Friday, May 8, 2015

Golson to transfer from ND


News broke Thursday that Fighting Irish Quarterback Everett Golson will transfer to another school to play his senior season. The 6-1, 200 pound signal caller graduated this semester and is now free to transfer elsewhere to utilize his final year of eligibility without having to sit out a year.

Last season, Golson thew for 3445 yards for 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He's quickly closing in on 6,000 yards passing and 50 touchdowns for his career.

While there is no word on where he intends on going, speculation is flying high on where the Myrtle Beach, SC native will go. Among the rumors floating around, it appears that Florida State might be the most probable destination.

With Winston headed for Tampa Bay, it kinda makes sense for Golson and would offer him the opportunity to not only win, but excel and have a solid season as he prepares for the 2016 NFL draft. Sean Macguire is currently leading the pack as the starter for the upcoming season but the addition of Golson to the Seminole roster has the potential to be a game changer. With all due respect to #10, I think it is safe to say--at least from a skill set point--Golson has what it takes to beat out Maguire for the starting role. In short, FSU makes a lot of sense to me...for both the Seminoles and Golson personally.

There has also been word Georgia, Florida, Texas and South Carolina are all interested in acquiring the services of Golson in the fall. A report Friday stated that he had scheduled visits to South Carolina and UGA for Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

 Georgia and Florida I guess would make sense as both are again in a situation where they could use a more proven and mobile QB such as Golson under center. Not so sure about Texas as much. Can't quite put my finger on it but for some reason that just doesn't seem like it'd be a good fit for him. Not to mention the fact he'd have to face off against the likes of Baylor and TCU within the conference...have fun with that.

South Carolina is an extra interesting possibility to me as a Clemson fan and while it makes sense in some ways, in others....not so much. Sure the Gamecocks need a quarterback and Golson could be a difference maker from day one in Columbia...no doubt about it.

But lets be real...outside of being a QB under Spurrier and the learning experience that would be, why else would he choose Carolina? There are too many unknowns and in all likelihood Carolina will not win 10 or 11 games in 2015. Further, they return only four offensive starters...why transfer to a place where you aren't going to win?

Sure the location might be appealing but for someone who left the Palmetto State and jetted for ND in the first place, I don't think being close to home is so much of a high priority for Golson...especially with it being for just one last season.

However, it should be noted that for Golson to transfer to any SEC school at all, he would need a waiver as he doesn't meet one of the criteria for a SEC graduate transfer rule.

The rule states: "The student-athlete has not been subject to official university or athletics department disciplinary action at any time during enrollment at any previous collegiate institution [excluding limited discipline applied by a sports team]."

The quarterback did not play in 2013 after being from school for "poor academic judgement". He returned to campus last fall and struggled down the stretch when it mattered most.

He spoke well of his now former team during a press conference Thursday : "To all the Fighting Irish fans I want to thank you for the support over the past four years and let you know I truly love Notre Dame! To my former teammates, who I will miss tremendously, I wish much success in the future and will be your biggest fan from afar."

I for one was disappointed but not shocked when I heard the news. This had been speculated for some time now leading up the end of this semester. I was looking forward to a Golson vs Watson battle in Death Valley this fall when the Irish head to Clemson.

And while he may be wearing a different uniform, there is a slight chance I might still get to see them go head-to-head. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the ends up in Tallahassee. Assuming he doesn't get the waiver from the SEC ( or even if he does) I think FSU would be a great choice for both parties. As someone who doesn't have many nice things to say about that team from Tallahassee I wouldn't be crazy about the idea of him joining the Noles but hey, it'd give me my wish this season for a Golson vs Watson showdown in Death Valley.


Where do you think he'll end up?




Notice: 
Quotes taken from article posted on ESPN.com via Brett McMurphy 

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