Notre Dame Football: Why Tommy Rees Will Not Be a Starting Quarterback in 2012

After last season's starting quarterback, Dayne Crist, went down with a ruptured patellar tendon, true freshman Tommy Rees took the reins. He filled in admirably for Crist, leading the Fighting Irish to four consecutive victories to end the season.

Heading into 2011, speculation abounds as to whether Rees would hold on to title of starting quarterback at Notre Dame.

It only took one half of football against South Florida to determine that Rees deserved that title. Rees has had an up-and-down season, completing 223-of-332 pass attempts for 2,392 yards and 19 touchdowns. Yet, the Lake Forest, Illinois native has thrown 10 interceptions.

Unfortunately, the fanbase isn't exactly pleased with Rees being Brian Kelly's starting quarterback, as they've coined a distasteful nickname for the true sophomore that is linked with his turnovers. 

Those Notre Dame fans are correct about one assumption, though.

Rees will not be Notre Dame's starting quarterback in 2012. It's not easy to say that because of the respect I have for him as a player. To say he's a hard worker is an understatement. The kid is a gym rat. He spends hours studying film in order to make himself a better football player.

However, Rees lacks the physical tools necessary to run Kelly's spread offense at its highest level. He doesn't have the ability to extend plays with his legs, and is not a threat to take off and run for the first down.

The simple fact is that Kelly needs a quarterback who has that ability to stretch the field and keep opposing defenses on their toes.

That's where the debate begins. Will Andrew Hendrix or Everett Golson be calling the shots in fall of 2012?

There's no definitive answer at this point in time, but if one guy deserves the spot right now, it's Andrew Hendrix. The pre-med major saw significant action against Air Force, including a dazzling 78-yard scamper to the goal line.

Since that game against Air Force, Hendrix hasn't been given the go-ahead by Brian Kelly, save for a one-and-done appearance against USC.

It makes sense to assume that Hendrix will be next season's starter due to his advantage over Golson in experience. We won't come any closer to an answer until next summer, though, so let's enjoy what's left of this season.

Remember, there's plenty of downtime in the offseason to discuss such matters.

Who knows, maybe even Gunner Kiel will be enrolled in classes in South Bend roughly a week after Notre Dame's likely appearance in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Any way you look at it, we're in for an offseason full of speculation, rumor and debate.

I can't wait.