2012 QB Discussion - Who's the Starter?

[NDinFL]

Golson.


Kiel redshirts and learns system just like Golson did.

I think you're onto something there.....

 

[kmoose]

Golson.


Kiel redshirts and learns system just like Golson did.

I think that's probably obvious. I'm just trying to get a feel for just how many wins people are willing to sacrifice, to get "the next best thing" some PT?

And I think people need to realize that Kelly doesn't have the option of "sacrificing a few wins" to develop the next QB. This is his job, and his performance is largely measured in wins and losses.

 

[Crazy Balki]

I see your point but people also fail to realize this O-line still needs to get way better. The O-line made some strides this year but still struggles against good defenses. Against defenses like USC, FSU, Stanford and MSU they had issues protecting Rees and opening up holes for the running game. Most of the time when Rees is protected he plays well. His decision making must improve but I think as a junior with experience that will get better.

Better O-line = Better Rees

I don't agree. With the exception of Stanford and FSU, Rees had plenty of time to get the ball off, but has no mobility whatsoever. That doesn't just mean scrambling ability, but the ability to move around in the pocket. Golson and Hendrix should be a steady improvement. I just don't put the struggles of Rees on the line, they were a very solid group, up until Cave got injured.

 

[NDPhilly]

Does anyone else think that Gunner won't start at ND until his RSR year?

 

[kmoose]

I don't agree. With the exception of Stanford and FSU, Rees had plenty of time to get the ball off, but has no mobility whatsoever. That doesn't just mean scrambling ability, but the ability to move around in the pocket. Golson and Hendrix should be a steady improvement. I just don't put the struggles of Rees on the line, they were a very solid group, up until Cave got injured.

What if they aren't?

 

[NDinFL]

What if they aren't?

I think they most definently will be...

If not? We're ****ed

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

What if they aren't?

Then Kiel gets a birth by baptism much like Jimmy and Brady did. They got their azz kicked, but I thinked they learned a bit from it.

 

[Walter White]

I don't care as long as its better than this year.

To win the job..

Rees - Become better at evenly distributing the ball and completely fix the interceptions

Hendrix - Improve accuracy and poise under pressure

Golson - Learn the whole offense and prove he can take a hit

Kiel - Everyone above shows to be incompetent. I think he red-shirts unless he is as polished as Barkley was coming in. A slight chance

 

[DillonHall]

I think that's probably obvious. I'm just trying to get a feel for just how many wins people are willing to sacrifice, to get "the next best thing" some PT?

And I think people need to realize that Kelly doesn't have the option of "sacrificing a few wins" to develop the next QB. This is his job, and his performance is largely measured in wins and losses.

If Kelly was ever going to get inexperienced QBs playing time at the risk of losing a game, he should have done it this past year. I think that the administration would have been patient even with a 7 win year, but going into year 3, he better figure out a way to win as many games as possible.

 

[tadman95]

I think they most definently will be...

If not? We're ****ed

I like Rees but I didn't see much, if any improvement this year.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

So you'd rather go 3-9 with Kiel starting?

I never mentioned Kiel. IMO he sits this year, done.

What's your point?

Looking for the "next best thing" until you find it is what winning in college football is all about. Why do you think Riddick has been shuffled all over the field? Why do you think Slaughter ended up where he did? The coaches are trying to find the perfect formula.

Obviously Kelly was looking for the next best thing when he started giving Hendrix snaps and I expect him to give Golson a serious look because he's obviously more athletic than Rees.

 

[NDinFL]

I never mentioned Kiel. IMO he sits this year, done.

What's your point?

Looking for the "next best thing" until you find it is what winning in college football is all about. Why do you think Riddick has been shuffled all over the field? Why do you think Slaughter ended up where he did? The coaches are trying to find the perfect formula.

Obviously Kelly was looking for the next best thing when he started giving Hendrix snaps and I expect him to give Golson a serious look because he's obviously more athletic than Rees.

Give Golson more reps...

I think BK wanted to preserve his eligibility last season, so he sat him.

This coming season I think he starts day 1

 

[returnofthemack]

I think that's probably obvious. I'm just trying to get a feel for just how many wins people are willing to sacrifice, to get "the next best thing" some PT?

And I think people need to realize that Kelly doesn't have the option of "sacrificing a few wins" to develop the next QB. This is his job, and his performance is largely measured in wins and losses.

I would be happy with 7-5 as long as it was Golson or Kiel starting. If Hendrix starts, I expect at least 8-4. If Rees starts, I have no expectations. Also, Jack Swarbrick isn't stupid - he wouldn't fire Kelly if the team went 6-6/7-5 with a first-year starter at QB as long as the team shows potential. Also, with all the talent around the QB, ND doesn't need game-breaking ability from the QB to get to 8-4/9-3. More game-breaking ability than Rees, obviously, but nowhere near Denard-level. Therefore, I feel that any of the younger QBs should be able to get us to 8-4 because of the overall talent on the team. The reason I would be fine with 7-5 with Golson or Kiel is because they will have never started a game before, and $hit happens. And I'm sure they'll have plenty of moments to counteract those bad moments.

