Everett Golson transferring to Florida State: 'I can't wait to get started'
Everett Golson is headed to Tallahassee.
Nearly two weeks after declaring his intention to transfer for his final season of collegiate eligibility, the former Notre Dame quarterback announced he will play the 2015 season at Florida State.
Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports first reported the news Tuesday afternoon.
Golson explained his long-awaited decision in a statement:
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.
Florida State was long considered the favorite to land Golson, but the standout quarterback was also thought to be considering several other prominent programs, including Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
Having officially graduated from Notre Dame on Sunday, Golson will be eligible to play immediately upon joining the Seminoles.
"After meeting with Everett, I came away very impressed," Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher told the team's website Tuesday. "He is extremely intelligent and a very personable young man. It's a pleasure for us to add him to our Seminole family.
"We look forward to getting him down here this summer to begin work on helping us continue to be one the nation's elite college football programs."
While it remains unclear if Golson's been assured the team's starting quarterback position, such a role was likely one of several factors involved in his decision.
If Fisher is to be believed, Golson will have to earn the job.
Jimbo Fisher said last week he didn't promise Golson he's starter: “It’s a competition no matter what. Let him earn his way thru it"
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) May 19, 2015
Golson led Notre Dame to an 8-5 record in 2014, throwing for 3,445 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding another 283 yards and eight scores on the ground. He was benched late in the season after he and the team began to flounder.