Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly Discusses Everett Golson’s Future
By Josh Hill
Notre Dame Irish fans are still reeling over news that starting quarterback Everett Golson has been removed from the team and won’t be able to play during the 2013 season. Golson is vowing to return to the team after being kicked off for 2013 fall semester after an incident of “poor academic judgment” but the decision is up to head coach Brian Kelly.
Luckily for Golson, Brian Kelly wants him back and is willing to be patient and get Golson the help he needs.
“In my conversations with Everett and his family,” Kelly said. “Whatever he needs to do, he’s going to do it to get himself an opportunity to be considered back here at Notre Dame.”
Golson can possibly return to the team from his academic suspension in January which means if the Irish make it back to the National Championship or any other BCS Bowl, they’ll likely have Golson back. But while he’ll be eligible to play again for a January Bowl game, it’s unlikely that Brian Kelly will insert him as the starter especially if another quarterback led them there.
But while he’s probably not going to play a down for the Irish in 2013, Kelly said that he’s behind Golson. According to the coach, the growth from this incident stems from responsibility and that’s something Golson is taking after the incident that got him kicked off the team.
“I think he started in my eyes by accepting responsibility,” Kelly continued. “Once you accept responsibility and follow through on what is asked of you month after month, that’s all I need to see from Everett. He doesn’t have to show me anything other than making sure he took responsibility for his actions, which he did, and understand that he made a mistake and he wants to atone for it. If the university allows him back in school, that will be enough for him to be back on the team.”
Notre Dame will be trying out three quarterbacks including Tommy Rees in camp this summer in order to fins a viable replacement for Golson who would return in 2014 to battle for his starting job as a senior.