 

[Walter White]

YES, I'd rather develop the higher ceiling quarterbacks while possibly sacrificing a few wins.

I want as many wins as possible no matter who's under center. Although, I don't think any sacrificing of wins will be needed. If Kelly still thinks Rees is our best chance to win then I'll support Rees. I don't think that will be the case but bottom line, Kelly knows best.

 

[NDBoiler]

Seems most folks are basically writing off any chance for Hendrix. He did show promise at times in the limited PT he had (Stanford 2nd half in particular), but definitely not enough to make a sound judgement on overall. It may be Golson's job in the fall, but I don't see any way it could be Rees's again. He's a good kid, nice "game manager", but he is obviously limited and reached his potential. I could observe no marked improvement from the start of the season to the end from him (same weaknesses all year did not go away or get better - staring down receivers, poor throwing decisions, acting like he's standing in quicksand, etc), or even from 2010 for that matter, which seems to indicate he has hit his ceiling with a THUD. I think BK clearly knows this, but he just stuck it out for 2011 knowing he had the next best grasp of the offense after Crist's imploding confidence. IF Hendrix was given the opportunity to get #1 reps through an extended period of the offseason, we don't know with certainty, but he could be capable of leading the team to a very solid year IF he can continue to develop, as his ceiling is clearly higher than Rees's. Not that I would be disappointed if Golson shows big improvement and can do it too, but let's just not count out Mr. Hnedrix yet. We all know who will be under center in 2013 anyways, if not before.

 

[Irish YJ]

Overthinking this, but here's what I feel will happen.

Scenario A
I think we start the season with:
Hendrix 1A, Golson 1B, Rees 3

Predict Hendrix will struggle against MichSt, and we'll see for Michigan:
Golson 1A, Hendrix 1B, Rees 3

At this point, Rees may elect to transfer.

Also could guess that at some point, likely Pitt or Ok, either Golson or Hendrix could get hurt. If Rees is gone, the redshirt could be pulled off Gunner.

Scenario B

Gunner starts from Day 1, or is at least a 1A or B with Golson. Hendrix stays and Rees transfers.

 

[NDinFL]

I don't see Tommy transferring...

 

[NDPhilly]

IMO Hendrix will be used the same way Tebow was used his Freshman year at FL.

Thing that scares me about Golson is he reportedly had fumbling problems last spring. I know that's like a year ago but still. That's something to be slightly concerned about.

 

[kmoose]

Overthinking this, but here's what I feel will happen.

Scenario A
I think we start the season with:
Hendrix 1A, Golson 1B, Rees 3

Predict Hendrix will struggle against MichSt, and we'll see for Michigan:
Golson 1A, Hendrix 1B, Rees 3

At this point, Rees may elect to transfer.

Also could guess that at some point, likely Pitt or Ok, either Golson or Hendrix could get hurt. If Rees is gone, the redshirt could be pulled off Gunner.

Scenario B

Gunner starts from Day 1, or is at least a 1A or B with Golson. Hendrix stays and Rees transfers.

ND is not Oklahoma, Miami, Tennessee, USC... Rees wants to be at ND. He had to have known that he was a longshot to start, from day one. He's probably already acheived more than he thought he would. I really don't see him transferring, especially after all of the work he has put into academics, as well as football.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Agree with those that don't see Tommy transferring, and we shouldn't want him to. While virtually none of us want him to start, it's safe to say that few programs have a QB on the bench with Rees' experience. He'll provide a great baseline for QB performance over the next 3 years.

 

[Irish YJ]

ND is not Oklahoma, Miami, Tennessee, USC... Rees wants to be at ND. He had to have known that he was a longshot to start, from day one. He's probably already acheived more than he thought he would. I really don't see him transferring, especially after all of the work he has put into academics, as well as football.

Perhaps, but I think he is a baller with a strong desire to play. Stronger now that he's had a taste of strarting. I can't see him looking ahead to his senior season and being 4th on the depth chart. Honestly I hope he stays. He's a great kid, and certainly has given his all. I just think he can contribute more to another team, and frankly I'd like to see him go somewhere, start, and do very well.

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

ND is not Oklahoma, Miami, Tennessee, USC... Rees wants to be at ND. He had to have known that he was a longshot to start, from day one. He's probably already acheived more than he thought he would. I really don't see him transferring, especially after all of the work he has put into academics, as well as football.

If he's got one competitive bone in his body, all of that goes straight out the window.

 

[Irish YJ]

If he's got one competitive bone in his body, all of that goes straight out the window.

