Everett Golson, former Notre Dame quarterback, has big shoes to fill this season. He's replacing 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston this year at Florida State, and, believe it or not, he holds up statistically.
Of course Winston's 2013 was one of the best single seasons in college football history; he DID win the Heisman. That year Winston led his team to a national championship, an undefeated season, and 40 touchdowns vs. just 10 interceptions. Safely assume Golson won't reproduce those numbers. In 2014, Winston's Seminoles only lost once, but fell off in a big way on the stat sheet.
The Seminoles kept winning, but it wasn't dominant. Winston finished the year with 25 touchdowns and 18 picks; meanwhile in South Bend, Golson threw 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, but still lost his starting job. Golson also rushed for eight touchdowns in 2014, one more than Winston did in two seasons in Tallahassee.
Golson has also had off-field issues, just like Winston, although Golson's transgressions (academic) pale in comparison to rape allegations. Golson, like Winston has played in a National Championship game as well, when Notre Dame was blown out by Alabama. The main knock on the Fighting Irish transfer is a penchant for turnovers; last season he coughed up the ball 22 times in just 14 games, leading to his benching.
Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has had limited time to work with him, but seems pleased with what he's gotten out of Golson already.
"I've seen him grow and grow and grow, of course in his knowledge of what we're trying to do but then his performance on the field," Fisher said. "It's been more consistent and the more times you do it and the more times you see it then the better you get at it."
His new teammates are also impressed with his mobility. Golson's not going to resemble Marcus Mariota out there, but he can be a playmaker with his legs.
"When the play breaks down he can use his feet and extend the play a little bit longer if necessary," FSU linebacker Terrance Smith said. "Having that X-factor probably gave him the edge."
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