Spring Preview: Quarterback

Seniors bid farewell, new recruits are signed up and ready to enroll, and 5th-year player decisions have been made - all that's left is to play some football! Notre Dame recently announced the spring practice schedule, leading up to the Blue-Gold Spring game on Saturday, April 16th. Therefore, Notre Dame from the Bleachers will run a spring preview at each position and to kick it off, what easily be the most talked about question of the spring - who will be the Irish starting quarterback heading into 2011?

Much has happened at the quarterback position so far this spring. Senior-to-be quarterback Nate Montana transferred again this time going to Montana. Then, redshirt sophomore Luke Massa announced a position switch to wide receiver. So, what started as a log jam of six, has dwindled down to a clear-cut four man rotation:

Dayne Crist - Rs. Sr.
Tommy Rees - So
Andrew Hendrix - Rs. So.
Everett Golson - Fr.

With Golson almost a lock to redshirt, it's a battle between the experience veteran (Crist), the winner (Rees), and the talent (Hendrix). Who will win out? Ultimately, it's Crist or Rees' job to lose. Both have the experience as starter and an understanding of the offensive system. Crist may have the edge on talent, but there is no denying Rees who is undefeated as a starter. However, this may all be determined by the health of Crist.

Regardless, Kelly has shown in the past an ability to win with multiple quarterbacks. One deciding factor could be which quarterback is able to fully embrace the Kelly spread offense. After all, Kelly has his first off season to fully implement his expansive playbook. Specifically, this involves the ability of the quarterback to run the ball. QB Dayne Crist had 4 of the team's 11 rushing touchdowns this past season. It's hard to tell how the added dimension of the quarterback option will enhance Notre Dame's running and passing game, but the quarterback who is most successful at it, will have the best chance to start.

Look for a intense battle at QB that will easily evolve into fall practices and probably not be determined until the home opener on September 3rd against South Florida. This will be the most important off season battle as the team has and will live and die by the success of their quarterback.