Why are we counting Dayne out already? I for one believe that he will be the starter in 2012, hands down (unless injury holds him out). We can sit here and judge him on one year of play, but remember how people judged Jimmy on his first year...7 TD passes, 6 INTs...he threw td's in only 3 of the 10 games he competed in. Dayne, in his first year at QB threw for 15 TDs and 7 INTs in the 8 games he competed in. Yes, the players were different around these guys. Yes, Jimmy was just a freshman. But this does help demonstrate how first year numbers can look for a kid. He made some bad decisions in his first year of real action...it happens. I just don't see him digressing any. Even in 2008 Jimmy threw 20 Tds and 17 INTs, only to finish the year in Hawaii with 5 Tds and 0 INTs...i think this just helps show that in the first year of someones career you cannot 100% judge how they will be in the future. Just like Jimmy was a freshman and new to college ball and the system in 2007, Dayne was learning a brand new playbook and getting his introduction into college FB at full time QB for Notre Dame...i still see an amazingly bright future for the kid, and in 2012 he will be the starter.
Yes, Hendrix and Golson will be used in some mop up duty, and i'm sure there will be some packages just for Golson...but look for Dayne to remain the starter.
Just my thoughts, though...
While I agree that he does have a ton of potential. Here are my reasons for feeling that he's done
1. BK need's the QB to be an option to run the ball for his offense to be 100% effective. Dayne's 2 bum legs may prevent that. If he is a stiff behind center, he won't be in Kellys favor.
2. If he can practice int he spring, he's got a chance. But, from what we know at this point, he will not beable to practice during the spring workouts. Those 15 practices will hurt him, and his progression learning the concepts of the offense, and overall getting comfortable. Not only that, his competition will have roughly 30-35 more practices then him going into the spring. If Dayne can't practice in the spring, his competition will have 45-50 more practices then Dayne. He is going to be WAY WAY behind those guys in development, and understanding.
3.This is not the 2010 offseason where Dayne is the only option. Rees, Hendrix, and Massa have been with the team for a year growing with the program, and growing physically.
4. BK will play whoever gives the team the best shot at winning right away. A 1-3 start must not happen. Dayne may or may not be the most physically gifted, but that does not automatically make him the QB that gives the best shot to win, especially missing 9-10 months of football and learning. Hendrix has the skill set that may be as good, or better then Dayne's. And he will no doubt be more familiar then Dayne with the system.
Rees could be 4-0 as a starter knocking out Utah, SC, and Miami. What if he grows physically? His composure, and spread football knowledge are better then Dayne's.
Golson, the longer I think about it, the more I believe he sits this year.
5. BK didn't recruit Dayne. I don't know if this matters to BK or not, but some coaches do like using their guys.
So who's better? QB X- 8.5 games played. 2 hurt/rebuilt knees. No practice time for 9-10 months leading up to the season, and no reps learning the offense. Looked unsettled in the pocket, nervous. Recruited by former coach.
QB Z- 0 games played. Great physical skill set. Can both throw and run. Recruited by current coach. Been in the system practicing. Understands the playbook.
QB Y- 4 games played. (Beat Utah, SC, ?Miami?) Limited physical skill set. Under stands the playbook. Extremely poised and confident behind center.
Dayne could start, but he's got a lot of obstacles to climb. If he is not back for spring, I wouldn't bet on him starting against USF.