QB Competition during the spring

[N_D_Fighting_Irish]

A top notch QB could have made the difference but HE didn't.

ND's 5 Star, injury prone QB didn't turn out to be that guy, last season, opening day, or coming off the bench. He didn't play well enough to keep the 3 year younger, weak armed, no speed, turnover prone, 3 Star underclassman on the bench.

"NEXT MAN IN!"

The true sophomore replacement is 12-2 and already in the Top 5 or 6 in a lot of ND All-Time QB Stats including leading in some. He's not pretty but he's got more upside. He doesn't play like a deer in headlights.


Rees last drive gave ND the lead over Michigan with what a minute on the clock?

Are you proposing Montana, Quinn, Clausen, Luck, or Newton would have covered that Michigan recevier on the wheel route? The 60 yard pass play where NOBODY covered the guy and NOBODY tackled him as he weaved across the field.

It is possible I suppose, although they weren't DBs, that they ALSO would have at least turned their heads and looked for the !@#$ ball instead of doing a Clifford Jefferson imitation.

*retracked*

 

[Rocket89]

Weis ran a lot of shotgun, 1 back sets. Clausen threw a lot out of 3 and 4 receiver sets, and threw his share of those easy throws to the WR when he saw 7 in the box, and those simple check downs to running backs. In 2008 Clausen threw 4 picks against BC when they dropped 8 like they did last Saturday.

People need to give Rees his due for how accurate he is.

Rees has good accuracy, but it's not where Clausen's was even as a sophomore.

Rees does not throw the long 12-15 yard out across the field like Clausen did. Watching Crist try to complete these passes should remind us how incredibly consistent Clausen was at it.

Every quarterback throws a lot of short passes, but Rees is without a doubt throwing a greater percentage of them. He also does not attack the field vertically like Clausen could, or like many other spread quarterbacks do.

Rees has shaky accuracy on his deeper throws, although I don't think it's that bad, but he's also almost never throwing the ball more than 30 yards down field. He's limited to safe throws down the sidelines, and an occasional ball to Floyd over the middle---usually only when he's in single coverage and wide open.

Seam routes don't go further than 20 yards down the field and no one but Floyd catches balls 25+ yards down field in the less than safe areas of the field.

In 2008 against BC, Clausen had a crap offensive line and a **** poor running game. The entire offense was put on his shoulders. Totally different set of circumstances.

 

[BeatSC]

So you think that the QB position is the only thing keeping this ND team from competing for a NC?

A defense that didn't give up easy 4th quarter TD drives would probably have us at 10 wins, right now, too.

The D did collapse but that was te only time this season you could really hang something on them. The TO's were a bigger reason the game wasn't over after 3 quarters.

 

[phgreek]

If he gets much better at it, the kid will be a Heisman candidate.

I Don't think Tommy is bad. He is the best option we have right now. I think he has some upside left on the physical and mental side of things. He can be frustrating...but what Sophmore isn't?

In order for a QB to make that list (assume you mean top 5), you need to overcome running backs and wide receivers, Other QBs, and the occasional defensive standout. Long shot for guys who become everything they can.

Just to be one of maybe two QBs on that list, I'm going to say you need an NFL caliber guy at WR to stretch the field, and grow your stat line...so who is that? Not saying one won't emerge, but not knowing who that is makes "Heisman" = "Lottery".

I don't believe Tommy will be among the top 5 difference makers in the nation...I don't see that in him, and I don't see the supporting parts he needs in place...

 

[tommyIRISH23]

Our backups have no game experience. Barring an injury, what hypothetical situation do you think Kelly would start another QB next year?

I think it was you who posted, maybe not, on why Kelly didn't play another QB to get game expierence in some of our blow outs. I agree that he should have, and the only reason I can think of on why he did not is that his starting QB is still very raw, makes too many mistakes, and needs all the game expierence that he can get.

I don't think Kelly is assuming that another QB is going to step up this spring and take the starting job, and I believe he would be a fool to make such an assumption, its safer to plan with what you have, and if someone steps up...awesome.

I think Kelly, at this point, believes Rees will be his QB to START next season. I think we will see Hendrix or Golson integrated into the offense more often. There is a greater seperation in athletic ability from Rees to Hendrix/Golson then there was with Rees to Crist. By time navy rolls around, I am hoping that Hendrix/Golson have the knowledge to run the entire offense. If they do, I think they will see around 20% of the snaps against Navy, and, performance depending, I expect by mid season they assume the bulk of the snaps.

I think it'd be smart for Kelly to slowly transition the, if there is going to be one, QB into the offense to avoid any mistakes. Now, Rees may develop and be head and shoulders above everyone. Who knows? I think, if there was going to be a transition, it would follow what I just wrote.

 

[kmoose]

The D did collapse but that was te only time this season you could really hang something on them. The TO's were a bigger reason the game wasn't over after 3 quarters.

