page 2 | ndsmcobserver.com The Observer u IRISH INSIDER Friday, April 20, 2012 COMMENTARY RECRUITING Four-way QB scramble OL Montelus headlines visits By CHRIS ALLEN ally want to spend time with him Notre Dame is in the driver’s seat yields clear best choice Sports Editor and I think it was more of a fo- for Heuerman,” Frank said. “I cus of ‘Let’s get them here when think he likes Notre Dame quite The Irish welcome 20 recruits we can spend more time with a lot, and I think this solidifies “Quarterback Scramble,” age. That rules out Golson, and six signees from the Class them,’ and the spring game isn’t his thoughts on Notre Dame and huh? as exciting as he is. While of 2012 to campus this weekend necessarily the best time to do Ohio State. I think if he has an- That sounds about right, there’s room for Golson as a to take in the 83rd annual Blue- that. What they’re trying to do is other good visit and gets along and it isn’t just because I love part of special packages and Gold Game. Though a number of get all their committed guys up with people, Notre Dame’s going breakfast food. as a change of pace, he sim- future impact players will line here and refresh their memories to be tough to beat when it’s all This is ply doesn’t have the accuracy the sidelines to watch the spring about Notre Dame and building a said and done.” really a to run Kelly’s offense on a scrimmage, Irish recruiting ex- bond among each other. I think The group of recruits and com- wide-open consistent basis. pert Mike Frank said the focus that was the vision for recruiting mits will arrive on campus in race — as it To be a truly effective this weekend is on welcoming this weekend.” the wake of sophomore defensive should be. quarterback, the starter will back commitments and signees Highlighting the list of uncom- end Aaron Lynch’s transfer an- As often need a comprehensive and and to build chemistry among mitted visitors this weekend is nouncement. Frank said Lynch’s as I criti- comfortable grasp of the the future Irish players. coveted offensive lineman John departure poses a challenge to cize Tommy playbook and all of the pre- “There really isn’t a whole lot Montelus from Everett, Mass. the Irish recruiting efforts. Rees for and post-snap reads he could going on with recruiting this A 6-foot-5, 295-pound player, “It’s going to be a challenge. poor arm possibly be asked to make. By weekend,” said Frank, who Montelus has fielded offers from It’s certainly not a positive that strength all accounts, Kiel is a smart runs the ESPN-affiliated Irish Florida, Michigan, Ohio State and he’s leaving. But I think for [Irish and bad Allan Joseph kid, but asking him to do that Sports Daily. “The big thing is Nebraska among others includ- coaches] Brian Kelly, Tony Al- throws, in time for the season opener that they’re going to bring a lot ing Boston College, the in-state ford, Scott Booker and the guys Irish coach Editor-in-Chief is simply too much. of guys back, a lot of guys who favorite. Though Notre Dame who are recruiting in [Florida], Brian Kelly That leaves Rees and are committed in this class. already has four commitments it’s easy to explain,” Frank said. has faith in Hendrix, and I suppose the [Quarterback] Malik Zaire and on the offensive line, Frank said “Some people will feel comfort- him. And yes, I know, col- second word makes it a dead [athlete] James Onwualu and all Montelus deserves a look. able at Notre Dame and some umnists aren’t supposed to giveaway why I don’t think the offensive linemen along with “Originally the plan was just won’t. Kids transfer from schools admit this, but Kelly knows a Rees should be at the top of [cornerback] Devin Butler who to take four offensive linemen, all over the country, it’s not just lot more about football than the depth chart. Yes, a Notre recently committed will be here.” and they already have the four a phenomenon at Notre Dame. I do. Dame quarterback needs to Frank said the weekend is not committed, but a player of Mon- Great players leave programs, it Anyone who has watched be able to scramble. as critical to recruiting as it has telus’ caliber, you’ve got take to happens everywhere. Everett Golson’s nearly- When the pocket collapses, been in years past because of all take him. He’s just too good to “Is it a positive? Obviously I legendary high school high- the guy looking downfield the early commitments the Irish pass up,” he said. “There’s prob- don’t think it’s a positive, and the light reel knows why he has needs to have the presence have received. ably two or three offensive line- coaches will have some questions such a large following in ND — and quickness — to roll “Pretty much everybody who’s men left on the board they would to answer about some previous Nation. Golson’s athleticism out and buy himself some committed in this class minus take a commitment from, and positions kids may have about is unmatched under center, time. Every now and then, one or two is going to be up there. he is definitely one of them. He’s Notre Dame. But that’s been that and the growing success of he might even need to tuck Also, a lot of the 2012 class that got offers from SEC schools, ev- way for many years trying to lure mobile quar- the ball and recently signed will be up there. erybody up the East coast, and kids from California, Texas and terbacks in run without Notre Dame wanted to make some of the Big Ten. He’s just a Florida. It is a different environ- college foot- the entire sure those guys got together and very athletic kid who moves very ment, and a totally different cul- ball makes stadium hung out.” well, has very good size and is a ture from what they grew up in choosing him holding its Frank said the hectic schedule smart kid.” and are comfortable in.” tempting. This isn’t just a process collective for coaches that comes with the Notre Dame’s coaches will also Of course, of elimination decision. breath. annual spring game has lessened hone in on the visit of tight end For more on Notre Dame how can you Hendrix really is Again, the importance of the game in Mike Heuerman of Naples, Fla., recruiting, check out Mike count out the the best choice. nothing the recruiting cycle. who is slated to make a decision Frank’s irishsportsdaily.com. No. 1 quarter- against “The coaches are really busy between a handful of schools Email Mike at back recruit in Rees, but during this time, they’re coach- including Notre Dame and Ohio [email protected] and the entire na- he just isn’t ing a game, and they don’t have State on Apr. 27. tell him The Observer sent you. tion, especial- that guy. a lot of time to spend talking to “His brother was a tight end ly considering When his each player,” he said. “I think if at Ohio State, and he’s going to Contact Chris Allen at his name is protection they get a kid on campus they re- Ohio State this weekend. I believe [email protected] Gunner? The young Kiel has is stellar, he does a passable a skill set nearly unheard of job. But when he faces any at his young age, and his ear- sort of pressure, the play is ly enrollment might just give over. He has to tuck the ball him enough time to become and protect it. familiar enough with the of- This isn’t just a process-of- fense to lead it for three (let’s elimination decision. Hendrix be honest, not four) straight really is the best choice. years. There’s no one who has But we did say “quarter- a quicker release — which back scramble,” right? Be- translates into more accurate cause that makes the answer throws. Hendrix is smart pretty clear, and it’s the guy and a hard worker, and he’s we haven’t mentioned yet: comfortable enough in a gold Andrew Hendrix. helmet to be a leader on the Let’s take that phrase and field. take it one word at a time. Yes, it’s a quarterback “Quarterback.” Notice scramble. But it’s not as jum- that it doesn’t say “glorified bled up as you might think. running back.” The Irish need a true gunslinger in Contact Allan Joseph at the backfield, not a Denard [email protected] Robinson-style running back The views expressed in this who occasionally heaves the column are those of the author ball downfield hoping to get and not necessarily those of The lucky against single cover- Observer. Friday, April 20, 2012 The Observer u IRISH INSIDER ndsmcobserver.com | page 3 Mixed signal-callers Experienced Rees competes with up-and-comers Hendrix, Golson and Kiel for crucial starting QB spot By MATTHEW DeFRANKS has extensive experience with the Associate Sports Editor Notre Dame offense in the past two seasons. In two years of play- Call them the Four Horsemen ing time and 22 games played (in- 2.0.