Notre Dame QB Everett Golson Shining Bright in Comeback Season

By Nick Wilder @NickCWilder on October 10, 2014

This time last year, Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson was serving an academic suspension for the 2013 Fall Term due to what he called “poor academic judgment.” It was a surprising twist for head coach Brian Kelly, who once again had big expectations for the team’s upcoming 2013 season after making a National Championship appearance the previous year. The team eventually finished with an uninspiring record of 9-4 and a Pinstripe Bowl victory over Rutgers.

Now, after being re-admitted to the University, Golson is back to being the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish and has led the team to an impressive 5-0 record to start the 2014 season. The resiliency and maturity the redshirt junior has shown through five games has been prevalent in his dynamic play.

Golson is significantly ahead of his 2012 pace statistically, which many recognized as a very successful season. The 13 touchdowns he’s thrown for this year is already more than he tossed throughout his entire previous season. He is also poised to shatter the 2,405 total passing yards that he registered in 2012 by accumulating an impressive 1,383 passing yards this season through five games.

Through all of Golson’s off-the-field issues, Kelly has stuck with him largely because of the quarterback’s unwavering confidence and continuous leadership. These qualities were never more evident than during Notre Dame’s thrilling comeback victory over a tough Stanford team last week that was ranked No. 14 overall in the AP poll.

After giving up a late rushing touchdown to the Cardinal with 3:01 to play, the Fighting Irish needed Golson to overcome the poor weather conditions and his previous struggles in the game to bring home the victory. The quarterback came through when it mattered most by throwing a 23-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to seal the win and remain undefeated.

The future looks very bright for Golson and the Fighting Irish.