Golson grabs starting QB job
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Less than a year after standing on the Doak Campbell Stadium visitors' sideline, Everett Golson will open the 2015 season as the Seminoles' starting quarterback, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher announced Monday following practice.
Golson, who transferred from Notre Dame following his graduation in spring, entered Florida State's preseason camp at No. 3 on the depth chart. But he quickly passed redshirt freshman J.J. Cosentino and now has moved ahead of fourth-year junior Sean Maguire.
"With where we're at right now and the things [Golson] did, it's what's best for our team at this particular time," said Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher. "We may need both guys throughout the year. But I am very pleased. It was a tougher decision because of how well they were playing not...things they weren't doing."
Signs were pointing toward Fisher naming a starter Monday. Minutes after his scheduled 1 p.m. press conference, the school announced Fisher would be available after practice.
The picture became a bit clearer at the start of opening practice. Golson was with the first-team offense when they were working on transitioning into special teams.
Golson brings great athleticism, a strong arm and a ton of experience to the Seminoles' young offense. He started for most of two seasons at Notre Dame and led the Irish to the BCS national championship game following the 2012 season.
Maguire was penciled in as FSU's starter following Jameis Winston's early exit for the NFL, but he had an uneven performance in the spring game and wasn't able to take command of the top job this preseason.
Fisher said he sat down with both Golson and Maguire to inform him of his decision. He said that he took questions from each player.
"I was very honest, very open and I typically am about those things," Fisher said. "Both were very respectful. One was very happy. One was disappointed...but is going to do what is best for this team and be ready when his number is called and going to take his opportunities. They both reacted the way I thought they would."
Golson was very impressive during his first appearance at Doak Campbell, passing for 313 yards with three touchdowns in a 31-27 defeat. He nearly had a fourth touchdown to win the game in the final seconds, but it was waved off by the officials because of a "pick play" penalty on the offense.
FSU, which is ranked No. 8 in the USA Today coaches' poll and No. 10 in the AP Top 25, will open the season Saturday, Sept. 5, against visiting Texas State.
"I think he came in, worked hard and the big thing is he related to our players very well, just like Sean does," Fisher said. "I think that is always the part that is the toughest. How you fit in with the success of what was going on here and coming from the outside. It shows to his character what kind of young man he is."