Yup! I think every bone the kid has is competitive. Again, hope he stays, but that is me being selfish. Would love to see him at my alma mater IU as they are still crying in their beer over Gunner.

 

[Crazy Balki]

What if they aren't?

What do you mean? I thank Rees for salvaging the 2010 season, but he was clearly not a spread QB. I find it hard to believe that at least 1 of them wouldn't be a steady improvement over Rees. If they aren't then that's just disappointing and they clearly aren't improving.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Overthinking this, but here's what I feel will happen.

Scenario A
I think we start the season with:
Hendrix 1A, Golson 1B, Rees 3

Predict Hendrix will struggle against MichSt, and we'll see for Michigan:
Golson 1A, Hendrix 1B, Rees 3

At this point, Rees may elect to transfer.

Also could guess that at some point, likely Pitt or Ok, either Golson or Hendrix could get hurt. If Rees is gone, the redshirt could be pulled off Gunner.

Scenario B

Gunner starts from Day 1, or is at least a 1A or B with Golson. Hendrix stays and Rees transfers.

I really don't want to see a 1A-1B system. Figure out the starter in spring. Golson/Hendrix/Kiel/Rees, and go with him through fall camp. They have 2 games to jell (Navy and Purdue should be cakewalks).

My scenario A:

Golson 1, Hendrix 2, Rees 3, Gunner RS

Scenario B:

Hendrix 1, Golson 2, Rees 3, Gunner RS

Scenario C:

Gunner 1, Golson 2, Hendrix 3, Rees Transfer

The only possible package system I'd want to see is if Gunner starts, in which I'd like a Gunner/Golson package. That's mostly it.

 

[kmoose]

What do you mean? I thank Rees for salvaging the 2010 season, but he was clearly not a spread QB. I find it hard to believe that at least 1 of them wouldn't be a steady improvement over Rees. If they aren't then that's just disappointing and they clearly aren't improving.

Rees is not a spread QB, that much is certain. But, Hendrix's sub-50% completion percentage and Golson's relatively small frame (6'0", 185) don't convince me that either one of them will be an upgrade in terms of wins and losses. They may be able to run more, but I worry that they won't perform as well on 1st and 2nd down, therefore putting themselves in such a big hole on 3rd down that it won't matter. Actually, that's my concern for Hendrix. My concern for Golson is that he will look great, then only play 3 games before getting hurt, or playing gimpy for the rest of the season.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Rees is not a spread QB, that much is certain. But, Hendrix's sub-50% completion percentage and Golson's relatively small frame (6'0", 185) don't convince me that either one of them will be an upgrade in terms of wins and losses. They may be able to run more, but I worry that they won't perform as well on 1st and 2nd down, therefore putting themselves in such a big hole on 3rd down that it won't matter. Actually, that's my concern for Hendrix. My concern for Golson is that he will look great, then only play 3 games before getting hurt, or playing gimpy for the rest of the season.

Fear not. Golson has reportedly put on significant weight this season, and hopes to be up around 205-210 by the spring game. He'll be ready.

 

[Crazy Balki]

Rees is not a spread QB, that much is certain. But, Hendrix's sub-50% completion percentage and Golson's relatively small frame (6'0", 185) don't convince me that either one of them will be an upgrade in terms of wins and losses. They may be able to run more, but I worry that they won't perform as well on 1st and 2nd down, therefore putting themselves in such a big hole on 3rd down that it won't matter. Actually, that's my concern for Hendrix. My concern for Golson is that he will look great, then only play 3 games before getting hurt, or playing gimpy for the rest of the season.

I understand your concern for Golson, but he isn't Denard Robinson. Yes, he has similar speed, but his arm is MUCH better and more accurate, so while he does have great speed, he doesn't use it unless completely necessary. Golson is still a pass-first QB. Of the three, I'd say that he has the strongest and most accurate arm, but that's only going by what I've seen in his highlights. However, that makes it much better that he was making such great throws in high school and he can only improve on that. Yes, the concern is that he might get injured, but that's a risk they'll just have to take. I'd like them to get him to around 195-200 before fall camp though.

 

[Fbolt]

Hendrix-Rees-Golson to start the season
Hendrix-Golson-Rees to end the season
Keil saves a year of eligibility

I think we have the pick 3/4 lotto numbers covered.

 

[NDFAN420]

Fear not. Golson has reportedly put on significant weight this season, and hopes to be up around 205-210 by the spring game. He'll be ready.

How accurate is that (205-210)? That's quite a bit of weight in one year, especially for someone who needs to keep his speed. I'd be happy with closer to 190 for next year. Golson runs about a 4.5/4.6 per ISD.

Leading ND onto the field next year in Ireland will be: Everett Golson

From what has been reported from places like ISD, BGI, etc. the overwhelming consensus among players is that Golson is the best QB on ND's roster.