown during his varsity career.

''He's got a good arm, good height and good mechanics,'' Lemming said. ''He needs constant practice, but he's got outstanding potential and can develop. It's going to take him a couple of years.''

Weis and Notre Dame have landed one of the nation's top quarterback recruits for the second straight year. Last year it was Jimmy Clausen, who started nine games for the 3-9 Irish last season. This year it's Dayne Crist from Sherman Oaks, Calif., who some believe is the better all-around prospect.

That doesn't mean there won't be an opportunity for Montana. Because of the departures of Zach Frazer, who transferred to Connecticut after spring practice, and Morgan Park's Demetrius Jones, who transferred to Cincinnati, Weis will have only three quarterbacks on scholarship next season. Most schools have four or five.

That means Notre Dame can provide Montana with what he needs most: practice snaps. It also means Montana could slide immediately into the same scout-team role he had in high school.

''I started playing basketball, and it made me realize how much I missed football,'' Nate Montana said. ''I'll never be able to get back the game experience I missed. I have to get used to how fast the game moves.''

The roots of the relationship between Joe Montana and Weis extend back to the days when Montana was buried on the Irish depth chart and Weis was a sports-crazed student at Notre Dame. Weis got to know Montana through running back Terry Eurick, who lived next door to Weis at Flanner Hall.

Montana dropped by on his way to pep rallies at the nearby Stepan Center.

''He was always around,'' Joe Montana said of Weis. ''I never knew he had an interest in coaching in the NFL until I was in New York stretching, and he was with the Giants and he walked up to me. 'What the hell are you doing here?' We just started laughing.''

The laughter hasn't stopped. Montana used it to try to buoy Weis during tough times.

''I always call him and give him a hard time and try to make him laugh at times when nobody else is calling him up and trying to make him laugh,'' Montana said.

Jennifer Montana sat Nate down and explained that much of his father's legend is the result of revisionist history. Joe, after all, was Notre Dame's third-string quarterback at the beginning of his fourth season.

''I wasn't as good as everyone thinks I was back then,'' Joe Montana said. ''I basically played like crap for three years.''

Weis is not allowed to talk about recruits until signing day on Feb. 6. The school's compliance officers did not want Weis to discuss his relationship with Joe Montana for this story, a school spokesperson said.

Joe Montana said Weis has promised to shield Nate from the shadow cast by his famous father. Having his two older sisters on campus helps, as well. Nate's younger brother, Nicholas, who will be a junior quarterback at De La Salle next season, is expected to develop into a prospect and also might follow his siblings to South Bend.

Meanwhile, Nate is prepared for the pressure that comes with his name.

''When people talk trash or compare me to my dad, I just ignore it,'' he said. ''It motivates me, too.''

http://media1.suntimes.com/multimedia/montana2.jpg_20080122_10_24_38_35-116-165.imageContent

[and1john]

Good story, thanks for posting...

I really think he walks into an ideal situation because no one will expect ANYTHING from him. If he can sit, learn, and take reps for the scout team, maybe he can be a solid back up, or even contribute as a 5th year. See what I mean by no expectations?! No pressure! Hopefully his younger brother turns out to be a stud, and will come to ND too if he can ball.

[stew654]

The #3 jersey is available think he should grab it expectations be damned

[CULion17]

He better get the 3 jersey. Let that number hide in the shadows for a while and then maybe...... just maybe.

[IrishR#1]

Someone else better not touch the #3. Crist will take 10 most likely. I doubt Floyd, Goodman, or Walker would touch it. Montana needs that number. It would make my Joe Montana jersey a lot cooler. 2 generation jersey. Never heard of that one.

[mlcspinner]

Montana's oldest son to walk on at Notre Dame as quarterback

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/arash_markazi/05/12/montana.0512/

[irish_bobcat]

Will he wear #3?

[irishunclebill]

http://i28.tinypic.com/263em2q.jpg

[Svoboda]

The kid has the body. I'm actually holding out hope that he'll end up being a dark horse here at Notre Dame. There are a lot of folks that have been saying if he didn't play at De La Salle, he'd be a started elsewhere -- especially in a pro-style offense.

[CULion17]

De La Salle has ran the veer for many years w/ great success. So much success that having the son of greatest QB ever still doesn't change your offense. You bring up great point svo. You can't coach 6'4" and you can't coach a strong arm. You can sure as hell coach all the other stuff though. I won't be surprised if we someday see him under center.
When you see how much he looks like his Dad you can't help but think he has soaked up many of his Dad's good genes. Imagine if he has Dad's arm, savvy, and his Mom passed on some speed!! Whether he starts at any point or not, he better wear 3!!!

[NDGirlzRock]

Man that's a mirror image.....maybe we shouldn't be so worried, given that CW and Joe were roommates at ND!!! I'm sure that they have talked at length about Nate's abilities and I am also sure that Joe has told Nate that he can go as far as he wants to push it.

