It’s Rees deal with it.

There are many storylines and questions to be answered for the 2013 season.  There are players who over time may have bigger numbers and bigger impacts, but for the success of the Fighting Irish in 2013, there is no player more important than Tommy Rees.

I don’t see Rees having or even needing to have a Heisman-like season for the team’s overall success (although that would be a pleasure).  He does, however, need to control his mistakes and miscues.  As goes Rees, so go the Irish.

Any and all of the running backs can average 100 yards per game, but if we are turning the ball over in the red zone, that won’t matter.  Turnovers will not only negate Brian Kelly and Chuck Martin’s offensive weapon statistics, but will also give opposing offenses the opportunity to put up points.

Defensively, it has to become frustrating at some point to constantly be on the field bailing out the offense.   Fortunately, in football the defense can score points while pitching a shutout against opposing offenses.

Tommy is the leader on the field who can make his teammates look and be better.  Rees is also a favorite off the field and in the locker room.  The rest of the team will follow and play for Rees.  Of course, Tommy could pass for 4,000 yards, 20 Touchdowns and no interceptions, and the rest of his team will still need to play very well if Notre Dame hopes to get back to a BCS Bowl this season.

Ranking Notre Dame’s the top Commits from the High School Class of 2014

#5 Quenton Nelson – Ranked as the number seven OT in the nation he already has pluses in aggressiveness, arm length and size so at 6’5” 300+lbs as a junior, enough said.

#4 DeShone Kizer – After Malik Zaire he may be the only scholarship quarterback on Notre Dames roster in the fall of 2014.  He was also had a respectable showing at the Elite 11.  And where Zaire is supposed to be Golson 2.0, Kizer could be version 3.0.

#3 Jay Hayes – If for no other reason at 6’5”, 270lbs and growing he will have the chance to jump in sooner than later in a pivotal position left vacant by Nix.

#2 Jimmy Byrne – I know a lot of people don’t even think he’s the second best OL on this list but I like how well rounded his game is.

#1 Elijah Hood – He’s good, real good and should contribute to the Irish running game from day one.  A downhill runner who does not have the elusiveness to make defenders miss but his power makes them think about moving aside.

Why Malik Zaire must play in 2013.

The plan for true freshman and early enrollee Malik Zaire was to have him redshirt in 2013, learn the offense and get accustomed to big time college football life while senior Tommy Rees would play the backup role.  Zaire would play the role of back up in the 2014 season, maybe even pushing Golson a bit for the starting role.  Now, with Everett Golson stumbling academically, everything has changed. 

On the surface, the plan is go with Tommy Rees who has been named the starter while fellow senior (redshirt) Andrew Hendrix will be the backup so that Malik can save a year of eligibility.  However, things may be different if we look forward to the 2014 season.  First, we have to understand that there is no guarantee that Golson will make his way back to South Bend, and if he does, if he will be in the right physical or mental shape to resume his role as starting quarterback.  I think it is a 50/50 shot at best for Golson even coming back to the Notre Dame campus.  Tommy Rees will be gone, as he will have used up his four years of eligibility.  Andrew Hendrix will have a year of eligibility left, but if he has not worked his way into any quality playing time by now, it is unlikely that he will be of much assistance, and who knows if Kelly will want to use a scholarship spot on a fifth year backup quarterback. 

Zaire is the only quarterback coming in for 2013 and there are no current verbal commits at quarterback for the class of 2014.  So the best case scenario is that the Irish will have Hendrix - a fifth year senior who has not played meaningful snaps, Golson - who will have been away from the team for a season, and Zaire – a late freshman commit who may or may not have taken a game snap.   The worst case scenario - Golson does not come back and Hendrix does not return for a fifth year, leaving Zaire (who did not take a game snap because he was redshirted) and no incoming freshman quarterback with walk on Charlie Fiessinger as a backup.  Please note that Hendrix is a pre-med student and will be looking at Medical Schools for the fall of 2014.

I am not for playing freshmen unless they are absolutely necessary for the team.  This is definitely the exception to that rule.  Zaire is not needed for this season but he may be essential next season and needs to have some work in his portfolio.  Malik does not need to start, but it could be catastrophic if Notre Dame’s ONLY option in 2014 is a Redshirt Freshman with NO game experience.

It is what it is.

With Brian Kelly naming Tommy Rees as his starter for the Irish, everyone can move forward with their summer and focus on the fall without the constant speculation and questions surrounding a traditional quarterback controversy.

“We always move forward,” Kelly said. “I don’t live in the past, and I don’t spend too much time in the future. I live in the present, and in the present, we have Tommy Rees. We have Tommy Rees, who is an established player, and he will be our starter. We think Andrew Hendrix and Malik Zaire can contribute, but Tommy will be our starter.” – Brian Kelly at Grand Valley dinner in Grand Rapids

It would be nice for Rees to start against Temple in South Bend on August 21 and be 12-0 as a starter when the clock strikes zero at the end of the Stanford game in California on November 30 with no hiccups along the way, but that might be a bit much to ask.  Sure, there are concerns with Rees, especially compared to the lost incumbent – starting with speed, agility and athleticism (career long run of 12 yards and a long run of 2 yards last season) and the BIG one, turnovers (30 in his career, 24 interceptions and 6 fumbles).

