After reports came out that Notre Dame transfer quarterback Everett Golson was likely to stay close to home and attend South Carolina or Georgia, it is now being reported that Florida State is the favorite to land the signal caller.
Shortly after the quarterback’s impending transfer from Notre Dame was confirmed, South Carolina and Georgia reportedly emerged as the Myrtle Beach native’s preferred destinations. That, however, may no longer be the case, if it was actually the case in the first place.
Citing multiple sources with intimate knowledge of Golson’s situation, 247Sports.comreported Monday afternoon that Florida State is seen as the eventual destination for the grad transfer. One source went so far as to state that, “[b]arring a last-minute change of heart or any influence from elsewhere, [Florida State’s] where he’s headed.”
Notre Dame would have to sign off on Golson’s move to FSU if/when it comes to fruition, although there’s really no reason for them to block the Seminoles as a landing spot. It’s already been reported that, along with unnamed Big Ten teams, the Irish would block a move to teams on the Irish’s 2015 schedule; as the Seminoles aren’t, there’d be no reason to keep Golson from Tallahassee.
Golson’s addition to the roster would give the Seminoles an experienced veteran at the position as they look to replace 2013 Heisman winner Jameis Winston. Sean Maguire served as Winston’s backup in 2014 and is the presumptive front-runner heading into summer. The addition of Golson would change the dynamic at the position, although Golson’s propensity for turnovers — 22 turnovers in 2014: 14 interceptions, eight fumbles, with four of the picks returned for touchdowns — could make him a liability at the position if his decision-making doesn’t improve.
Golson graduates from Notre Dame this weekend, and an announcement is expected at some point after that. He will be eligible to play immediately for the Seminoles, or any other FBS team for that matter.
With Jameis Winston moving down the road to Tampa Bay to play for the Bucs, Florida State’s interest in Golson seems to signal that they are not content with the options they currently have on campus in Tallahassee.
While Golson struggled with turnovers in 2014, he will certainly more than push for the starting job once he gets on campus and digests the offensive playbook. With Jimbo Fisher’s ability to coach up quarterbacks these days, I think the Seminoles will be just fine at the quarterback position this fall if this report comes to fruition.