[mlcspinner]

Man that's a mirror image.....maybe we shouldn't be so worried, given that CW and Joe were roommates at ND!!! I'm sure that they have talked at length about Nate's abilities and I am also sure that Joe has told Nate that he can go as far as he wants to push it.


Is that true ?? WOW

[NDGirlzRock]

Is that true ?? WOW

They sure were! I remember meeting Joe when I was a little kid and CW was always with him. Why do you think that CW is such a good QB developer....it's easy to spot talent when you had the best in the business to watch day in and day out.

[rontdtarchala]

yeah I would love to see him grow into a top notch qb

[irishmarine]

i can see this kid coming in his senior or 5th year senior year and really being good. learning everything for a couple years playing behind quality guys and watching and learning. rumor has it his little bro doesnt really want to go to nd but likes usc so hopefully that will change.

[NDgrandson]

i can see this kid coming in his senior or 5th year senior year and really being good. learning everything for a couple years playing behind quality guys and watching and learning. rumor has it his little bro doesnt really want to go to nd but likes usc so hopefully that will change.

If you can see that, I fear bad times at ND. If we get a QB in this class and we should get a very good one next year, Nate should be holding a clipboard with the exception of garbage time. If he has some kind of miraculous development, great! As long as we win, don't make me no nevermind.

[NDgrandson]

Nate Montana is transferring back. There is more in the article, but it is stuff we pretty much already knew. We at least have another arm in the Spring. He seemed to fill in OK last Spring.

http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20100109/SPORTS13/100109525/1130


The career high school backup QB transferred to Pasadena City College last fall to try to get some game experience. Montana was one of four QBs to see significant action for the Lancers (5-5) during the 2009 season, but his inexperience showed in his statistics.

He completed just 35 percent of his passes (31-of-88) for 324 yards with two TDs and five interceptions. Montana was approached and worked out for several other four-year college teams after the season, but eventually decided to come back to South Bend.

[NDisNCin2010]

Man that's a mirror image.....maybe we shouldn't be so worried, given that CW and Joe were roommates at ND!!! I'm sure that they have talked at length about Nate's abilities and I am also sure that Joe has told Nate that he can go as far as he wants to push it.

Girlz:
Weis and Montana were roomates at ND?
i never knew or realized this...you sure about it?
this is a great "ND Fun Fact" that i can spring on my friends , brothers and in-laws that i dont think they know-but i want to be sure about it for next time i get on my ND SoapBox at a family event or ND argument etc...

[grokster]

Here you go NDisNC...now you have proof positive.

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/42676

[NDGirlzRock]

Thanks Grok.....there you have it! I remember as a kid meeting Montana and CW was always lurking around him.

[noklife]

Here you go NDisNC...now you have proof positive.

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/42676

Thanks for that link. I had a conversation the other day about what the hell a cincy bearcat was.

[JMR8]

As garbage as he may have been im sure he didnt get coached like he will at ND. Plus this is great news for the fact that we have another QB for the spring and for a little more depth.

[SpanishElite]

Welcome back.. I guess. haha. Hopefully he can fit back in nicely and at this point ND will take any QBs they can take with even a bit of experience.

[irishmarine]

His dad was a late bloomer of I recall. Maybe he will climbuo the depth chart too after a few years of coaching although I dint knownwhi oils be a better coach than his dad

[NDGirlzRock]

Very true....I think Joe was a 4th string at one time under Devine! But then Devine was an idiot! They could have won back to back NC if Devine had been playing the QB that was schlepping his daughter!!!

[NDisNCin2010]

Here you go NDisNC...now you have proof positive.

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/42676

Lee Corso and Burt Reynolds were college roomates at FSU?! LOL

....that one kills me.

[NDgrandson]

http://www.irishsportsdaily.com/football/2997-backup-plan


Backup Plan
Written by Christian McCollum Thursday, 12 August 2010 14:53


Montana is trying to hang on to his backup spot.You’ve got to give Nate Montana credit for being honest.

Asked on Wednesday whether he would be ready to immediately step in for starting quarterback Dayne Crist, Montana initially answered in the affirmative before thinking more thoroughly.

“Actually, no,” he said. “I need some more time, but that’s what the rest of camp is for. Purdue is not tomorrow, so we’ve got a little time.”

Indeed, after Notre Dame’s fifth practice of training camp on Wednesday, Montana and his teammates still had 20 practices and 24 days until their Sept. 4 date with the Boilermakers. So, what does Montana need to do over the next three-plus weeks to get himself in a position should the unthinkable happen?

“Just to be more consistent and progress with the knowledge of the playbook,” he said.

The Irish offense, especially the quarterbacks, have two main challenges in terms of getting ready.

