The quarterback competition at West Virginia just got awfully interesting.

Florida State transfer Clint Trickett, the son of former assistant Rick Trickett, announced on twitter this morning that he will transfer to West Virginia. 

The school confirmed his transfer in a press release sent out just after 3 p.m.

Trickett is slated to graduate in May, and eligible to play immediately.

Trickett made an official visit to West Virginia to watch the Blue-Gold spring game on April 20 where neither quarterback – junior Paul Millard nor redshirt freshman Ford Childress – exhibited he was the runaway favorite to succeed Geno Smith.

That means preseason will feature a legit three-way competetion for the starting job.

Trickett spent most of his career at FSU backing up two first round picks - Christian Ponder and E.J. Manuel who went No. 16 overall last weekend to the Buffalo Bills.

He said on twitter this morning: “It's official, I will finish my academic/athletic career at WVU. This is a dream come true to be playin for the state I love. #CountryRoads”

In the prepared statement sent out by the school, Trickett said West Virginia is a fit for him.

“I’d like to first thank Florida State for all the things that were done for me,” Trickett said. “I’m excited now to continue my academic and athletic career at West Virginia University. Not only was it home for me, the place I grew up and the state I love, but also it’s the best fit for me athletically. I appreciate the recruitment by WVU and the other programs, which were all class acts, but it was hard for me to say no to the state and team that I grew up loving.“

Coach Dana Holgorsen also welcomed Trickett in the release.

“WVU football welcomes Clint Trickett home. He basically grew up in Morgantown, and I know he feels very comfortable here,” Holgorsen said. “He’s an excellent student and grew up around the game of football, which shows in his composure on the field. I am excited that he has decided to finish his career as a Mountaineer.”

Four more West Virginia players inked free agent contracts following the close of the NFL Draft on Saturday.

Both center Joe Madsen and receiver J.D. Woods signed with the Steelers, O-lineman Jeff Braun signed with the Baltimore Ravens, according to his twitter account, and RB Shawne Alston with the New Orleans Saints.

Tavon Austin was the highest player taken this year, No. 8 to St. Louis Rams, and Geno Smith withstood a slide out of the first round to be taken by the New York Jets where he will be under the scrutiny of a first rounder.

Stedman Bailey, who was expected to go in the second or third round, was the 92^nd pick overall and reunited with Austin.

Stedman Bailey was reunited with teammate Tavon Austin Friday night when he was drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the 92^nd pick in the NFL Draft.

Austin was drafted No. 8 overall on Thursday night as the first skill position player taken in the draft, quarterback Geno Smith was drafted at No. 39 Friday by the New York Jets and Bailey, as many predicted came at the tail end of the third round. 

But St. Louis? With Austin? Not sure anyone but the front office guessed that.

The two should give QB Sam Bradford plenty of weapons next year.

Bailey scored 25 touchdowns for West Virginia, had 114 receptions and 1,622 receiving yards, and that includes missing some time with an ankle injury that cut into his production.

He has incredible hands and was underrated at times sharing the spotlight with Smith and Austin during his career at West Virginia.

Exhale, West Virginia fans.

Geno Smith is a New York Jet.

The former West Virginia quarterback was drafted by the Jets Friday night with the No. 39 overall pick in the NFL draft, ending a long two days for the prolific passer.

Smith, who was bypassed in the first round on Thursday night despite expectations he could go in the top-15, returned to Radio City Music Hall and was chosen just after 7 p.m.

“It was tough, but I’m here today because of what I withstood,” said Smith. “I’m just proud to be a Jet. It’s a dream come true to finally live out my dream.”

“I’m ready to compete. I’m ready to go in there and try and win the starting job,” said Smith on the stage.

He finished his career at West Virginia as the program's most prolific passer with 11,662 passing yards, and is the all-time leader in completions (998) and passing touchdowns (98) at West Virginia.

Smith was once the runaway favorite for the Heisman before the team went 2-6 to end the season.

He threw 42 touchdowns, 4,205 passing yards, and threw just six interceptions as a senior with the Mountaineers.

Photo credit: Associated Press

Here is video of Smith's press conference at Radio City Music Hall, courtesy Greg Madia.