Apparently, Nick Montana is the new “It” guy. “It” as in Ryan Seacrest “it.” There is nothing he doesn’t do. He hosts America’s most popular television show, has his own radio stint, reports on Hollywood happenings, has a music deal, made the cover of GQ, is co-authoring a book, and has scholarship offers from Notre Dame, Ohio State, Florida State, and Alabama. He is the only quarterback being talked about recently in recruiting circles, and that is damn hard to do.

And here’s why he’s being talked about. His last name is Montana. That’s right, he is the son of legendary Notre Dame and 49er star Joe Montana. The guy who quarterbacked more comebacks and Super Bowls than Pam Anderson has had tit jobs. He was so cool, he calmed in teammates in a Super Bowl by pointing out the lovable John Candy (Hard to believe he wasn’t noticed before that moment. He was hard to miss because he was famous. And fat too.) in the stands. In, fact he might be the coolest Joe ever. It’s either him, or Joe Camel.

In a way, he kinda reminds me of Paris Hilton. She has a famous last name, and she looks pretty good, so she is famous. Nick Montana has a famous last name, and has some football skills, so he has been plastered over every college football (recruiting) website I have seen recently. Montana this and Montana that. A big story because of where he comes from.

People go crazy over this genetic stuff. “He has good genes. Got his dads right arm, height, pocket presence, and penis size! Guaranteed stud.” Notre Dame is pretty big on legacies too, and I’m sure there are some (okay, a lot of) fans who desperately want the younger Montana to be Irish. I do too, if Charlie thinks he can play. If Weis thinks Jake Heaps or some other quarterback is better, than I want that guy. Don’t care what his name, or what his legacy is.

Nick Montana may be the hot story, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a thing. You can have your story, and your happy ending (Montana bloodlines continue at Notre Dame!), and that’s all fine. I’ll just take who the best player is, no matter the story.

(Because you asked for it! Look for “The Montana Watch” to appear periodically in South Bend Blarney.)