The writing was on the wall, and soon it will be on the Notre Dame depth chart — Everett Golson will start for the Fighting Irish in their Sept. 1 opener overseas against Navy.
Golson, a 6-foot sophomore with no game experience, won a four-way competition with his consistent play since the start of spring practice. He wasn’t just accurate — one interception in his first 126 passes in fall practice, according to coach Brian Kelly — he rarely dropped the ball in the decision-making aspect of the game, either.
Golson has the combination of athleticism as a runner and zip as a passer to hold onto the job if he remains poised and delivers under pressure. The Irish faltered last season because they were doomed by meltdowns behind center.
Incumbent starter Tommy Rees and junior Andrew Hendrix, along with top recruit Gunner Kiel, are the competitors for the backup job. Rees, 12-4 in his career as a starter, is suspended for the opener at Dublin. He threw 14 interceptions last season, including two in an 18-14 loss to Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl.