Whether you want him or not, Seminole Nation, you have officially gotten him.
The him is Everett Golson, who, as had been anticipated for the better part of a week, announced Tuesday (according to Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports) that he will use his final season of eligibility at Florida State. The former Notre Dame quarterback had visited the Tallahassee campus a week ago, which resulted in the two sides getting serious about what will be a one-season future together.
Golson received his ND degree Sunday. As he will thus be a graduate transfer, he’ll be eligible to play immediately in 2015.
In addition to FSU, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and one Pac-12 school were believed to be on an approved list of potential transfer destinations. At one point or another, both Georgia and South Carolina were rumored as possible landing spots.
Now, though, Golson will be given the opportunity to replace Jameis Winston on a squad that will once again be expected to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff final four.
Just because he was the starter on the Irish’s 2012 national runner-up team, though, doesn’t mean he’ll be handed the starting job. Far from it, in fact.
Sean Maguire served as Winston’s backup in 2014 and is the presumptive front-runner heading into summer. Because of his experience alone, the addition of Golson changes 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.
Then again, Golson threw for nearly 3,500 yards and accounted for a combined 37 touchdowns -- 29 passing, eight rushing -- in 2014, his first season back after being suspended for the entire 2013 season due to academic misconduct. Head coach Jimbo Fisher is known as a quarterback whisperer, so if anybody can get the turnover issue straightened out it’s him.
Fisher and his ‘Noles also have first-hand knowledge of what Golson can bring to the table, both positively and negatively.
The Irish and Seminoles squared off last season, with Golson throwing for 313 yards and three touchdowns — and two picks — in FSU’s controversial 31-27 win last October.
While Ohio State will be the three-headed quarterback competition to watch as summer camps across the country open up in late July and early August, this one, with Golson and Maguire, figures to be nearly as compelling.