It was over; we were up by 3, with 30 seconds left, and Michigan on their own 20. The absolute worst cynic could probably only have imagined Michigan maybe getting a FG, to send the game to OT. Not to mention that that was the fourth TD Michigan scored, in the 4th quarter of that game.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

It's fun to go through this thread and laugh at the people supporting Rees. He's always been this bad and Kelly just realized it. Hendrix is the starter for 2012.

 

[RyCo1983]

It's fun to go through this thread and laugh at the people supporting Rees. He's always been this bad and Kelly just realized it. Hendrix is the starter for 2012.

I think Kelly just didn't think Hendrix was ready. It's no secret that Tommy isn't the right type of QB for a Kelly offense. Hendrix would be pretty sick at this point had he had more game experience and some mojo with the first team.

 

[felkey72]

Who else here thinks Rees asks for a transfer at the end of the season

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

I think Kelly just didn't think Hendrix was ready. It's no secret that Tommy isn't the right type of QB for a Kelly offense. Hendrix would be pretty sick at this point had he had more game experience and some mojo with the first team.

Hendrix still should have been getting some snaps after Air Force. He's going to be so damn good.

 

[North Buffalo Irish]

Who else here thinks Rees asks for a transfer at the end of the season

No way. He came to Notre Dame knowing he'd be a career backup. Tommy is probably forever grateful that he got to start (and win) all of those games that he did.

Thanks for your service, Tommy, and good luck as the experienced backup the next two years. That said, I hope I never see you take another [meaningful] snap for the Irish again.

 

[domerfor life]

I haven't really said much on this topic. I've seen enough to know that Rees is NOT the guy that's going to help you compete against the upper echelon of college fball. He's just not that guy. He's good, but he's so limited in what he can do. He's good against decent comp, but just doesn't give enough to beat the top teams. Plus tonight......where was his sense of urgency? Defense played well to start and the offense came out and played like garbage. Rees was the main reason why which is why he's not playing. If he's the starter next yr, expect more of the same.

 

[mpkennedy3]

Should be an interesting this spring. Of course Rees is not what Kelly wants at QB, but I don't think if Hendrix is playing against South Florida we have the same record. Hendrix was not ready to play at the beginning of the year. I think Kelly stuck with Rees because he gave them the best chance to win. Remember if the defense doesn't melt down against Michigan in the 4th and maybe Rees plays the whole South Florida game this might be a 10-2 team with losses to Stanford and USC. That being said, I think Rees is best suited to be a back up QB. I would trust him to come in if someone got injured, but he is not a BCS type QB.

 

[pkt77242]

Hendrix still should have been getting some snaps after Air Force. He's going to be so damn good.

He could be damn good, one half of football (where he played pretty well not great) hardly means he is going to be damn good. Does he have potential yes, and Hell I think he should start the bowl game but that doesn't mean he is going to be consistent.

 

[North Buffalo Irish]

He could be damn good, one half of football (where he played pretty well not great) hardly means he is going to be damn good. Does he have potential yes, and Hell I think he should start the bowl game but that doesn't mean he is going to be consistent.

What more do you want from the kid? He's a redshirt FRESHMAN who has never started a game in his life. He just dismantled the #6 team in the country in his first real appearance (i.e. not zone-reads against Air Force) except for one bad throw. FFS, ND nation should be fellating this kid after the bullshit we've put up with the last two seasons with Rees.

 

[domerfor life]

Should be an interesting this spring. Of course Rees is not what Kelly wants at QB, but I don't think if Hendrix is playing against South Florida we have the same record. Hendrix was not ready to play at the beginning of the year. I think Kelly stuck with Rees because he gave them the best chance to win. Remember if the defense doesn't melt down against Michigan in the 4th and maybe Rees plays the whole South Florida game this might be a 10-2 team with losses to Stanford and USC. That being said, I think Rees is best suited to be a back up QB. I would trust him to come in if someone got injured, but he is not a BCS type QB.

I think that is the best way to put it. He's a good QB. He's just not a BCS-caliber QB. This is a team that could've finished at least 11-1. We blame the D for the 4th qtr collapse against Mich, but Rees turned it over multiple times in the redzone. We score just one more TD in that game, that rallly falls short.

 

[pkt77242]

What more do you want from the kid? He's a redshirt FRESHMAN who has never started a game in his life. He just dismantled the #6 team in the country in his first real appearance (i.e. not zone-reads against Air Force) except for one bad throw. FFS, ND nation should be fellating this kid after the bullshit we've put up with the last two seasons with Rees.

Well there was a couple of bad throws but you post is what is wrong with Notre Dame fans, we make someone our savior before they have proven they are great and then when they don't live up to our expectations we tear them apart. When will we learn. Again, Hendrix played pretty well today but to say that he dismantled Stanford is crazy talk. Sigh.

 

[ShamrockOnHelmet]

Who else here thinks Rees asks for a transfer at the end of the season

But to go where? Maybe he could start in 1AA. Or maybe the MAC. He sure as hell can't start anywhere else in D1. But do you really want to go to the MAC if you can get a ND degree?

 

[aaronb]

I don't think we have an elite level QB on the roster. Best hope is Gunnar Kiel saw the game and commits tomorrow.

Either way he probably needs to sit next year.

