Melina Vastola- USA TODAY Sports
After mulling over a few different options the last few weeks, former Florida State quarterback Clint Trickett has chosen to use his final year of eligibility at West Virginia University as a Mountaineer. With Trickett receiving his undergraduate degree from Florida State this month, he will be able to go into Morgantown and compete immediately for the starting job.
Considered the front runner going into spring practices for the ‘Noles, Trickett was seemingly outplayed by redshirt freshman sensation–and probable starter–Jameis Winston. He was definitely outplayed by Winston on April 13 during FSU’s annual Garnet and Gold Spring game, and on April 17 announced his decision to explore his options elsewhere.
It came down to three choices for Trickett–West Virginia, Auburn, and South Florida. All three schools are in need of a quarterback with the experience that Trickett brings to the table. The redshirt junior took visits to all three campuses, but in the end it was Dana Holgorsen and the Mountaineers that won his services.
Morgantown, West Virginia is a good fit for the signal-caller for a few reasons.
For starters, the school itself isn’t exactly unfamiliar territory. Clint lived there for seven years while his father–and current FSU offensive line coach–Rick was coaching at the school. It’s always considered a plus when you can go somewhere that you’re familiar with. While at his age location may not matter as much as it does to an 18-year old first-year student, it still provides a certain comfort level for the one year that he’s going to spend there.
Secondly, he will have a legitimate chance to be on the field as the successor for current New York Jets QB Geno Smith when September rolls around. Trickett will be competing for the starting job with junior Paul Millard and freshman Ford Childress. So far throughout the spring, neither QB has emerged as the clear cut favorite to run Holgerson’s fast-paced offense. Both have struggled to get the ball out as quick and effectively as the coaching staff would like to keep the tempo of the offense going. With Florida State running a similar style and Trickett having significant on-the-field experience, he may prove to be a breath of fresh air for the WVU coaching staff when he arrives on campus.
Trickett will start graduate classes at West Virginia on May 20.
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Jack is a College Football Contributor for Rant Sports. Follow Jack on Twitter @FSUYankee14