“It’s the playbook and it’s the tempo,” Montana said. “The combination of the two makes it pretty difficult. We get a lot of reps in practice, so that helps us out a lot too.”

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior has noticed a difference between his first spring practice session under Brian Kelly and his first training camp.

“It’s a little more intense,” he said. “In the spring, the season’s a little farther off and now, everyone is more concentrated and getting ready to play.

“It’s always a challenge coming back with that huge gap of time where there’s no coaches around. It took a few days to adjust, but I’m starting to calm down and get back in the groove.”

Montana didn’t feel the need to do anything out of the ordinary this summer to get ready for the fall.

“We’ve got a good strength and conditioning staff, so I just followed the regimen that they gave us,” he said. “It helped tremendously, which was nice.”

Montana entered the preseason as the Irish’s number two quarterback behind Crist, but recently started splitting second-team reps with freshman Tommy Rees and is still trying to fight off another pair of rookies in Andrew Hendrix and Luke Massa.

“Since Tommy’s been here, he’s definitely ahead of the other two guys,” Montana said of the freshmen. “They’re all learning, they’re all adapting pretty well.”

Montana and Crist try to help the rookies out when they can.

“We’re doing what we can,” Montana said. “When they go in, we tell them the reads before they go in, stuff like that.”

The son of Hall of Famer and Notre Dame legend Joe Montana is trying to get the most out of the intense competition.

“It’s challenging at times, but you’ve just got to push through it and enjoy it,” he said. “You’ve got to enjoy the competition and make it push you to do stuff that you wouldn’t normally do, to study longer, to practice harder.”

[HoffVir]

Nate is now on scholarship.

[brownkj002]

good for nate...quite an accomplishment

[NDGirlzRock]

That's awesome!!! Love this move!!! As Captain Kelly has shown in the past, he needs guys at QB and how would it look to have a walk-on playing the the greatest school in the land! Now chances are that he won't need to play but you never know and I for one think that this show Nate that BK is serious about his continued development. So watch him push to get that #2 slot back!!! Great move!!!!

[NDgrandson]

This is consistent with how BK has dropped nuggets to the media to positively motivate players, usually via depth chart. Nate is probably down about being 3rd string and this balances that out somewhat. To Nate, while it doesn't matter to him monetarily, it may make him feel more like one of the guys.

Giving a scholly is a big deal in our recruiting sutuation. I wonder if that is guaranteed for next year?

[irishunclebill]

This is consistent with how BK has dropped nuggets to the media to positively motivate players, usually via depth chart. Nate is probably down about being 3rd string and this balances that out somewhat. To Nate, while it doesn't matter to him monetarily, it may make him feel more like one of the guys.

Giving a scholly is a big deal in our recruiting sutuation. I wonder if that is guaranteed for next year?

No 2010 schollies are guaranteed for next year. Each and every one is renewed from year to year. However once a walk-on earns a schollie (Burger, Anello, Bemenderfer) ND traditionally renews that schollie for each year of eligibility remaining as long as the player is still on the football team.

[NDgrandson]

No 2010 schollies are guaranteed for next year. Each and every one is renewed from year to year. However once a walk-on earns a schollie (Burger, Anello, Bemenderfer) ND traditionally renews that schollie for each year of eligibility remaining as long as the player is still on the football team.

I just wonder, should Hendrix and/or Massa pass Montana on the depth chart, why have him on scholly. Bring in another recruit and just use Joe Montana's donations for tuition again.

[SpanishElite]

Congrats.. dont know if I love the move... but congrats to Montana.

[KamaraPolice]

The kid earned the scholarship and Kelly is classy enough to reward the effort. I'm a big fan of this move all-around.

[NDFan4Life]

Rumors are circulating that Nate is looking to transfer. It's being said that Nate and Joe were spotted on the U. of Montana campus. I can't stress it enough that this is just a rumor, so take it all with a grain of salt. If it turns out to be B.S., don't blame me. I just report what I see.

[SpanishElite]

Rumors are circulating that Nate is looking to transfer. It's being said that Nate and Joe were spotted on the U. of Montana campus. I can't stress it enough that this is just a rumor, so take it all with a grain of salt. If it turns out to be B.S., don't blame me. I just report what I see.

Rumor=Gold Club :bigsmile:

[irishunclebill]

Rumor=Gold Club :bigsmile:

No reason in this case. This rumor is all over the place already but the source is a U. of Montana message board so as NDFan4Life clearly pointed out TIFWIW.

[NDFan4Life]

Rumor=Gold Club :bigsmile:

I thought about that, but there could be some non-GC members who could shed some light on it.

If IUB wants to move it, it's up to him. I won't have a problem either way.

[SpanishElite]

I thought about that, but there could be some non-GC members who could shed some light on it.

If IUB wants to move it, it's up to him. I won't have a problem either way.

ahh just bustin' ya.

