Notre Dame Issues at Quarterback on the Horizon?

Traditionally the open date on the Notre Dame schedule (after six games) is the point where the coaching staff “fish or cuts bait” with the freshman who have not yet seen action.  The decision is made to “Red Shirt” a player and save a year of eligibility if he has not seen the field. 

This is taking on tremendous meaning and possible long term consequences at the quarterback position.

Senior Dayne Crist who was anointed the starting quarterback for the all 13 games after winning the position in fall practice could petition for a fifth year but was benched after half a game against USF.  So far he has gotten in for mop-up duty against Purdue and three plays.

Sophomore Tommy Rees is a work in progress.  He is still learning to read defenses and Head Coach Brian Kelly has stated that Rees cannot yet operate a high tempo, no huddle full spread offense.  Add the fact he is not a mobile quarterback fitting the quarterback mold that is required and has a short history of turnovers is somewhat discouraging.

Sophomore Andrew Hendrix has yet disappointingly to see action.

Sophomore Luke Massa was officially designated a WR but is working on the scout team as QB and wears a red hat signaling in plays during the game.

Everett Golson apparently is going to be “Red Shirted” this year.   

It appears Kelly does not have a quarterback lined up for the recruiting class of 2012.

Will Kelly play Hendrix ahead of Crist?  What game?  Maryland, Wake Forest, Boston College, mop-up duty?  A lot of ‘ifs’ based upon how late Crist got inserted in the Purdue mop-up.

What is the worst case quarterback scenario for 2012?

** Crist takes his diploma and moves on with his life.

** Next spring an unfulfilled Hendrix does not beat out Rees or Golson and takes his two or three years of eligibility somewhere else.

Leaving Rees, Massa and an unproven Golson.  Not good.

We expected to see Hendrix in the Purdue game with a special package of plays based upon the score and the domination of the Notre Dame defense.  We were fooled.  We do not expect to see Hendrix in the AF game but we have been surprised before.  A lot depends on how that game unfolds.  Maybe when USC comes to South Bend to add to the excitement of Green Jurseys and Green Towel?s

We need a maturing, healthy Tommy Rees and a jump start from Everett Golson next year barring any other scenarios.

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