Notre Dame’s Quarterbacks: What Have We Learned?

As fall camp concludes and Notre Dame moves into preparing for Navy, it appears that they have a Quarterback that will start in Dublin on September 1st. Brian Kelly also appears ready to make that decision at any moment. From the practices available to the media to video updates online, it appears evident that Everett Golson is prepared to take over as the starter for the Fighting Irish.

This Quarterback battle has come full circle for Everett Golson. When Golson came to South Bend as an early enrollee, he technically was in the 4-way Quarterback battle between Crist, Rees, Hendrix and himself. Golson had been a heralded and prolific High School Quarterback throwing for 11,634 yards and 151 TDs. In his first Blue-Gold game, he went 9-for-18 for 91 yards and ran for 62 yards. Golson eventually became the 4th Quarterback behind Crist, Rees and Hendrix. He excelled in the fall as the scout team Quarterback, winning the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year. This Spring, he got another chance to wrestle away the Quarterback position from his teammates.

Golson’s spring could be summarized in one word: POTENTIAL. During the 83rd annual Blue-Gold game, the Sophomore signal caller threw for 120 yards and 2 TDs while adding 30 yards on the ground. His performance was far more impressive than his turnover plagued counterparts. Golson entered the summer with a chance to lock down the starting position.

From all accounts, Golson has seized that opportunity and will become the fifth Quarterback to play for Brian Kelly in his three years at Notre Dame. Golson’s competition quickly narrowed after Gunner Kiel failed to quickly adjust to college football and Tommy Rees was suspended for a May arrest. But Everett has not won by default.

If you watch the videos provided by the school on UND.com, Golson possesses a unique ability to make plays from anywhere on the field. When in either the pocket or on the run, he keeps his eyes down field always looking for an open receiver. This, as the videos and reports demonstrate, leads to big plays in the passing game.

Some skeptics may point out that what we are watching on UND.com is only the highlights of practice. This is very much true. However, where are Andrew Hendrix’s highlights? Are they the multiple sacks? Or the plays where he bails at the first sign of pressure? Hendrix may end up being a good Quarterback but he is not ready yet.

With Golson at the helm, Notre Dame’s offense should be more dynamic. For example, if a team tries to drop 8 into coverage like Boston College did against the Fighting Irish on Senior Day, Golson can threaten them with his legs. Starting Golson will come with many mistakes. Head Coach Brian Kelly might blow a blood vessel or two on the sideline. However, in the end, it will work out well for the University of Notre Dame.