I hate to say this... but maybe N. Montana just isnt that good to play at a high level. You have moved from ND to JUCO, back to ND, now to U of Montana... Not saying the kid should stop chasing his dream, but you have to think what bouncing schools, coaches, playbooks, life styles, and environment is taking away from his devolopment.

[Win4Gipper]

Let dad playing finish paying for school and get a ND education that will let you start supporting yourself... in 10 years he will wish he had that ND degree not a Montana degree and stories of the day he almost beat North Dakota State

[IrishFan123]

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/notre-dame-qb-montana-to-transfer-tomontana.html

Notre Dame's Montana to transfer to ... Montana?

[Domer Dog]

Can't see this happening. Why forego an ND education to go to Montana, just to play football?!?!? Let's face it, unless they are delusional that Nate has an opportunity to play pro ball, this is not smart. If Nate wants to remain in football after his playing days, stay at ND, get his degree, lead the RedHats and maybe latch on through Kelly as a grad assistant somewhere. But Montana? Please.

[iloveirish_12]

Can't see this happening. Why forego an ND education to go to Montana, just to play football?!?!?

Because its football.

[KamaraPolice]

because the school is named after his dad.

actually, chase your college football dream, you can always do grad school at notre dame. plus im sure his dad has plenty of connections. He's JOE FU@#%NG MONTANA

[NDFan4Life]

Looks like it's gaining more traction:

Montana to Montana?

By all accounts it was nothing more than an informal meeting Wednesday between University of Montana head football coach Robin Pflugrad and former Notre Dame quarterback great Joe Montana.

No one is willing to connect the dots on the record yet, but the meeting would suggest that the Irish icon might be shopping for a new football home for son Nate, a senior-to-be at Notre Dame who finds himself sinking on the Irish quarterback depth chart.

If the Montana family is serious about the Montana football program, the talks will have to escalate quickly into formal ones. According to the Missoulian newspaper, should Nate Montana enroll by Friday, he would be eligible to participate in the Grizzlies' spring practices. If not, he would have to wait until fall camp.

Then again, he may decide to check out other options or simply stay put.

Montana is a perennial power in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) and is coming off an off-year by the program's standards (7-4). Because the Grizzlies play in a lower division than Notre Dame, Nate Montana would be eligible to play for the Grizzlies in the fall of 2011 without having to sit out a season.

The Grizzlies' starting quarterback in 2010, Oregon transfer Justin Roper, exhausted his eligibility.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Nate Montana came to Notre Dame as a walk-on in the fall of 2008 after very limited playing time in high school. He transferred to Pasadena City College for his sophomore season, then came back to Notre Dame in January of 2010 for his junior year.

He finished last spring's practices as the No. 2 Irish QB, and Irish coach Brian Kelly rewarded him in the fall with a scholarship. But then-freshman Tommy Rees eventually leapfrogged Montana at midseason, and this spring sophomore-to-be Andrew Hendrix and early-enrolling freshman Everett Golson figure to do the same.

Nate Montana has played in three games in an ND uniform, all in the 2010 season. His most extensive playing time came in a relief role against Michigan in which he completed eight of 17 passes for 104 yards with one interception.

http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20110209/SPORTS13/110209445/1021/XML

[lowayne]

Looks like it's gaining more traction:

Montana to Montana?


The rumor is gaining traction. No new info here just a speculation snowball. It might seem that Kelly knows Nate wants to play (ie transfer) so he was willing to go over 85 schollies at NSD.

[rikrok58]

because the school is named after his dad.

actually, chase your college football dream, you can always do grad school at notre dame. plus im sure his dad has plenty of connections. He's JOE FU@#%NG MONTANA

I have heard from a buddy of mine who goes to ND that Nate is about the biggest dbag on campus. Also he said that he didn't leave ND to go get playing time at that JUCO but to get his grades up because he was not doing well at ND.

Maybe ND is better off without Nate....

[Domer Dog]

What makes it not smart is suppose he goes there and doesn't win the starting job...then he's really blown it.

[JTLA]

Who CARES?????

[Synoptico]

Who CARES?????

I care because it impacts scholarship count

[mlcspinner]

because the school is named after his dad.

actually, chase your college football dream, you can always do grad school at notre dame. plus im sure his dad has plenty of connections. He's JOE FU@#%NG MONTANA

Agree. He will be just fine wherever he decides to go. I can't image we hear that Nate ended up in a one room apt. in South Central LA living of kraft macaroni and cheese and Pepsi because he decided to go play for the Grizzlies.

[BigIrish]

I have heard from a buddy of mine who goes to ND that Nate is about the biggest dbag on campus. Also he said that he didn't leave ND to go get playing time at that JUCO but to get his grades up because he was not doing well at ND.

