While many Irish fans had their eyes on the Army All-American game, the school’s prized quarterback commitment was in Florida being wooed by Notre Dame recruiting archrival Urban Meyer.
Quarterback Andrew Hendrix is taking an official visit to Gainesville this weekend, where he’ll be visiting the Gators at the same time as prized recruit Dietrich Riley, according to Irish Sports Daily.
Hendrix, who committed to the Irish back in June, has been in communication with new Irish coach Brian Kelly as well as new offensive coordinator Charley Molnar. His commitment initial wavered with the news of Weis’ ouster, but Hendrix reportedly was comfortable with his committed status to the Irish, although not comfortable enough to turn down the late push by the Gators. Florida already has a commitment out of in-state quarterback Trey Burton, who committed to the Gators back in July of 2008.
The news of Hendrix visiting Florida less than a month before Signing Day has to be a punch to the gut for Irish fans. Urban Meyer and staff seem to do their best work with Notre Dame recruits in the days prior to the first Wednesday in February.
For Hendrix, the decision is a little baffling. The Cincinnati native is a mobile runner with a strong arm, seemingly a perfect fit for Kelly’s prolific passing offense. Yet Meyer’s recruiting prowess -- even as his character has come more and more into question -- is matched by few others (and one may be headed to the NFL in the next day or two).
It’ll be an interesting next 25 days...