Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson returns to team

Everett Golson threw 12 touchdowns and six interceptions for Notre Dame in 2012. (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson returned to practice for the first time since being suspended from the university.

Golson was suspended last May and admitted to Sports Illustratedthat he was caught cheating on an exam last spring, leading to his dismissal from the school. He was re-admitted to the school in December.

In 2012, Golson led Notre Dame to a 12-0 record and a trip to the BCS National Championship Game, where it was routed by Alabama.

"I regret [the suspension] in a sense, but I think it allowed me to grow so much,” Golson said, via NotreDame247sports.com. “My maturity level is completely different now. I had some time to sit back and think about what I did and how I can move forward from that. I think I’m a different person because of it.”

"It feels great to be back with my teammates,” Golson said. “It really feels good. … I think I was a little too excited at first.

MANDEL: Has ACC football finally earned more respect?; more mail

Golson, who had 12 passing touchdowns in 2012, has been working with quarterback coach George Whitfield during his time away from the team.

“Just everything I’ve been through and the training that I’ve had, I feel more mature and a more polished quarterback," he said.