Maybe ND is better off without Nate....

this is over the line. nobody knows your buddy, or you for that matter, and such unsubstantiated claims serve only one purpose - to sully a kid's reputation. for all we know, it's your buddy who is the biggest douchebag on campus. i'm not saying he is - i'm only saying that i have about as much proof of that statement as you or your buddy do as it relates to Montana.

you're new to the boards, but in the future, please refrain from posting unverifiable rumors that, at the end of the day, have no real bearing on the game or team.

[MoeMontana]

this is over the line. nobody knows your buddy, or you for that matter, and such unsubstantiated claims serve only one purpose - to sully a kid's reputation. for all we know, it's your buddy who is the biggest douchebag on campus. i'm not saying he is - i'm only saying that i have about as much proof of that statement as you or your buddy do as it relates to Montana.

you're new to the boards, but in the future, please refrain from posting unverifiable rumors that, at the end of the day, have no real bearing on the game or team.

I agree 100% with BigIrish.

[MoeMontana]

What makes it not smart is suppose he goes there and doesn't win the starting job...then he's really blown it.

This is the worst case scenerio for Nate and the reason I don't think he'll go.

[lowayne]

Meh, I think it is interesting to hear words from campus, so long as they are clearly tagged as rumor. However, the line "Maybe ND is better off without Nate...." is inexcusable.

[BigIrish]

Meh, I think it is interesting to hear words from campus, so long as they are clearly tagged as rumor. However, the line "Maybe ND is better off without Nate...." is inexcusable.

i don't mind rumors when they're aren't focused on attacking a kid's character/personality. when it comes to those sorts of issues, i think we need to do a little better than "anonymous internet poster claims his even more anonymous buddy claims that so-and-so is a douche."

i wouldn't speak up about most rumors related to the program, but we're talking about a team and group of kids that we support, and they deserve a little more benefit of the doubt when it comes to unsubstantiated rumors about their personalities and character.

[rikrok58]

I apologize that I have offended some of you guys who have been around for awhile. I have been reading the boards for a few months now and I don't like to post very often because I don't keep up on the recruits and such as much as others on here do.

I started coming here to read up on the recruiting and I really enjoy the boards here.

I was only trying to relay a viewpoint that comes from a student at ND currently. I went to high school with the fella and his two sisters. He had 2 sisters graduate from ND two from Marquette and he and his brother are currently students at ND he is a Jr and his brother is a Frosh.

I did not mean for my comment about Nate to come off as fact, but just what I was told by someone who is on campus. I should have explicitly said that it was hearsay and not fact. I thought it was implied and for that I am sorry.

However, if Nate wants to go somewhere else so he can actually play in Saturdays then he should be looking somewhere other than South Bend.

I agree with some of the other posters that he should have his father pay for school and get that ND degree and move on with his life because it is very clear to me that he does not have a future making money by means of playing football. Maybe he should look into coaching?

[SpanishElite]

I apologize that I have offended some of you guys who have been around for awhile. I have been reading the boards for a few months now and I don't like to post very often because I don't keep up on the recruits and such as much as others on here do.


Its all good Rik..., I have been here a while and wasnt offended by your post at all. I understand that its just your buddies opinioin, and like was said earlier I like to get the thoughts and vibs from campus.

Please keep posting, Im over 6000 posts and about 2 of every 2 posts I make I put my foot in my mouth so its all good!


this is over the line. nobody knows your buddy, or you for that matter, and such unsubstantiated claims serve only one purpose - to sully a kid's reputation. for all we know, it's your buddy who is the biggest douchebag on campus. i'm not saying he is - i'm only saying that i have about as much proof of that statement as you or your buddy do as it relates to Montana.

you're new to the boards, but in the future, please refrain from posting unverifiable rumors that, at the end of the day, have no real bearing on the game or team.


I disagree. It was an unverifiable rumor, it was verifiable. It was his buddies opinion of what he thought of N. Montana. Its just that an opinion of this one guy. I sure didnt take it as a rumor or thought expressed by the campus as a whole or the ND football program

[rikrok58]

Its all good Rik..., I have been here a while and wasnt offended by your post at all. I understand that its just your buddies opinioin, and like was said earlier I like to get the thoughts and vibs from campus.

Please keep posting, Im over 6000 posts and about 2 of every 2 posts I make I put my foot in my mouth so its all good!




I disagree. It was an unverifiable rumor, it was verifiable. It was his buddies opinion of what he thought of N. Montana. Its just that an opinion of this one guy. I sure didnt take it as a rumor or thought expressed by the campus as a whole or the ND football program

Thanks Spanish. The only reason that I even said anything is because I thought that some of the guys would like to get the feeling from the everyday student at ND. My buddy comes from a blue collar family that works hard and plays hard. I hope that some of you guys can appreciate that he earned his way to ND. My family has also sent some people to ND, I didn't focus enough in high school to get the grades, nor could I have afforded it. I go at least once a year to a game in South Bend. My uncle has season tickets. I love ND football more than any other sports team and I really enjoy reading this board and seeing what other ND enthusiasts feel about the program, players, coaches, etc....

