Even though he no longer is enrolled at Notre Dame and will not play in 2013, former starting quarterback Everett Golson is planning on returning to school and playing in 2014.
In a statement released by the school Sunday afternoon, Notre Dame’s starting quarterback in 2012 took responsibility for “poor choices” and “poor academic judgment” as the reasons for his suspension. He pledged to do whatever necessary to “regain the trust of my family, friends, teammates, coaches and the entire Notre Dame community.”
“My parents and the community I grew up in have instilled values in me that have and will continue to allow me to be successful in the future,” he said in the statement “There have been many lessons learned as I worked to become the starting quarterback at Notre Dame and each was a result of Coach (Brian) Kelly’s belief in me as an athlete and a person.
“At this point, I understand how my integrity could be in question but I want to reassure my supporters that through this experience I will return a better student athlete as well as a better individual.
“Lastly, I want to thank the University of Notre Dame for the opportunity already granted and also the opportunity going forth to regain my eligibility in the winter of 2014.”
Late Saturday, WNDU-TV in South Bend, Ind., reported that Golson no longer was enrolled at Notre Dame. A school spokesman confirmed the report.
Dennis Brown, assistant vice president for public information and communications told the television station in an email: “Everett is not enrolled at Notre Dame. Federal law and our own policies preclude us from discussing specifics.”
The Chicago Tribune, citing two sources, “academic violations.”
Golson started 11 games while leading the Fighting Irish to an undefeated regular season in 2012 and to the BCS title game where they were blown out by Alabama.
He completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 2,405 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with six interceptions.
The Fighting Irish currently have three quarterbacks on their roster. With 18 starts, senior Tommy Rees has the most experience. Rees, who played in all 12 games last season, has thrown for more than 4,400 yards and 34 touchdowns during his Irish career.
Fourth-year junior Andrew Hendrix and Malik Zaire, a spring enrollee who was the No. 6 quarterback prospect in the nation according to ESPN ratings, are also on the roster.
Zaire was considered a recruiting coup for Kelly, but at 6-1 and just 196 pounds is expected to need some time in the program before being ready to see game action.
Earlier this spring, Gunner Kiel transferred to Cincinnati.