The decision that will most impact the future of Notre Dame football will not be made by President John I. Jenkins, athletics director Jack Swarbrick, coach Charlie Weis or the small group of influential alumni who have served as behind-the-scenes power brokers in the not-so-distant past.
The player whose right arm has been most responsible for Notre Dame's resurgence now holds the program's fate in his hands. Jimmy Clausen was who Weis most wanted to build around after Brady Quinn left. Four years later, Clausen's possible premature departure could result in the Irish not reaching their ultimate potential.
(AP)
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In other words, instead of completing the third phase in a four-phase rebuilding plan, these could be the good old days for the Irish.
Weis announced Tuesday that Dayne Crist will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee against Washington State last week. What's the big deal, you ask? The redshirt freshman was Clausen's backup and had played only sparingly. Fifth-year senior Evan Sharpley is more than a capable backup if Clausen is sidelined by a nagging toe or some other injury in Notre Dame's final four games.
What's significant about Crist's seemingly insignificant injury is that Clausen will likely leave for the NFL after this season. If so, Weis will have to rely on an inexperienced sophomore coming off major surgery heading into a season in which the Irish were expected to compete for a national title.
It will be difficult for anyone, even a quarterback like Crist, who was almost as heralded as Clausen coming out of high school, to approach what Clausen has done for the Irish this season. Missing spring practice while rehabbing his knee, being unable to work out with his teammates during the offseason and possibly being less than 100 percent heading into training camp makes it virtually impossible. There is no other scholarship quarterback on the roster. As it stands, if Clausen and Sharpley are injured, the backup would be receiver John Goodman, a quarterback in high school.
In other words, if Clausen chases the pot of gold at the end of the NFL's rainbow, and Crist falls behind schedule in his rehab -- a realistic scenario since this is an injury that often requires an extended recovery process -- Notre Dame's quarterback heading into next year's season opener would be ... well, who exactly?
Cincinnati Moeller senior Andrew Hendrix or Lake Forest's Tommy Rees could carry the weight of Irish expectations on their shoulders next fall.
''We will definitely be conservative,'' Weis said of Crist's recovery schedule. ''Whatever we have to do to have him ready for August, that's what we'll do.''
Weis said he will sit down with Clausen and discuss his options after the season. He undoubtedly will talk to some of his friends in the NFL. He might not like what he hears. Some NFL scouts believe Clausen could be the top quarterback taken in a 2010 class that is deep at the position. With several teams such as the Rams, Redskins, Panthers, Buccaneers and Raiders in desperate need of quarterbacks, Clausen could be in demand.
If that's the case, how could Weis not advise his prized pupil to take the money and run to the NFL?
Sam Bradford was the poster boy for remaining in school before becoming the best argument for leaving early. Bradford was a potential No. 1 overall pick last year before returning to Oklahoma only to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery that could prevent him from working out for scouts before next year's draft. Tim Tebow's decision to return to Florida was also celebrated. The Florida star may well win a third national championship with the Gators. Anybody who saw the grisly footage of the head injury he sustained against Kentucky, however, knows the concussion he suffered could have been much worse.
Receiver Michael Floyd has been cleared to play against Navy on Saturday. That's good news for Notre Dame. Clausen will have both Floyd and Golden Tate at his disposal. Having two receivers that rank among the best playmakers in college football is a reason why Clausen may want to return next season, but there's no guarantee Tate won't decide to enter the draft. He has been rising steadily on draft charts during his record-setting season. If Clausen leaves there's a chance Tate might also take the leap, which would give whomever quarterbacks the Irish next season one fewer weapon.
The Irish will lose three starting offensive linemen, which Clausen can't be thrilled about considering the beating he took during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Throw in the possibility of a salary cap for NFL rookies as part of a new collective bargaining agreement and there are ample reasons for Clausen to jump.
Coupled with Crist's injury, that could result in Notre Dame's quarterback situation heading into next season being far from settled, which means fans can't count on this season being a warm-up act for 2010.
With Clausen no lock to return next season, and Crist's availability and effectiveness in doubt, today is tomorrow. When it comes to Notre Dame football, the future is now.