The same buddy has also told me about some of the higher profile guys on the team, but I will hold those comments unless asked about them. Again they are just one students opinions.

[lowayne]

Thanks Spanish. The only reason that I even said anything is because I thought that some of the guys would like to get the feeling from the everyday student at ND. My buddy comes from a blue collar family that works hard and plays hard. I hope that some of you guys can appreciate that he earned his way to ND. My family has also sent some people to ND, I didn't focus enough in high school to get the grades, nor could I have afforded it. I go at least once a year to a game in South Bend. My uncle has season tickets. I love ND football more than any other sports team and I really enjoy reading this board and seeing what other ND enthusiasts feel about the program, players, coaches, etc....

The same buddy has also told me about some of the higher profile guys on the team, but I will hold those comments unless asked about them. Again they are just one students opinions.

He was bagging on Manti wasn't he ;)

Football is a sport that favors hyper aggressive men. Combine that with fame and fortune and you have a recipe for the stereotypical jocks that are jerks, even at ND. My hope is that ND gives them a good foundation for when the testosterone levels drop and maturity increases with age.

[rikrok58]

He was bagging on Manti wasn't he ;)

Football is a sport that favors hyper aggressive men. Combine that with fame and fortune and you have a recipe for the stereotypical jocks that are jerks, even at ND. My hope is that ND gives them a good foundation for when the testosterone levels drop and maturity increases with age.


Wayne, yes he said Manti is a football machine. Says all he does is workout, class, practice, film, and study. And you took the words out of my mouth when it comes to athletes and attitude etc.

The other big name guy he talked up was Dayne Crist. He said that Dayne might be the nicest guy he has ever met. Talks to everyone, remember names etc. He has hung out with Dayne on more than occasion, they hang with the same group of St Marys girls.

He also hit Ben Hansborough in the back with a cue ball at a bar after finals week lol. He said Ben was very cool about it.

He has talked about some of the other guys but those are the stories that stuck out in my mind. We were having this discussion over some drinks at Christmas time.

[BigIrish]

I disagree. It was an unverifiable rumor, it was verifiable. It was his buddies opinion of what he thought of N. Montana. Its just that an opinion of this one guy. I sure didnt take it as a rumor or thought expressed by the campus as a whole or the ND football program

this is my last post on the issue because i've said my piece and i don't care to drag out a debate. but Spanish, the post was the very definition of unverifiable. you're operating on the assumption that he does, in fact, have a cousin who has an opinion about Montana. that fact in and of itself is difficult to verify. we're all posters here who go by screen names rather than our real names, and the truthfulness of our statements is built on trust far more than concrete facts.

either way, even if most of us can distinguish between "one guy's opinion" and the broader campus vibe, it's human nature to accept that statement as a data point about Montana. and i think it's unfortunate that any credibility at all would be given to a person none of us know and whose ability to judge character is also a a question mark.

i just think it's a slippery slope to go down that road of commenting on individual kids like that outside of its relevance to football. commenting on documented acts or statements (ie, yeatman and his golf cart) is one thing, but the "i know a guy who knows a guy who said so and so is a douche" statements seem like salacious gossip to me that serves no purpose.

either way, i've said my piece. no worries - carry on.

[Synoptico]

mattfromnd Matt LaFleur
by andy_grey
After being asked to switch to safety, nate montana is starting classes at montana today. #thankgod #notredamefootball #notredame

Not sure how much credibility this guy has... though his profile says he is an intern at und.com (might not be for long if he wasn't allowed to post this)

[JDNDSyrnafan]

I don't have any connections to Montana. I just think he is the odd man out. I do appreciate his perseverance in trying to play major college football with out extensive on field experience.
I hope he finds an opportunity somewhere, but it won't be at ND. Wear the red hat or transfer.

[Win4Gipper]

If true I would be disappointed for Montana(Player not team).... don't give up that Notre Dame education for a long shot of glory in Montana for a year...

[IrishFan123]

http://www.montanakaimin.com/sports/notre-dame-quarterback-nate-montana-meets-with-um-athletic-officials-1.1979518


Notre Dame quarterback Nate Montana meets with UM athletic officials

Notre Dame junior quarterback Nate Montana met with University of Montana athletics department officials Monday. The meeting comes a week after his father, NFL great Joe Montana, met with Grizzly head football coach Robin Pflugrad.

Nate, 21, is currently enrolled at Notre Dame, meaning athletics officials could not comment on the player's status with the Grizzlies. But Montana Athletics Director Jim O'Day and the younger Montana were overheard discussing issues of mid-semester enrollment.

Student transfers four weeks into a semester are rare, said one athletics department official, because classes are already deep into their curriculum. "You'd have to scramble," the official said. "I don't even know if every professor would let you in."

