Notre Dame Football: Why Brian Kelly Must Choose a Starting Quarterback Now

Ever since taking the Notre Dame head coaching gig in December of 2009, Brian Kelly has had one chronic problem that has prevented his program from taking the proverbial "next step."

That problem has been poor quarterback play. 

The situation is similar to a basketball player being flawless in all facets of the game except for his jump shot. Frustrating, to say the least. 

So what will it take for the issue to be resolved? It's simple. Kelly must name a starting quarterback following the conclusion of spring ball. 

The third-year head coach knows exactly who he wants to be his starter, and that player is Everett Golson, the first quarterback commit of Kelly's tenure in South Bend. 

Golson is also the fan favorite, despite having never played a down for the Fighting Irish. The Myrtle Beach native's potential is what has Notre Dame Nation screaming for him to be named starting quarterback. 

Yes, Andrew Hendrix may seem like the more logical choice at the moment, but the truth of the matter is that Hendrix was recruited by former head coach Charlie Weis, making Hendrix a "Weis guy." We all know that Kelly clearly favors "his players" over those recruited by the former regime, after a rant midway through last season. 

Golson may not even better a better talent than Hendrix, but going forward it does not matter. 

What does matter is that Golson is Kelly's guy, and the guy who Kelly envisions his program being built around for the foreseeable future. 

Naming Golson the starting quarterback now or at the conclusion of spring practices will promote continuity within the offense. 

Last season's quarterback derby between Tommy Rees and Dayne Crist did anything but make the offense gel. If Kelly makes this summer another soap opera between quarterbacks, the Irish offense will be held back from what it is capable of being. 

The time is now to make a decision. It's up to you, Mr. Kelly. The direction of your program is dependent upon it.