Lake Forest Grad Rees Makes Transition From Outsider to Contender for Notre Dame's Starting Job

When walked off the icy turf of Sun Bowl Stadium Dec. 31, there were two things he owned.

The starting quarterback job at the University of Notre Dame and all of his hair.

Almost four months later, a lot has changed. His hair is gone, that by choice, shaved to raise money for charity. As for the Irish quarterback job?

More than 100 days until the Irish open their 2011 season that is far from assured and certainly not by choice. This spring, the former star is right in the thick of one of the oldest story lines in sports -- the quarterback competition.

The recent Blue-Gold spring game was the first flashpoint for Rees to show he should be the starter. In previous years, as many as 50,000 fans have packed into Notre Dame Stadium for the otherwise meaningless scrimmage. This year, miserable weather--or “liquid sunshine” as one jovial usher called the freezing rain - and the game being televised by Versus kept the attendance down (just under 30,000).

On the other hand, the press box was full. The media was just as anxious as Irish fans watching in Ireland to see the only drama of the spring unfold. Four quarterbacks played.

Setting the Stage

The known: sophomore Rees and junior Dayne Crist, who relinquished the starter’s job to Rees nine games into the 2010 season after injuring his knee.

The unknown: true freshman Everett Golson and redshirt Andrew Hendrix. All spring, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly did not publicly express his allegiance to any of the four, creating a climate of competition he says will extend to pre season practice in August.

“Early on, we will repping four,” said Kelly, who has a reputation of being an innovative teacher, yet an impatient coach, with his quarterbacks. “Then we’ll have to cut back and hone in on who the starter and back up in that order is.”

Suiting up for the Gold team, the 6-foot-2 Rees took the first series of snaps for the Irish against the Blue team, which consisted of several projected defensive starters. Listed at 205 pounds, Rees looked noticeably bigger, the result of a winter of strength training. While his shoulders may be broader, his command of the offense looked unchanged.

Rees was on the money with most of his throws, had a few drops and overthrew a couple of open receivers. He completed 7 of his 14 passes and one interception, acceptable numbers in April, less so in September. But it was a sequence during the game that left a footprint as it relates to Rees’ development as a leader.

Showing a competitive fire that has endeared him to his coaches and teammates, Rees was not happy with his coach’s decision to kick a field goal on fourth down.

“We took a shot on third down and I was hoping we would do the same on fourth, but I understand its spring game we want to get the kicker some work,” said Rees. “He (Kelly) said if it was a real game we would be going for it.”

Said Kelly: “He goes, ‘coach what’s wrong. We’d normally go for this!’ I said ‘Tommy it’s the spring game, relax.’ He’s a competitive kid he wants to be out there and that’s what you love when you’re working with a quarterback like him.

Rees as a Leader

Competitiveness was never something to question about Rees. His and coaches all spoke about his fiery nature. To see him that ornery over a coaches’ call in a spring game is an indication he is now comfortable in command of the Irish huddle.

It’s easy to forget Rees graduated from high school just 15 months ago. An early enrollee in January of 2010, Rees went from last on the Irish depth chart to starter in nine months, leading the Irish to four straight victories to end this freshman season. You could say he did all of this while still trying to find the bathroom in the team’s cathedral-like locker room. This year, he’s much more sure of himself and what his goals are.

“Last year I was trying to get used to everything, and try and get out there and not mess anything up. Now I’m going out there to compete to be the starter so the mindset’s changed,” said Rees.

His Irish teammates notice the change as well.

“As far as knowing the game and his development, he’s much much better than last year,” said junior tight end Tyler Eifert, one of Rees’ best friends on the team. “He’s always working on his reads and his mechanics to try and better himself. I think he’s come a long way.”

Separations and Comparisons

Watching Rees play in person, it is obvious where he distinguishes himself: accuracy, command, intellect and release, which is lighting quick. Where he trails his competitors is in size, athleticism and arm strength. Where Crist (who Rees replaced as the starter last October) is a statuesque 6-4 with a rocket arm and speed to elude rushers, Rees has to rely more on timing with receivers and instinct to evade defenders.

“Escapability over speed is what Tommy brings. He can see the field,” said Kelly.

“I’m a guy who you can count on,” said Rees. “I have to go out and show him (Kelly) I can be a leader on this team and make big plays when they need to be made.”

As for his lack of mobility? Rees jokes when the topic is brought up. “I just haven’t broken it out yet. Maybe when the time is right."

Staying Within Himself

With the speedy Golson (who may see action this fall) and the magnetic presence of Crist on the Irish roster, you understand why Rees’ tone is more purposeful. He understands his limitations, and when discussing the future, focuses his thoughts on areas he can control.

"It's important I have to continue to develop this summer and the rest of spring and get ready to go for camp (in August)," he said.

Although Crist is Rees’ main competitor for the starting quarterback job this fall, publicly, they present a united front.

“I’ve said this countless times, I really do consider Tommy to be like a little brother to me,” said Crist. “We can bounce things off each other. He knows I’m there for him and he’s an extra set of eyes when I’m in there as well. We work well together.”

Said Rees: “We all get along well so there’s none of that negative competitiveness.”

But only one man can win the starting job at Notre Dame. While there is plenty of time for that decision to be made, in the spring game, Rees’ team would prevail, 17-14.

As he walked off the soggy field, his gold helmet shining brightly over his dark blue overcoat, he had to be thinking there was so much more left to learn.