Everett Golson named FSU’s starting quarterback

The Florida State Seminoles have been trying to find a replacement for Jameis Winston all spring and summer. Of course, it is never easy stepping into the shoes of a player like Winston, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2014 before becoming the top-overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, somebody has to do it, and apparently, that man is Everett Golson. According to ESPN, Golson has won the job, beating out Sean Maguire for the starting spot. Golson has major prior experience, having played at the University of Notre Dame with the Fighting Irish. While in South Bend, Golson was able to lead the Golden Domers to a National Championship game berth in 2013, when they were crushed by the Alabama Crimson Tide led by A.J. McCarron.

Golson transferred into Florida State in June and wowed the coaching staff with his arm and athletic ability. Golson has grasped the playbook and shown head coach Jimbo Fisher enough to make him believe in the youngster, per ESPN.

“Where we’re at right now and the things [Golson] did, it’s what’s best for our team at this particular time,” Fisher said after practice Monday. “It was a tougher decision because of how well they were playing and not because of what they weren’t doing. I’m very pleased with [Golson’s] progress and where he’s at. He’s got a good grasp of things, making reads, making plays, getting on the edge with his legs when he has to. He’s doing everything we need to do.”

Golson certainly has massive shoes to fill. Winston came onto the scene for the 2013-14 season and instantly became one of the best players in college football. The Florida native won the Heisman Trophy and delivered a national championship to the Seminoles in Jan. 2014, beating the Auburn Tigers with a last-minute drive. Last year, Winston had an uneven campaign but guided Florida State to an undefeated regular season before getting walloped against the Oregon Ducks in the national semifinals at the Rose Bowl.

The decision to start Golson seems to be going over well with his teammates, despite Golson being relatively new to the program. Golson earned the endorsement of senior linebacker Terrance Smith, who sees special qualities in the former Notre Dame star, per ESPN’s story.

“When the play breaks down he can use his feet and extend the play a little bit longer if necessary,” Smith said. “Having that X-factor probably gave him the edge.”

With Maguire being a redshirt junior, he will have some more time to ripen on the vine before likely getting the job in 2016 as a senior. Without question, Maguire has to be displeased, but might end up seeing ample time in 2015 if Golson falters.

It should be an interesting season in Tallahassee.