Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly announced after practice on Wednesday that redshirt junior Everett Golson will be the team's starting quarterback for their season opener.
Golson was chosen over redshirt freshman Malik Zaire to obtain the spot, a decision that marks the second time that he will start in the position in three years, according to ESPN. The game will put the Fighting Irish against Rice.
"Generally when you look at making that decision, I'm using from January through right now as the basis of that decision, so winter workouts, how he handled himself with the team, our workouts, his spring practice and then his leadership in the summer and in camp here," Kelly said. "I think he's put himself in a position to get that opportunity to be our starter against Rice."
Golson started 10 games for Notre Dame in 2012 as a redshirt freshman. He finished the season with 2,405 passing yards, a 12-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 298 rushing yards, CBS Sports reported. An academic suspension made him miss the entire 2013 season.
"It's an accomplishment knowing everything that has transpired," Golson said, in regards to being chosen for the position.
Kelly said he told both Golson and Zaire his choice on Wednesday morning, adding that Zaire provided the "right" answer by showing that he was not pleased with the outcome. He said Golson's demeanor when hearing the decision was "matter of fact." "'OK, Coach,'" was Golson's response, ESPN reported.
When asked about having any doubt of starting, Golson said, "I don't know if I'd call it relief. I think it's a heightened responsibility on my part."
Notre Dame's matchup with Rice is set to take place on Aug. 30 at home.
