TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Redshirt junior quarterback Clint Trickett will transfer from Florida State, the school announced Wednesday afternoon.
Trickett has earned his bachelor’s degree and is eligible to play immediately. He has two years of eligibility to play but has not decided on a school yet.
“After a long meeting with Clint, he expressed he’d like to explore another playing opportunity, and I’ve signed off on his wish," Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said. "He’s been a part of this program for a long time and we wish nothing but the best for him in his future endeavors.”
Trickett played in eight games in 2012 and completed 16 of his first 20 passes in his first three games. He finished the season completing 22 of 34 passes for 272 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions as the backup to EJ Manuel.
A graduate of Tallahassee’s North Florida Christian School, Trickett threw for a career-high 336 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in his first career start at Clemson in 2011, a 35-30 Florida State loss.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Trickett is a classic drop-back passer, and he finished his career at Florida State completing 66 of 106 passes for 947 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games. He completed 62.3 percent of his passes.
“I had a good time here at Florida State and want to thank everyone for being so good to me,” Trickett said. “I’ll always be part of the FSU alumni.”
Trickett's transfer gives an indication that Fisher may have made up his mind on a No. 1 quarterback after a three-way competition this spring. While Fisher didn’t declare a winner after Saturday’s spring game, it’s becoming clear that one has emerged.
Redshirt freshman Jameis Winston had an impressive spring game, completing 12 of 15 passes for 205 yards and touchdown passes on his first two drives, including a 58-yard touchdown on his first pass. Winston is a football-baseball standout at Florida State who was also considered the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2012.
If Winston gets the nod, rising sophomore Jacob Coker would be his backup. Coker has thrown just five college passes, and in the spring game he completed 15 of 26 passes for 186 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Redshirt freshman Sean Maguire is the only other scholarship quarterback currently on the Seminoles’ roster, although Florida State signed John Franklin in February.
It’s not clear where Trickett will transfer or what conditions Fisher put on his release. But Noles247.com reported Wednesday that a source indicated three candidates for Trickett are South Florida, West Virginia and Kentucky.
Kentucky is coached by former Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops. Trickett lived in West Virginia from 2001-06 while his father, Rick, was the Mountaineers’ offensive line coach. And USF just lost starter B.J. Daniels to graduation.
Rick Trickett recently received a contract extension and will be Florida State’s offensive line coach through the 2015 season. He has been at Florida State since 2007.
