Kyle Terada- USA TODAY Sports
With the news tonight from South Bend, Indiana and the University of Notre Dame that the quarterback that led them to a BCS Title Game appearance, Everett Golson, is no longer enrolled in school, this immediately opens up questions about the future of the position. With a little over three months until the start of the regular season, head coach Brian Kelly needs an answer, and he needs one fast.
Although the development is disappointing, Kelly still has two experienced signal callers on the roster that can provide somewhat of an instant fix. Both Tommy Rees and Andrew Hendrix have seen some significant playing time throughout their careers for the Irish and should be able to fill the void more than capably.
However, of the two, Hendrix may give ND the best chance to stay afloat this year.
While Rees was heavily hyped coming in to South Bend, he has had an up-and-down career, mostly with downs involved. His decision making skills are questionable, at best. Also, his lack of mobility is a hindrance. As proven last year, aside from the Alabama game, Golson controlling the offense with his mobility is a lot of what guided the Irish offense through that undefeated regular season.
Andrew Hendrix’s mobility is miles above what Rees’s is. Hendrix may not have the in-game throwing experience that Rees has had throughout his career, as he has only thrown for two touchdowns in his career, but it needs to be remembered that Golson was an inexperienced redshirt freshman going into last season. And, Notre Dame made out just fine over time. From now until the regular season starts, Brian Kelly and staff need to mold Hendrix into a starter. Not an easy task, I know, but that may be their only option at this point.
With the Irish also having to deal with rebuilding the offensive line, Hendrix’s ability to work outside of the pocket will come in handy.
The key for success in this scenario for Kelly is making a decision on one guy and sticking with it. This can’t become a QB controversy. And, Hendrix is the man that needs to be tabbed to clean up this mess.
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Jack is a College Football Writer for Rant Sports. Follow Jack on Twitter @JackJ14RS