On the flip side, there are a lot of programs that would love to have the experience of Tommy Rees running their offense heading into the 2013 season; appearing in a total of 33 games, 18 games as a starter (14-4), 34 passing touchdowns,  and a career passing completion of almost 58% for over 4,400 yards.

Another thing to keep in mind is that like every other player in the country, from season to season there is the excitement of the development in the off season.  Fans and coaches alike come to the first practice of the season looking to see what players have taken their game to the next level – whether they’re stronger, faster, or in the case of the quarterback - smarter and more accurate.   Maybe the most important for a quarterback from year to year is the understanding of the playbook, which is not an issue for Rees.  At the very least, fans should be excited that Rees has possibly improved and an improvement of a quarterback with a winning percentage of 82 a good thing.

The biggest thing Rees has working for him are his teammates.  The senior has the respect and loyalty of his fellow Irish players.   As far as his relationship with Coach Brian Kelly, most people see it as one of a lot of yelling and disappointment on Kelly’s side, but I see it as one of a player and coach who know each other and know what to expect from each other.

At the end of the day our choices are limited.  Option #1: Rees, who we are pretty familiar with - his good, bad and ugly as mentioned above.  Option #2: Andrew Hendrix, a 6’ 2” 220 lb. senior with limited game experience, appearing in a handful of games with no starts.  His stat line (even for a reserve) is minimal at best - 23 completions for 304 yards with 1 TD and 2 interceptions while rushing for 203 yards on 33 carries for an average of 6.2 yards per carry and one touchdown.  Option #3:  Malik Zaire, a true freshman who was an early enrollee and at 6’1” and 205 lbs. is more of a dual threat quarterback than Golson (as Golson is a scrambler and Zaire is a runner).  In my opinion, Zaire has had a solid spring and received high praise from the coaching staff while throwing the only TD pass in the Blue & Gold Scrimmage.

Note: 6’1” 185 lb. non-scholarship quarterback Charlie Fiessinger is also on the roster.

Golson Statement

Okay, folks, here is Talking Irish’s official position on the Everett Golson situation.

Keep the big picture in perspective before calling for Golson’s head.  He’s a college kid and college kids do stupid things.  Should you be upset as a fan?  Sure, but we (Irish Fans) have been through worse.   In my opinion, there is no excuse for academic issues for a big time Division I athlete.  With all of the support these schools offer their student athletes, it amazes me that anyone cannot get through the course load, but it does happen.

Although he may be able to and want to return for 2014, it may be better for Golson to transfer.  No matter what happens in 2013, Zaire is the heir apparent to lead the Irish Offense and 2014 is a good place to start.  A year off for Golson is a year of learning and development for Zaire, a taller, bigger, maybe faster athlete.

We basically have two choices - one, start the Zaire reign in 2013 and take our chances; or two, start Rees let his experience lead the Irish in 2013.  I have the confidence in Rees to lead this team.  We cannot undo what has been done; we can only move forward.

Whether it is Rees or Zaire, we need to have faith in Brian Kelly and follow him loyally into battle.

 

A look at the latest Irish Commit

At 6’5” 290+ pounds, Four-Star recruit Quenton Nelson from Red Bank, New Jersey becomes the ninth commitment from the class of 2014 and looks to shore up Notre Dame’s offensive line for the future.  He has one year left of high school football to continue his growth at offensive tackle (left tackle).  Nelson had offers from the likes of Miami, Ohio State, Michigan State, Florida State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Stanford and National Champion Alabama.   With his 3.3 GPA, Nelson will join fellow 2014 offensive line recruits Jimmy Bryne and Sam Mustipher in getting ready to block for running back recruit Elijah Hood.  At a recent Rivals Camp Series stop in New Jersey presented by Under Armour, Quenton Nelson turned heads with his quick feet holding off defenders from coming in from the outside and with his improved strength stopping straight on rushes.  Although listed and has played tackle in high school, he could move into a guard position.  He also will probably redshirt his freshman year.

PLAYER NOTES

Quenton is also a U.S. Army All-American.

Recruited by Bob Diaco and Harry Heistand

ESPN - 4 star (#19 OT, #11 NJ), 80 Grade

Rivals - 4 star (#8 OT), #66 Overall (6.0 Grade)

Scout - 4 star (#8 OT), #82 Overall

247Sports - 4 star (#15 OT, #9 NJ), #233 Overall (90 Grade)

Video Highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOryH7Cstko&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VxwJaVJGxs8

ESPN Testing Results

• 40-Yard Dash
• 5.60
• Worst: 7.84Best OG: Ashmeed Ahamad 4.80

• 20-Yard Shuttle
• 5.00
• Worst: 6.67Best OG: Curtis Parker 4.31

• Vertical Jump
• 23.2
• Worst: 10.5Best OG: Braden Smith 35.5

• Power Throw
• 39.5
• Worst: 20.6Best OG: Curtis Parker 53.0

• SPARQ Rating
• 73.56
• Worst: 9.87Best OG: Curtis Parker 98.1

Pre Draft Peek

Using ESPN’s Draft Tracker Grading Scale* Talking Irish quick hits the Notre Dame Draft prospects.

