Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/80354
A BY LOU SOMOGYI junior Andrew Hendrix would be the one to receive the first start of his ca- reer, versus Navy on Sept. 1, there were plenty of other storylines. lthough the majority of atten- tion on offense this August was on quarterback and whether sophomore Everett Golson or campus, word is leaked out about how good a quarterback or other skill players are performing in seven-on- seven work. There's just one problem: Football is played with 11 per side, and "touch" does not apply at this level. "Trying a new quarterback has re- 1. THANK HEAVEN FOR 11 ON 11 Every summer on virtually every quired us to keep our practices from being too much about individual and more about 11 on 11," head coach Brian Kelly said. "You get your bumps and bruises like anybody else during camp. I wouldn't char- acterize it as more physical, or less physical, than other camps as much as our guys now in three years being here … we know what to expect from each other. There's a consistency in the approach." All the reps at quarterback in 11- Finding consistency and limiting mistakes are the main objectives OFFENSE HAS ITS OPTIONS on-11 drills through the first three weeks were taken by sophomore Ev- erett Golson, junior Andrew Hendrix and freshman Gunner Kiel. Because of Tommy Rees' suspension for the opener, the incumbent and 16-game starter will not be in the mix to vie for the top spot until Notre Dame begins preparations for the Sept. 8 home opener versus Purdue. No position took a bigger hit this August than offensive tackle. First, Brian Kelly announced within 2. ON GUARD AT TACKLE the first week that sophomore Jordan Prestwood was no longer with the program. The Florida native visited a University of South Florida practice later in the month. He had finished the spring as the top backup to two- year starter Zack Martin at left tackle. Next, No. 2 junior right tackle Tate Nichols suffered what was described by Kelly as a patella subluxation in his knee, a condition he had previously experienced. He was projected to miss about two to three weeks of work, leaving him doubtful for the opener. The attrition elevated freshman 38 PRESEASON 2012 Sophomore running back George Atkinson III has markedly improved his receiving skills, which could result in him getting more playing time at the new running back/slot receiver position. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED