'10 OH QB Andrew Hendrix (Notre Dame Signee)

[Sweetness34]

I don't like the fact that he calls Golson a "loose cannon." He's not that, he's a guy who can improvise which has worked very well for the skunk bears, and many now prominent teams in college football.

 

[PraetorianND]

I could see both Golson and Hendrix turning out to be really great players with experience during game action. I believe that whoever starts needs a pretty long leash, which would be more than the first half of the Navy game. It is probably pretty hard to play the position feeling that you are one turnover away from being pulled for someone else. I believe this was part of Hendrix's problem last year, as he more than likely never felt like Coach Kelly was 100% in his corner.

I would take Florida State as an example. I believe in the first half, when he took the field for his first series, he drove down the field to get into scoring range. I believe there was a change of possession shortly thereafter, and then Rees took the field the next series. Hendrix seemed to have something going on his initial drive, and was subsequently yanked for Rees. I still feel that if patience was taken with Hendrix he would have had a decently successful game.

The point is that constantly interchanging quarterbacks can sometimes be a detriment to the team. In a situation such as this it shows a lack of confidence in the quarterback, and without belief from those in charge it would be hard to expect great results. Ultimately, whoever wins the job coming out of fall camp needs to have total support from the staff. Let them take their lumps, but give them time to learn.

I'll take either... Or Gunner for that matter. Let's just not pull the eject handle at the first sign of trouble. I think think the fear of getting taken out of games really hurt Tommy too, and Dayne.

 

[Irish8248]

You're never pulled for committing just one turnover... Dayne played the next quarter and a half. We forget that after that turnover we struggled to gain 10 yards. Our offense was going no where. If that's a similar case came navy then our QB situation needs to be looked at

 

[Old Man Mike]

In Coach's recent interview, he said that Hendrix had everything he needed except that he needed a lot of reps. That sounds to me that Kelly believes that Andrew's overthinking will go away simply by being out there more. Because of that comment [which is thin soup, I'll admit], I believe that if Coach had to play Navy tomorrow he'd start Andrew --- and probably have him run the ball after a fake to Cierre on the first play. [Dreaming: play 1// Hendrix run between tackles; play 2// Wood run [first down]; play 3// Wood run [same direction]; play 4// safe pass to TJ Jones [complete] ---- and off we go for 500+ yards total offense and 40+ points].

 

[woolybug25]

So, he had a full season under his belt?

He was awesome in every game he played in that year. He also won MAC freshman of the year. He did this all at a younger age than Hendrix was LAST season. That was the first game I saw him play in person, but he was no secret by then. He was great from game one.

He was always composed, that's my point. He threw a better ball also. Comparing him and Hendrix as players isn't very realistic.

 

[Black Irish]

I think Kelly has the perfect opportunity now to experiment with Golson & Hendrix with Tommy suspended for Navy (not hating, I feel bad for the kid). If it's still a close call come Sept 1st, Kelly should plan on giving each QB 2 full quarters of play to see who does what. Give Hendrix the whole 1st half & Golson the whole 2nd (or vice versa). Whoever crushes it is your starter. If they both crush it, well that's a problem I'd love to have. If they both suck, I guess we need to whip that red shirt off Gunnar in a hurry.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Golson will start Navy IMO. If true, I hope Hendy keeps his head up and soaks in as many reps as he can. This game guarantees nothing. He would be one play away from running this team and carrying the expectations.

 

[Riddickulous]

I think Kelly has the perfect opportunity now to experiment with Golson & Hendrix with Tommy suspended for Navy (not hating, I feel bad for the kid). If it's still a close call come Sept 1st, Kelly should plan on giving each QB 2 full quarters of play to see who does what. Give Hendrix the whole 1st half & Golson the whole 2nd (or vice versa). Whoever crushes it is your starter. If they both crush it, well that's a problem I'd love to have. If they both suck, I guess we need to whip that red shirt off Gunnar in a hurry.

That's assuming we blow out Navy, which is not a given.

 

[NDPhilly]

Golson will start IMO but i think Hendrix sees time maybe in the redzone.

 

[arrowryan]

Golson will start IMO but i think Hendrix sees time maybe in the redzone.

