After graduating from Notre Dame over the weekend, Everett Golson has decided to play out his eligibility at Florida State. The former Irish quarterback visited Tallahassee last week before coming to a decision on Tuesday morning, according to Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman.
Golson released the following statement to Fox Sports:
“This past weekend has been a defining moment in my life as I am proud to say I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. The support I’ve received there over the past four years has helped strengthen my integrity, wisdom and character. I would like to thank all of the coaches who spent time speaking with me these past few weeks and considered adding me to their football programs. Their interest and sincerity was truly humbling. After much thought and careful consideration, I will utilize my fifth year of eligibility to join the Florida State University Seminoles. To coach Jimbo Fisher, the Florida State football team, staff, alumni and fans, thank you for allowing me to become part of the Seminoles family. I can’t wait to get started.”
Golson will compete to replace Heisman Trophy winning quarterback and No. 1 overall draft pick Jameis Winston. Current junior Sean Maguire, who started for the Seminoles during Winston’s one-game suspension at Clemson, was the presumptive starter leaving spring practice, before Golson made the decision to leave Notre Dame and explore his options.
The Seminoles got a good look at Golson last October, when Notre Dame played Florida State down to the final snap in Tallahassee. Golson completed 31 of 52 throws against the Seminoles for 313 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the narrow 31-27 loss.
That officially closes the book on Golson’s career in South Bend. Playing in both 2012 and 2014, Golson completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,445 yards. He threw for 41 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, including 29 touchdown passes (and 14 interceptions) last season. Golson sat out his freshman season after enrolling a semester early, and was suspended for the fall semester after an academic incident.
With Golson gone, Notre Dame will turn to Malik Zaire. With three seasons of eligibility remaining and coming off a strong late-season performance against USC and LSU after Golson was sent to the bench, Zaire earned MVP honors in the Music City Bowl.