Former Notre Dame QB Hendrix caps strong spring for Miami of Ohio

Former Notre Dame quarterback Andrew Hendrix threw for 243 yards and a touchdown Saturday as Miami (Ohio) completed its spring football practice with a modified intrasquad scrimmage at Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio.

First-year RedHawks head coach Chuck Martin, a former Irish offensive coordinator and defensive assistant, said lack of depth was the reason Miami did not play a traditional spring game.

Hendrix completed 16 of 23 passes during the scrimmage, solidifying his status as the team’s starter at QB.

“There’s no (public) naming,” Martin said with a laugh when asked about Hendrix’s status. “You spend five minutes out there and he’s clearly our No. 1 quarterback. Everyone knows it.

“He’s done a good job of fitting in. He didn’t come in here riding a white horse. The next step is taking on a leadership role.”

Hendrix, a Cincinnati Moeller High product, spent four seasons as a backup at ND. He was one of three former Irish players who pursued grad school-style transfers this winter to follow Martin to Miami. The others were tight end Alex Welch and cornerback Lo Wood.

Martin singled out Wood and former Miami basketball player Quinten Rollins, now a defensive back, as two of the spring’s defensive standouts.

Miami opens its 2014 season at home against Marshall on Aug. 30. Among its other non-conference games are a Sept. 13 date at Michigan and a Sept. 20 clash with Cincinnati in a game that could feature five former ND players. QB Gunner Kiel and tight end Jake Golic are on the Bearcats' roster.