The chatter surrounding the 2014 Florida State Seminoles is building in both chaos and volume as the team prepared during fall camp for another run at a national championship.
“Returning Heisman Trophy Winner? Only Archie Griffin has ever won it twice.”
“This is the fourth time a returning champion has started the season ranked since 2000. No one has ever repeated.”
“We’re not defending a national championship. We’re chasing down another one.”
“The ACC won’t be able to compete in a college football playoff system.”
“Dallas to Dallas.”
As two weeks of fall camp come to a close, the Seminoles have settled into their permanent placements, and are preparing for the game against Oklahoma State at AT&T Stadium on August 30.
FSU Offensive Depth Chart
Quarterback: With Jacob Coker off to Alabama to take snaps under the watchful tutelage of Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin, the backup position was the only question in the QB department. Jameis Winston spent his offseason sharpening his mechanics and learning to control his emotions under pressure. Sean Maguire has cemented his role as the backup, and newcomer J.J. Consentino (who will undoubtedly redshirt this season) has been impressing Coach Jimbo Fisher enough to warrant media mentions.
Offensive Line: The o-line boasts a strong return of four of its five starters, although the hole left by veteran center Bryan Stork will be just as much one of leadership as it was of skill. Austin Barron is on deck to take over snaps for the 2014 season, and it will be up to left tackle Cameron Erving, left guard Josue Matias, right tackle Tre Jackson and right guard Bobby Hart to battle it out for the bullhorn.
Wide Receivers: With the departure of Kelvin Benjamin and Kenny Shaw to the NFL, there was an open spot for other members of the receiving corps to catch some camera time. Rashad Greene was an obvious choice at starter, as he is poised to break the all-time receptions, yards, and touchdown records this season if he repeats his stats from last year. Fisher had his choice of Scooter Haggins and Christian Greene, fifth-year seniors; as of this weekend, Greene will be starting with Green (yes, you read that right). 4-star recruit Travis Rudolph and 5-star receiver Ermon Lane caused quite the stir during camp, so keep a lookout for them along with Haggins.
Running Back: Karlos Williams has put on a clinic during fall camp—a necessity after racing Dalvin Cook on Instagram earlier in the summer and losing by mere inches. Williams will be joined by Cook and Mario Pender.
Tight End: Nick O’Leary is obviously solidified in his role; with 33 receptions for 557 yards and 7 touchdowns, his impact during the 2013 season drew national attention. Mavin Saunders, 6’6, 252 lbs, was offered a basketball scholarship to UConn, and could be a great asset as a backup once he finds his groove.
Off the Cuff: Jimbo Fisher’s reign at the Seminole’s helm has been characterized by his zeal for shaking things up. Cross-training gives the Seminoles diversity, and diversity provides a layer of strength and confidence. During Sunday’s practice, redshirt freshman quarterback John Franklin was even lined up at wide receiver. Franklin, who moonlights as an all-ACC track notable at FSU during the offseason, is quick and athletic, and may surprise fans with an unexpected appearance catching passes for Jameis.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on twitter – @dadgumdebutante. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Main Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