At Notre Dame, Montana is enrolled in the business school.

Montana played behind junior Dayne Crist and freshman Tommy Rees last season, appearing in three games and completing nine of 18 pass attempts. The quarterback threw one interception to no touchdowns.

He walked on at Notre Dame as a freshman but saw no playing time in his first season with the team. After transferring to Pasadena Community College in 2009, where he completed 31 of 88 passes for two touchdowns and five interceptions, Montana returned to Notre Dame for his junior season.

Though Montana is a junior, he still has two years of eligibility left.

[Synoptico]

ChiTribHamilton Brian Hamilton
RT @missoulian: BREAKING: #NotreDame QB Nate Montana (son of Hall of Fame QB Joe) plans to enroll at the University of Montana.


How will they use his scholly this year?

[jdfromde]

looks like nate will finally get his name on a jersey...

[IrishFan123]

http://www.irishsportsdaily.com/football/football-articles/4166-report-montana-to-montana


Report: Montana To Montana

The University of Montana student newspaper is reporting that Nate Montana is enrolled at Montana and will play football for the Grizzlies this fall. Notre Dame officials weren’t immediately available for comment on Montana’s status at Notre Dame.

The report from the Kaimin, the student newspaper, quoted Montana athletic director Jim O’Day.

“I know that he's enrolled at the University of Montana and that he plans to walk onto the football team,” O'Day told the paper.

Montana, the son of former Notre Dame great and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana, earned a scholarship as a backup quarterback last year, but a path to the field in 2011 would have been an extremely difficult one.

Last month, Irish head coach Brian Kelly announced that only four quarterbacks would be able to get reps during spring practice and Montana was widely viewed as the sixth quarterback on the roster.

Montana joined the Irish as a preferred walk-on in 2008. He did not see any action as a freshman and transferred to Pasadena City Community College for the 2009 season. He returned for spring practice in 2010 and competed with freshman Tommy Rees for the backup position behind Dayne Crist.

Montana appeared in three games in 2010, completing nine of 18 passes for 116 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Rees eventually won the job when Crist was lost for the season to an injury.

Montana was also expected to be behind rising sophomore Andrew Hendrix, incoming freshman Everett Golson and another second-year player Luke Massa. Some reports have Massa changing positions to wide receiver or tight end, but those have yet to be confirmed by Notre Dame.

Montana will have two years of eligibility left since he didn’t play as a freshman.

[Revolver]

How will they use his scholly this year?

Smitty

[irishunclebill]

http://notredame.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1189054


February 14, 2011


Pete Sampson
IrishIllustrated.com Editor

Notre Dame won't have a sixth-string quarterback during spring practice, at least not one on scholarship.

On Monday the expected news of Nate Montana's transfer to the University of Montana became official when Grizzlies athletics director Jim O'Day went on record with The Missoulian that the former Irish scholarship quarterback was now a walk-on at the FCS program.

It appears Montana enrolled on Friday, which would make him eligible for spring practice and to compete for playing time next season. Montana won't have to sit out a year while transferring down the college football ladder.

"He's enrolled as a student, and he started classes today," O'Day told to the paper. "Then I would assume he's a walk-on, because we have no aid as of this semester."

Losing Montana doesn't impact Notre Dame short of giving head coach Brian Kelly a scholarship to potentially award a walk-on down the road. As it stands, the Irish will enter next season with 84 players on scholarship. Montana's departure doesn't create scholarship space for Notre Dame's next recruiting class either as it was unlikely he would have been invited back for a fifth year.

Montana, who was awarded a scholarship by Kelly last year, played in three games last season, completing 9-of-18 passes for 116 yards, one interception and no touchdowns. The son of former Notre Dame great and NFL legend Joe Montana was going to be on the outside of the Irish quarterback competition this spring, which Kelly planned to make a four-player battle.

That appears to be Tommy Rees, Dayne Crist, Everett Golson and Andrew Hendrix. On Monday, NBC Sports reported that Luke Massa moved to wide receiver. Massa and Hendrix both red shirted last season. Golson is an early enrollee at Notre Dame.

[NotreDameNate]

Well, that be that. Best of luck to the young man. Tough situation at ND and if he really wants to play then he is making the right move. Nothing against Nate, but I think we have our qb situation (depth) set, and I doubt Nate was ever in those plans. I'm pretty sure the only reason he saw time last year was to keep Hendrix "red shirted".

[rikrok58]

Well best of luck to him. That helps fix the logjam at qb ND had.... I'm ready for spring ball, and spring training too!

[Purebred Irishman]

Good luck to Nate. With all the QB's on the roster this is the best move for him as he would have been probably 5 or 6 on depth chart at ND

[Synoptico]

Shouldn't this thread be titled like this ha.