Why in the red zone? Hendrix doesn't have anything that Golson doesn't.

If Rees was the starter, then I would 100% agree with you

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

1 QB is going to play, not 2.

 

[irishog77]

Why in the red zone? Hendrix doesn't have anything that Golson doesn't.

If Rees was the starter, then I would 100% agree with you

Except about 40 pounds.

Whomever ultimately becomes the starter in game 2 and beyond, I can see Kelly plugging another guy in situationally. If nothing else, it gives opponents something else to have to prepare for and keeps the player focused-in and ready-- not counting daisies on the practice field and daydreaming about transferring.

 

[polishjuice4]

It would be like what Oklahoma does with Blake Bell if that happens.

 

[MPClinton22]

All I can think of whenever I hear the suggestion to put Hendrix into the game in the red zone is the USC game last year.

Crist is driving the team down the field with tons of confidence, and for some reason gets pulled and Hendrix is put in for a down or two (I don't remember exactly how many it was). He gets pretty much nowhere and Crist is put back in the game and proceeds to fumble and we all know what happened from there.

I just struggle to see the benefits of taking a quarterback out when he is orchestrating a successful drive to add another perceived facet to the offense. Stick with one guy and one guy only, unless it's garbage time, in which case it obviously makes sense to give the backups some in-game experience.

 

[Black Irish]

I agree with others in that I'm not ready to relegate Hendrix to backup special packages duty just because he didn't shine as bright as Golson did in the Spring Game. Hey, maybe EG is the better QB option but my point is that we won't know until we see the both of them get some real playing time. That's why I suggested before that they each need to get 2 solid quarters of play against Navy so the coaches can make honest comparisons.

Now people will say that if we aren't blowing Navy out that Kelly shouldn't mess around, but I disagree. Kelly needs to get as many questions answered as soon as he can, and not just at QB. He needs to work guys in, give them reps, and see what works best. There's only so much you can do in practice. I know it may seem foolhardy, especially if ND is clinging to a slim lead. But like lots of things in life (starting a business, having kids) there is never a perfect time. You just need to do it. I'd rather see Kelly experiment to try to get the formula right early on, even if it means risking a loss. I don't want another season of what-ifs because ND played it too safe. Like last season. What if Hendrix got more reps? What if Dayne didn't get pulled? What if the defense blitzed more? Put it all on the table, Coach and let's put a bowl-caliber team together.

 

[Redbar]

All I can think of whenever I hear the suggestion to put Hendrix into the game in the red zone is the USC game last year.

Crist is driving the team down the field with tons of confidence, and for some reason gets pulled and Hendrix is put in for a down or two (I don't remember exactly how many it was). He gets pretty much nowhere and Crist is put back in the game and proceeds to fumble and we all know what happened from there.

I just struggle to see the benefits of taking a quarterback out when he is orchestrating a successful drive to add another perceived facet to the offense. Stick with one guy and one guy only, unless it's garbage time, in which case it obviously makes sense to give the backups some in-game experience.

It was one play for Hendrix and I totally agree with your logic in the third paragraph, momentum and execution are more important than "wrinkles".

 

[frankygoes69]

Give AH a go as a first stringer.

 

[Old Man Mike]

We are all BSing, but with what little we know, it would seem good strategy to give both Andrew and Everett significant time running the team vs Navy, and use a run-emphasis with gradually increased passing-as-we-go. That plan would seem to give quality "looks" for the coaching staff of both players, while maximizing the odds of winning of the game. With that agenda, it may not matter which of them actually takes the first series or two or three. If they were still in a dead heat after August, I'd start the one whose ego was more fragile and tell the more adult of the two, that this was going to be an absolutely level playing field this first game. ... and handle it that way no matter how well the "starter" does.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I will change the pace a little. I think both need to play: In case of injury to either, fallback options when you have one only, ready to play is a bi&ch; part of Fla's NC run when Tebow was an underclassman, was the uncertanty of what offense opponents would face. Do you think a change in qb is as tough in a spread offense?

