Montana Transfers: What's the Impact?

Nate Montana throwing a pass during the 2010 Notre Dame Blue and Gold game. (Picture courtesy of AnnArbor.com)

About a week after signing day, Notre Dame receives more news about their 2011-2012 roster. Nate Montana has decided to transfer to the Division II program, Montana. The former QB and son of Irish legend, Joe Montana, saw very limited playing time after Dayne Crist went down to injury and before Tommy Rees secured the interim starting QB role last season. The most Irish fans got to see Montana was probably at the Blue and Gold, where he was praised after a solid performance. Throughout the season he slowly slipped down the depth chart, and he probably would have continued to this season with Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson establishing themselves. This move now leaves ND with five quarterbacks (Danye Crist - SR, Tommy Rees - SO, Andrew Hendrix - SO, Luke Massa - SO, and Everett Golson - FR), although there are rummers  that Luke Massa will transition to wide receiver. So the question is, how will Montana leaving impact the team?

Realistically, the only impact this move have will be Nate Montana himself. Notre Dame already has quarterbacks as skilled, if not more than Montana, so the impact on ND is small. If anything this will cause Joe Montana will come to less games next year. With Montana leaving, and one less scholarship, Notre Dame will be at the maximum 85 scholarship limit for the year (which I think was one major reason for this move). Nate Montana, on the other hand, has a chance to finally be the legitimate starting quarterback for once in his college career. If he can do well at Montana, then maybe he can work his way into the NFL, CFL, or Arena Football someday. This is really the best option for both parties in this deal.

I know all Irish fans, along with me, wish him luck on his future in football and academics at Montana.