Braxton Cave 70 Solid Prospect.  Cave was a cornerstone of the Irish Offensive Line and was instrumental in not only developing a young Golson but was able to work with multiple quarterbacks over the past couple of year.  Good size and technique and very good strength, and he should be a good pick up for any team looking to add depth at the center position.

Jordan Cowart 69 Good Prospect.  I know Cowart is not a big name in Irish football lore and has had very minimal game time but as a long snapping specialist he did very well.  Recruiting individuals and giving them scholarships for just long snapping is still new and unusual. Drafting and signing players for long snapping is a little rare too.

Tyler Eifert 93 Rare Prospect.  If Eifert is not the best Tight End in the draft he is only a hair behind in the number two position.  Every Irish fan knows how much he has meant to the Notre Dame Offense in the past couple of seasons.  I would like to see him add a few more pounds of muscle and I would have loved to have had him stay one more year (as he had another year of eligibility left).

Michael Golic 21 Borderline Prospect.  Golic has an outstanding football bloodline that may get him a look that otherwise may not happen.  Golic had time where he stepped up and played solid for the Irish and at other times he looked lost out there.

John Goodman 15 Free Agent Prospect. Goodman never lived up to the hype he came to South Bend with.  He did step up to a solid leadership role for the receiver corps his last season and could end up on a practice squad.

Kapron Lewis-Moore 55 Adequate Prospect. Lewis-Moore can in as an outside linebacker and left as a starting defensive end.  Hampered by injuries Moore could have done even more if he did not miss so much time.

Zeke Motta 49 Borderline Prospect.  Motta showed leadership in the defensive backfield for the Irish and would be a solid addition to an NFL organization.

Theo Riddick 65 Good Prospect. Riddick is a dynamic talent that can run and catch the ball making him a useful tool to an NFL offense.  After flip flopping between running back and receiver during his Irish career he proved his worth in the backfield AND the slot.

Jamoris Slaughter 49 Borderline Prospect.  Recently being denied a sixth year of eligibility after numerous injuries Slaughter still should be ready to give it a try at the next level. NFL teams may want to see more of him in a preseason camp before making a commitment.

Manti Te’o 97 Rare Prospect.  Te’o will go down as an all-time great in the Notre Dame Football history books if not all-time college football great.  His online girlfriend debacle may be a little cause for concern for some teams but I doubt it, easy early to mid-first round.

Roby Toma 15 Free Agent Prospect.  Only Toma’s gritty play last season kept him from being listed as "Not a legitimate Prospect".  His best shot making a practice squad.

Cierre Wood 50 Adequate Prospect.  Between sharing carries with Riddick and early season suspension Wood could have improved his draft stock coming back for another year (he had another year of eligibility) being the solid number one back.

*Grading Scale

90-100 Rare Prospect Player demonstrates rare abilities and can create mismatches that have an obvious impact on the game. Is a premier college player that has all the skill to take over a game and play at a championship level. He rates in the top 5 players in the nation at his position and is considered a first round draft prospect.

80-89 Outstanding Prospect Player has abilities to create mismatches versus most opponents in the NFL. A feature player that has an impact on the outcome of the game. Cannot be shut down by a single player and plays on a consistent level week in and week out. He rates in the top 10 at his position and is considered a second round draft prospect.

70-79 Solid Prospect Still a standout player at the college level that is close to being an elite player. He has no glaring weaknesses and will usually win his individual matchups, but does not dominate in every game, especially when matched up against the top players in the country. He will usually rate in the top third of players at his position and is considered a third round draft prospect.

60-69 Good Prospect This player is an good starter that will give a solid effort week in and week out, but he is overmatched versus the better players in the nation. His weaknesses will be exposed against top competition. He is usually a prospect that is missing something from his game. For example, he has the size and skills to be an outstanding prospect, but lacks the speed. He will usually rate in the top half of the players at his position and is considered a middle round draft choice.

50-59 Adequate Prospect These are usually players that play at a high level in college, but lack some measurables or skills to play at that same level in the NFL. He may be a player that has a lot of developmental qualities, or could be a player that will contribute right away on special teams or in a situational capacity. He will usually rate in the second-third at his position and is considered a fifth round draft choice.

21-49 Borderline Draft Prospect These are players that teams like something about, but certainly do not have the full package in terms of NFL talent. A lot of times, teams will take chances on character players or developmental type athletes with this grade. And often, these are players that come from smaller schools or did not standout at the college level. NFL teams are looking for 'diamonds in the rough' with this type of prospect. He will usually rate in the bottom third of players at his position and will be considered a late round draft choice or un-drafted free agent.

20 Free Agent Prospect These are players that did not make our original 'evaluation list' but are prospects that need to be monitored. Especially in the pre-season, these players will fluctuate up and down depending on performance in their final year of eligibility.

10 Not a legitimate Prospect These are players that lack NFL measurable and/or skills. They are players that we feel would not even make a solid contribution as a training camp