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

Here is something I have been thinking about lately: Hendrix should be converted to a TE or OLB next year. Realistically, he has to be fourth on the depth chart at QB next year and it doesn't look like he is ever going to play barring injury. The kid is a very good athlete and he is big (listed at 6'2'' 220 on the roster). It seems like a waste of a scholarship to let him rot on the bench behind younger guys. Even if he is moved to another position he could always be an emergency fourth QB so that Zaire's redshirt wouldn't be ruined. My friends think I'm an idiot but I wanted to put this out there to see if anyone else has thought about this or at least agrees it's worth a shot to try to get a big athletic kid like him on the field in some way.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Here is something I have been thinking about lately: Hendrix should be converted to a TE or OLB next year. Realistically, he has to be fourth on the depth chart at QB next year and it doesn't look like he is ever going to play barring injury. The kid is a very good athlete and he is big (listed at 6'2'' 220 on the roster). It seems like a waste of a scholarship to let him rot on the bench behind younger guys. Even if he is moved to another position he could always be an emergency fourth QB so that Zaire's redshirt wouldn't be ruined. My friends think I'm an idiot but I wanted to put this out there to see if anyone else has thought about this or at least agrees it's worth a shot to try to get a big athletic kid like him on the field in some way.

the other day I said Hendrix to H-back kind of half jokingly. But, at this point H-back would be interesting.

 

[IrishFBfanatic]

Where would Hendrix fit in anywhere else is the question...
Tight End? He will be behind Koyack, Niklas, Welch, and Heuerman...

Linebacker? Where does he fit in? Not CAT with Shembo and Ishaq. Not DOG with Spond, Councell, Okwara, and Jaylon Smith.

He's athletic, but he's not going to beat any of these guys out at their natural positions. I don't mind personal protector on punts (Tebow) or holder for field goals. That would at least keep the defense honest knowing at any time he could pull off a major fake. I just don't see anywhere beside QB fitting Andrew. He will still get some chances to play, but I'm afraid he will never see the title "starter" next to his name.

Not a bad idea to move an athlete around, but when the team is full of athletes at their natural positions, a guy like Andrew would have to be AMAZING to break into that rotation.

 

[goldandblue]

He has some speed. Linebacker maybe?

 

[IrishLax]

Backup QBs are valuable and next year he will be a senior with lots of experience in the system. He won't break the depth chart at either TE or OLB. Don't really see the good in what you're suggesting.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

I agree that he would be behind others at any position. My point is just that at least at the other positions we use a rotation. Not saying he would be a starter or be ready to make an immediate impact. I just think he and the team could be better served by putting him in a position to actually see the field. Using him on special teams is a nice suggestion too though

 

[woolybug25]

I don't see him as a LB or TE, but he will most likely be a #4 QB next year, so we should give him an opportunity elsewhere. My thoughts, lets see if he is a capable HBack in practice and maybe sprinkle some of those plays in during the season. See what happens.

His ability to play QB in a pro-style, passing spread and running spread makes him very valuable as a scout team QB as well.

 

[Kaneyoufeelit]

Backup QBs are valuable and next year he will be a senior with lots of experience in the system. He won't break the depth chart at either TE or OLB. Don't really see the good in what you're suggesting.

I'm not married to the idea of TE or OLB. Do you think there is any position where he could make an on the field impact next year?

 

[BobD]

I would keep him in a back up roll and having him practice as a holder for fake field goals and trick plays over and over.

We will need some smoke and mirrors before the season is over.

 

[Emcee77]

This is a tough situation. I agree at least partially with all the conflicting viewpoints. On the one hand, it seems a shame to allow an athlete of Andrew's caliber to languish on the sidelines, and we don't really need him to play the wise, veteran backup role because we have Rees playing that role. On the other hand, a capable backup is a very valuable commodity, and he doesn't really seem like a fit at TE/OLB ... he just doesn't quite have the size/length.

Ultimately, I think I'd like to see Andrew remain primarily a backup quarterback, but also play occasionally as a sort of fullback/H-back, as Wooley and others have suggested. This year we've been putting tight ends in motion and then using them as lead blockers. Why not put about 10-15 more pounds on Hendrix and then use him in a similar role ... he could line up either in the backfield or in the slot and then move around pre-snap.

 

[Irish Houstonian]

Not that AH is necessarily the ideal solution, but we gotta get at least one blocking back. All this shotgun on the 2 yard line is taking years off my life.