NCAA FB

Kelly keeping Rees at QB for stability

Share This Story

Updated Dec 6, 2011 7:38 PM ET
     
 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP)

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly decided to keep Tommy Rees as the starter at quarterback based on his body of work over the past season and a half, as well as his ability to work with wide receiver Michael Floyd and tight end Tyler Eifert.

Freshman Andrew Hendrix has been occasionally spelling Rees, who has started the last 11 games and 15 of 16. Hendrix played the entire second half of the loss to Stanford, but will remain on the bench for now, as the Fighting Irish prepare for the Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State.

''In making our decision we felt like Tommy has got a great rapport with Mike and Tyler and our offensive line feels really good with his communication and getting in protections,'' Kelly said. ''There's a lot of things that you can't just undo after one game.''

Rees finished the Stanford game completing only six of 13 passes for 60 yards. Rees threw one interception and Stanford defenders dropped other would-be picks.

Kelly said his confidence in inserting Hendrix in the lineup has increased. Throughout the season, Kelly has strategically brought Hendrix into games when Notre Dame was leading and in a comfortable situation.

But he's keeping Rees as the nominal starter.

''I didn't want any debate within our program. I wanted our guys to know, `Here's your starter. Here's where we're going.''' Kelly said. ''I think you also know that Andrew Hendrix can do some things that can help our football team,'' Kelly said. ''We need to see him as well. Tommy's going to start and then expect to see Andrew as well.''

Hendrix finished the Stanford game completing 11 of 24 passes for 192 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Hendrix also rushed for 20 yards and a score on 12 carries.

One change that Kelly has decided to try is moving Theo Riddick from wide receiver to running back. Riddick, a junior, started his career at Notre Dame in the backfield but was moved into the slot as a sophomore with the emergence of running backs Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood.

With Gray's season coming to an end with a knee injury suffered against Boston College and Riddick returning to the field after missing time with a hamstring injury, Kelly decided to make the change. Kelly said the move could possibility last into next season.

''Now that Jonas is out of the mix through injury and then graduation, now there's some room at the top for a guy like Theo Riddick at the running back position,'' Kelly said. ''I don't know that I'd put my hand down and say `No, we're never going to move him again,' but he looks comfortable at running back right now.''

With wide receivers TJ Jones, Robby Toma and John Goodman proving serviceable in Riddick's absence, Kelly said the decision was easier to make.

''For a one-game season, we're in fine shape there,'' Kelly said.

Kelly said Riddick has embraced the move to running back, even asking Kelly to spend some individual time with him going over film and running back assignments.

''He's eager,'' Kelly said. ''He's excited. He's energized about being where he is.''

With Notre Dame (8-4) preparing for the bowl game against an 8-4 Florida State team, Kelly said the goal is to win the game while focusing on the future. Kelly has said he will dedicate a lot of the 15 practices to developing players that will be needed next year.

''I think it starts with winning the game, getting to nine wins, sending our seniors off with a W, but I think it's one of those things where you're living in the now, but you've got to have an eye towards the future,'' Kelly said. ''I don't want to be all about the future. I want both. And that's how we've operated all year.''

Tagged: Stanford, Notre Dame, Buffalo, Jonas Gray, Theo Riddick, Tommy Rees, Andrew Hendrix, Brian Kelly

Related Stories

Member Comments

Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.

powered by
FOX Fantasy Football


Trending Now

Stories | Photos | Lists | Videos

NCAA FB Videos

Horrow: CFB Business Report Posted: May 13, 2013
Rick Horrow has the latest college football business news, including a TV deal b...

Horrow: College Football Business Report Posted: Mar 04, 2013
Rick Horrow has the latest college football business news, including Johnny Foot...

Horrow: NCAA Business Report Posted: Feb 25, 2013
FOXSports.com's Rick Horrow breaks down Maryland's court case, the Catholic 7, a...

MORE FOXSPORTS VIDEO »

Fox Sports Store

    itemName itemURL imageSrc price itemDescription
    Nike Florida Gators Gridiron 2012 Team Issue T-Shirt - Royal Blue http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Florida_Gators/browse/featuredproduct/759777/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_759000/ff_759777_xl.jpg&w=100 24.95 Nike Florida Gators Gridiron 2012 Team Issue T-Shirt - Royal Blue
    Nike Michigan State Spartans Football 2012 Team Issue T-Shirt - White http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Michigan_State_Spartans/browse/featuredproduct/760171/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_760000/ff_760171_xl.jpg&w=100 24.95 Nike Michigan State Spartans Football 2012 Team Issue T-Shirt - White
    Nike USC Trojans Fight On My School T-Shirt - Cardinal http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_USC_Trojans/browse/featuredproduct/761373/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_761000/ff_761373_xl.jpg&w=100 24.95 Nike USC Trojans Fight On My School T-Shirt - Cardinal
    Nike Alabama Crimson Tide Elite Force Coaches Sideline Performance Polo - Crimson http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Alabama_Crimson_Tide/browse/featuredproduct/829709/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_829000/ff_829709_xl.jpg&w=100 64.95 Nike Alabama Crimson Tide Elite Force Coaches Sideline Performance Polo - Crimso..
    Nike LSU Tigers Elite Force Coaches Sideline Performance Polo - Purple http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_LSU_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/829740/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_829000/ff_829740_xl.jpg&w=100 49.99 Nike LSU Tigers Elite Force Coaches Sideline Performance Polo - Purple
    Nike Oklahoma Sooners Legacy 91 Dri-FIT Adjustable Coaches Cap - Crimson http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Oklahoma_Sooners/browse/featuredproduct/830935/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_830000/ff_830935_xl.jpg&w=100 21.95 Nike Oklahoma Sooners Legacy 91 Dri-FIT Adjustable Coaches Cap - Crimson
    adidas Notre Dame Fighting Irish Hot Sideline Jacket - Navy Blue http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Notre_Dame_Fighting_Irish/browse/featuredproduct/861243/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_861000/ff_861243_xl.jpg&w=100 69.95 adidas Notre Dame Fighting Irish Hot Sideline Jacket - Navy Blue
    adidas Nebraska Cornhuskers Sideline Hot Quarter Zip Jacket - Scarlet http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Nebraska_Cornhuskers/browse/featuredproduct/861247/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_861000/ff_861247_xl.jpg&w=100 69.95 adidas Nebraska Cornhuskers Sideline Hot Quarter Zip Jacket - Scarlet
    Nike Alabama Crimson Tide 2012 BCS National Champions Players Locker Room Snapback Hat - Charcoal/Black http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Alabama_Crimson_Tide/browse/featuredproduct/1087345/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1087000/ff_1087345_xl.jpg&w=100 29.95 Nike Alabama Crimson Tide 2012 BCS National Champions Players Locker Room Snapba..
    Nike Alabama Crimson Tide 2012 BCS National Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - Ash http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Alabama_Crimson_Tide/browse/featuredproduct/1093431/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1093000/ff_1093431_xl.jpg&w=100 24.95 Nike Alabama Crimson Tide 2012 BCS National Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - Ash
Microsoft© 2013 Microsoft