'08 CA QB Nate Montana (Preferred Walk-On)/Transfer to Pasadena Community College/Transfer to Notre Dame (2010 Schollie Player)/ Transfer to Montana

[PDj]

Headline story on the local paper:

http://missoulian.com/

Best of luck. It would be fun to see him lead Montana to an 1AA championship.

Am I the only one to still think of the FCS as 1AA?

[IrishCrasher]

Good Luck Nate, go play now, and come back to get a Masters Later!

[surge4082]

Bad news for Nate right off the bat...



@LisaHorne
Montana QB Nate Montana was arrested on suspicion of DUI, in Montana.
4 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

[NDFan4Life]

Bad news for Nate right off the bat...

Link:

http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_79577d56-8de1-11e0-b440-001cc4c002e0.html

[en dee seattle]

getting a speeding ticket in montana is pretty difficult. i'm not sure about the cities, but basically speed limits are ignored on the highways. ouch.

[IrishGrizz]

getting a speeding ticket in montana is pretty difficult. i'm not sure about the cities, but basically speed limits are ignored on the highways. ouch.

En dee- if you read the article, he got nailed downtown - driving 39 in a 25 zone. Montanas highway speed limits have nothing to do w the story.

He was downtown at 3:15 am with a car full of guys. He was speeding and drove past a cop. Pulled over, fumbled the license, cop smelled alcohol, and the field tests began. Montana failed them, was taken downtown, given the tests again, failed, and declined the breathalizer. Cited, booked, posted bail, and released.

Similar to what happens every night in college campus towns by students blowing off steam after finals. Bad choice not to have a designated driver.

BTW, my moniker comes from my college days there at UM. I just didn't drive much - walked and then staggered home from the bars.

[mlcspinner]

Not a whole lot of good comes from being out at 3:15 in the morning.

[IrishFan123]

http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/notre-dame-football/64023-joe-montana-apparently-isnt-happy.html

NFL legend Joe Montana unhappy with Notre Dame


An innocuous question during a luncheon appearance apparently produced a startling scenario
Wednesday: Joe Montana has a pretty sizable beef with Notre Dame.

Montana appeared at a luncheon at the Rochester (N.Y.) Riverside Convention Center and was asked by an audience member if he would consider a position as athletic director or coach at his alma mater.

"You're asking me at absolutely the wrong time," Montana said, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.

Montana then blasted Notre Dame for its treatment of his son, Nate, who was a seldom-used backup quarterback for the Irish before transferring to Montana last winter.

"What happened with my son and the reasons for leaving Notre Dame shouldn't happen to any kid," he said. "At this point in time, it’s hard to be in their corner."

[DirtySecret]

http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/notre-dame-football/64023-joe-montana-apparently-isnt-happy.html

NFL legend Joe Montana unhappy with Notre Dame

Someone is butt hurt! First and foremost, Good Ol' Joe, your son wasn't even on first team at Pasadena. Secondly, he didn't have an offer to a D1 school coming out of high school and was a perfer walk-on at Notre Dame. So basically he rode the coat tails of your legacy in order to get recognition. Boy, do we have a Craig James number 2 on our hands here..

He should be grateful Notre Dame even accepted his son and let play on the football team.

[morrdave9]

RT @texashsfootball:

Nick has his own thread:
http://www.goldhelmet.com/f15/10-ca-qb-nicholas-montana-washington-loi-6763/

[irishunclebill]

Nate is transferring again. I guess he is on the Bluto Blutarsky college program.

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/03/14/in-fcs-huddle-fcs-nfl-draft-defensive-prospects/


Nate Montana leaving Grizzlies program
Published May 16, 2012

Philadelphia, PA – Nate Montana, son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, is transferring from the University of Montana to an NCAA Division II program in West Virginia.

Grizzlies coach Mick Delaney told The Missoulian newspaper on Tuesday that Montana is transferring to West Virginia Wesleyan in Buckhannon, W.Va.

He added Montana, who had transferred to Montana from Notre Dame last year and has one season of eligibility remaining, is seeking more playing time.

Montana was a backup who played in eight games for the Grizzlies.

Nothing wrong with chasing a dream but when the dream of plaing college football ends up at West Virginia Wesleyan it's a bit ridiculous.

[Synoptico]

Nate is transferring again. I guess he is on the Bluto Blutarsky college program.

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/03/14/in-fcs-huddle-fcs-nfl-draft-defensive-prospects/



Nothing wrong with chasing a dream but when the dream of plaing college football ends up at West Virginia Wesleyan it's a bit ridiculous.

Makes all those people who thought he should start kind of look silly...

[NotreDameNate]

Man... That's damn near Forcier area. Time to find another dream, this one seems to have turned into a semi-nightmare.

[IrishGrizz]

Ya, I heard he couldn't make it on the intramural team for Craig Hall, either.

Not breaking my heart that he won't share a Griz diploma w me.