Everett Golson Named FSU Starting QB: Latest Comments and Reaction

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher officially named Everett Golson the team’s starting quarterback a mere five days before the Seminoles open their 2015 campaign against Texas State on Saturday, Corey Clark of the Tallahassee Democrat reported Monday.

Golson is a graduate transfer and former Notre Dame signal-caller, and he beat out Sean Maguire, redshirt freshman J.J. Cosentino and freshman Deondre Francois for the position. Maguire was largely seen as the stiffest competition, considering he knocked off Clemson last year when starter Jameis Winston was suspended.

Golson threw for 3,445 yards and 29 touchdown passes as a member of the Fighting Irish in 2014. He also added eight touchdowns on the ground, although he was turnover-prone with 14 interceptions.

Fisher previously commented on what it would take to win the starting quarterback spot, per Jared Shanker of ESPN.com: "It's a combination of things that one guy has that allows him to have a certain personality that translates to the team. Quarterback is too complex to only have one or two things you do well to be successful."

As a graduate transfer from Notre Dame, Golson brings plenty of experience in high-pressure situations to the table. That, along with his ability to keep plays alive with his feet in the face of blitzes, will prove important since the Seminoles will replace all five starters from the 2014 offensive line. 

Fisher spoke with reporters following the decision:     

Given Golson’s experience, willingness to transfer to Florida State this offseason and overall skill set, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach and Ryen Russillo were not surprised he was named the starter:

As long as Golson cuts down on his turnovers and continues to hurt opposing defenses in a variety of ways, he should keep Florida State squarely in the discussion for another College Football Playoff berth.