1. Rees is solid and an accurate passing game manager

2. Hendrix is athletic and has a strong arm. He just seems to have Dane Christ-esque accuracy. He'd have been a better Holtz/Davie option QB.

3. Christ is gone

4. Who knowe about the RS Frosh

I still think Rees is probably the best chance for a BCS birth next year. He's the most efficient (if limited) option.

 

[4irishnation]

U are out of ur damn mind Hendrix has a live arm and just got his first playing time against a D that was blitzing like crazy and a O line that couldnt block a damn soul so how can u say that about Hendrix open ur damn eyes and watch what is going on and not just sayin somethin because u heard someone else say it ur a JOKE!!!\

 

[aaronb]

U are out of ur damn mind Hendrix has a live arm and just got his first playing time against a D that was blitzing like crazy and a O line that couldnt block a damn soul so how can u say that about Hendrix open ur damn eyes and watch what is going on and not just sayin somethin because u heard someone else say it ur a JOKE!!!\

Who are you talking too?

 

[4irishnation]

Who are you talking too?

UMMMMM

 

[Freeman Ara]

I don't think we have an elite level QB on the roster. Best hope is Gunnar Kiel saw the game and commits tomorrow.

Either way he probably needs to sit next year.

1. Rees is solid and an accurate passing game manager

2. Hendrix is athletic and has a strong arm. He just seems to have Dane Christ-esque accuracy. He'd have been a better Holtz/Davie option QB.

3. Christ is gone

4. Who knowe about the RS Frosh

I still think Rees is probably the best chance for a BCS birth next year. He's the most efficient (if limited) option.

Were watching the same game? Rees missed Riddick for an easy TD with no real pressure. Also missed Floyd for an easy 3rd down conversion because he was shrinking from the defense when he just had to set his feet and be accurate. He consitantly misses throws.

2. Hendrix td toFloyd was perfect. Rees can't make that throw. Also had a couple nice passes down the field that Rees has no shot of throwing. Your also comparing a kid with 30 minutes of experience against one with basically 16 games.

Don't know if Hendrix is an elite QB but if they are both going to go through growing pains I would rather go with the kid that gives you the most options, that would be Hendrix.

 

[Notre John]

The greatest thing about Hendrix is that he has potential. A lot of ND fans will be excited now because this game offers hope/potential.

 

[kmoose]

What more do you want from the kid? He's a redshirt FRESHMAN who has never started a game in his life. He just dismantled the #6 team in the country in his first real appearance (i.e. not zone-reads against Air Force) except for one bad throw. FFS, ND nation should be fellating this kid after the bullshit we've put up with the last two seasons with Rees.

Dismantled is probably a little strong. He completed less than 50% of his passes(11/24), and ran for all of 20 yards. He looked promising, and ready to get some real action, but he didn't dismantle anyone.

 

[Veer option]

Hendrix is the starter for next season...BOOK IT.

 

[4irishnation]

Were watching the same game? Rees missed Riddick for an easy TD with no real pressure. Also missed Floyd for an easy 3rd down conversion because he was shrinking from the defense when he just had to set his feet and be accurate. He consitantly misses throws.

2. Hendrix td toFloyd was perfect. Rees can't make that throw. Also had a couple nice passes down the field that Rees has no shot of throwing. Your also comparing a kid with 30 minutes of experience against one with basically 16 games.

Don't know if Hendrix is an elite QB but if they are both going to go through growing pains I would rather go with the kid that gives you the most options, that would be Hendrix.

Thank you for making my point for me +1

 

[Bubba]

Hendrix is the starter for next season...BOOK IT.

^ This. Nuff said.

 

[BeatSC]

But to go where? Maybe he could start in 1AA. Or maybe the MAC. He sure as hell can't start anywhere else in D1. But do you really want to go to the MAC if you can get a ND degree?

Rees never would have thought he was going to start one game let alone 16. He did a decent job with what he has to work with in his tool box. He won't leave but if he gets to start next season I could see someone else leaving and I wouldn't blame them. The less Tommy plays the more popular he will be to ND fans. I didn't watch the game but DVR'd it and will go watch it in a few minutes. From the stats it didn't look pretty but 28-14 sounds better than 38-14. Only hope Hendrix or Rees get the start. Want to see Rees with a red hat on.

 

[aaronb]

Were watching the same game? Rees missed Riddick for an easy TD with no real pressure. Also missed Floyd for an easy 3rd down conversion because he was shrinking from the defense when he just had to set his feet and be accurate. He consitantly misses throws.

2. Hendrix td toFloyd was perfect. Rees can't make that throw. Also had a couple nice passes down the field that Rees has no shot of throwing. Your also comparing a kid with 30 minutes of experience against one with basically 16 games.

Don't know if Hendrix is an elite QB but if they are both going to go through growing pains I would rather go with the kid that gives you the most options, that would be Hendrix.

We've seen Rees be accurate. He got happy feet from getting pummeled. Hendrix will have similar issues after taking a pounding over a whole year.

I just don't trust a running QB to stay healthy. Especially one who has accuracy issues.