Everett Golson is not the answer at QB for Florida State

By David Albiani | May 13, 2015

Everett Golson has a unique set of skills, but his questionable decision-making on the field lead to a transfer, and may not be the guy the Seminoles need.

Florida State is reportedly the favorite to land Notre Dame transfer quarterback Everett Golson and the first thought that comes to mind is if he can take the Seminoles where they want to go. The biggest knock on Golson is he hasn’t proven to have any consistency against great teams, has continuously made bad decisions and commit terrible turnovers.

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The problem with Golson is that he hasn’t shown much improvement since he led Notre Dame to an undefeated season and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game as a redshirt freshman.

Golson then missed his sophomore campaign due to what he called “poor academic judgment” and that season away from the game stunted his development.

That however isn’t the biggest mark against him. The biggest problem are the aforementioned turnovers. Last season Golson lost eight fumbles and threw 14 interceptions and led all Power 5 quarterbacks in turnovers. In Golson’s first three games, against teams that were marginal at best Golson threw seven touchdowns and had no interceptions, but every game after that he threw at least one interception.

That kind of turnover problem is one that can cripple a team and ultimately led to Notre Dame collapsing down the stretch. The collapse included losing five of their last six games leading to his benching in the Music City Bowl against LSU where Malik Zaire played well.

These turnovers are the kinds of things quarterbacks are expected in their freshman and sophomore campaigns, but as you gain experience and master your offense your decisions are supposed to be better and for Golson they weren’t.

Among the biggest issues when it comes to turnovers is the fact Golson struggles to have the clock in his head, often holding on to the ball too long and allowing defensive lineman too much time to defeat blocks. Golson also doesn’t display much pocket awareness, routinely not feeling defenders and not stepping up when it’s necessary, leading to fumbles or forced throws down field.

I know most will say that Jimbo Fisher doesn’t have much in terms of quarterbacks and this at the very least will add more arms in the competition, but projected starter Sean Maguire is the safer choice. Maguire has not had much playing time, only playing extensively one time last year when he started for the suspended Jameis Winston in the win against Clemson. Maguire threw two interceptions, but still managed to leave with a victory.

Maguire’s biggest asset over Golson is that he’s familiar with the offense and would have a better understanding of the offense and his receiver. He may be a game manager to begin his career but he won’t hurt you by making the costly interception or game-altering fumble.

Golson may bring more upside considering his run to the championship game in 2012, his 29 touchdowns last season, or his mobility outside of the pocket. But considering the Seminoles defense has lost a lot to the NFL Draft the last two years, this is a team that cannot afford to play on a short field, something Golson is sure to deliver.

Next: Top 10 ACC Defenders Entering 2015

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