Golson's departure opens door for Hendrix

Shocking news came Saturday night for Irish nation when Everett Golson was said to be no longer enrolled at the school. Golson led the Irish to a National Championship berth last season and progressed well throughout the year. Golson's release from the program is a crushing blow and could set the program back for three years. However, there could be hope in the arm of junior quarterback Andrew Hendrix.

Hendrix, a Moeller product, was considered a top prospect coming out of high school and has shown promise in his competition with Tommy Rees over the last couple years. His main attributes are his running ability and a big arm. That arm has more strength than anybody's on the roster. Hendrix's arm is raw though and not as accurate as Golson's, let alone most starting college quarterbacks at elite programs. 

Hendrix runs powerfully and is ideal for Brian Kelly's duel threat, spread offense. He has a strong frame that can punish defenders, and is fast enough to run away from many defensive linemen and linebackers. Hendrix can run read option plays, which have become extremely popular during the last few years in football. 

If the Irish want to have a chance to compete in a BCS game next season, they should give the Cincinnati native Hendrix, not the less talented and inconsistent Tommy Rees, the nod at starting quarterback. The loss of Golson is sudden and stunning, but a gunslinger like Hendrix may be able to stop the negative momentum of the program for a season or so.