FSU Seminoles: Cameron Erving
FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
2012 record: 12-2
2012 conference record: 7-1
Returning starters: Offense 6, Defense 5, Kicker/Punter 1
Top returners
WR Rashad Greene, LT Cameron Erving, C Bryan Stork, LB Christian Jones, LB Telvin Smith, DB Lamarcus Joyner, DT Timmy Jernigan
Key losses
QB EJ Manuel, RT Menelik Watson, RB Chris Thompson, DE Bjoern Werner, DE Cornellius Carradine, CB Xavier Rhodes, K Dustin Hopkins
2012 statistical leaders (*returning)
Rushing: Chris Thompson (687 yards)
Passing: EJ Manuel (3,392 yards)
Receiving: Rashad Greene* (741 yards)
Tackles: Christian Jones* (95)
Sacks: Bjoern Werner (13)
Interceptions: Xavier Rhodes, Tyler Hunter* (3)
Spring answers:
1. Changes on D: New coordinator Jeremy Pruitt brought a slew of new schemes with him from Alabama, meaning the FSU defense won't look all that much like the one that finished second in the nation in 2012. With the loss of five former starters from the defensive line, that's probably a good thing. Pruitt's scheme will be more aggressive and bring a lot more blitzes, allowing FSU to get pressure from other areas.
2. Beating Hart: When right tackle Menelik Watson made the somewhat surprising decision to leave FSU after just a year to enter the NFL draft, all eyes turned to junior Bobby Hart, whose turbulent career with the Seminoles was already well documented. Hart started as a 17-year-old freshman in 2011, but problems with his work ethic derailed his sophomore season and he found himself on the bench. He appeared to work his way back into line coach Rick Trickett's good graces by the end of the spring, however, and he'll be crucial to maintaining the continuity of the line without Watson.
3. Famous Jameis: Jimbo Fisher still isn't calling the contest over, but it certainly looks like redshirt freshman Jameis Winston is in the driver's seat to take over for Manuel as FSU's new starting quarterback. Winston shined throughout the spring and delivered a monster performance in the Seminoles' Garnet and Gold game, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. A week later, junior QB Clint Trickett announced he was transferring.
Fall questions:
1. Winston, Part II: Yes, the spring was impressive for Winston, but as Fisher was quick to point out, he'll need to pick up right where he left off in the fall if FSU is going to make a smooth transition at a position that's been remarkably stable for the past five years. Jacob Coker remains in competition -- and he should be fully healed after breaking a bone in his foot that limited this spring -- but the loss of Trickett puts a lot of pressure on Winston to step up, particularly with a daunting road contest at new ACC member Pittsburgh looming in the season opener.
2. New-look secondary: Lamarcus Joyner appeared to make a relatively smooth transition from safety to corner, but FSU didn't get much of a look at what will constitute the secondary in 2013. Key players such as Tyler Hunter, Nick Waisome and Ronald Darby were all hurt, while promising freshman Jalen Ramsey had yet to arrive. The group will finally all work together during fall camp.
3. Just for kicks: Redshirt freshman Roberto Aguayo showed off his powerful leg during FSU's spring game, connecting on three long field goals, including a 58-yarder to close out the game. Still, replacing the NCAA's all-time leading scorer among kickers won't be an easy task. Dustin Hopkins was as reliable as it gets for FSU, and Aguayo still needs to show he can handle the pressure of making a big kick with the game on the line.
2012 record: 12-2
2012 conference record: 7-1
Returning starters: Offense 6, Defense 5, Kicker/Punter 1
Top returners
WR Rashad Greene, LT Cameron Erving, C Bryan Stork, LB Christian Jones, LB Telvin Smith, DB Lamarcus Joyner, DT Timmy Jernigan
Key losses
QB EJ Manuel, RT Menelik Watson, RB Chris Thompson, DE Bjoern Werner, DE Cornellius Carradine, CB Xavier Rhodes, K Dustin Hopkins
2012 statistical leaders (*returning)
Rushing: Chris Thompson (687 yards)
Passing: EJ Manuel (3,392 yards)
Receiving: Rashad Greene* (741 yards)
Tackles: Christian Jones* (95)
Sacks: Bjoern Werner (13)
Interceptions: Xavier Rhodes, Tyler Hunter* (3)
Spring answers:
1. Changes on D: New coordinator Jeremy Pruitt brought a slew of new schemes with him from Alabama, meaning the FSU defense won't look all that much like the one that finished second in the nation in 2012. With the loss of five former starters from the defensive line, that's probably a good thing. Pruitt's scheme will be more aggressive and bring a lot more blitzes, allowing FSU to get pressure from other areas.
2. Beating Hart: When right tackle Menelik Watson made the somewhat surprising decision to leave FSU after just a year to enter the NFL draft, all eyes turned to junior Bobby Hart, whose turbulent career with the Seminoles was already well documented. Hart started as a 17-year-old freshman in 2011, but problems with his work ethic derailed his sophomore season and he found himself on the bench. He appeared to work his way back into line coach Rick Trickett's good graces by the end of the spring, however, and he'll be crucial to maintaining the continuity of the line without Watson.
3. Famous Jameis: Jimbo Fisher still isn't calling the contest over, but it certainly looks like redshirt freshman Jameis Winston is in the driver's seat to take over for Manuel as FSU's new starting quarterback. Winston shined throughout the spring and delivered a monster performance in the Seminoles' Garnet and Gold game, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. A week later, junior QB Clint Trickett announced he was transferring.
Fall questions:
1. Winston, Part II: Yes, the spring was impressive for Winston, but as Fisher was quick to point out, he'll need to pick up right where he left off in the fall if FSU is going to make a smooth transition at a position that's been remarkably stable for the past five years. Jacob Coker remains in competition -- and he should be fully healed after breaking a bone in his foot that limited this spring -- but the loss of Trickett puts a lot of pressure on Winston to step up, particularly with a daunting road contest at new ACC member Pittsburgh looming in the season opener.
2. New-look secondary: Lamarcus Joyner appeared to make a relatively smooth transition from safety to corner, but FSU didn't get much of a look at what will constitute the secondary in 2013. Key players such as Tyler Hunter, Nick Waisome and Ronald Darby were all hurt, while promising freshman Jalen Ramsey had yet to arrive. The group will finally all work together during fall camp.
3. Just for kicks: Redshirt freshman Roberto Aguayo showed off his powerful leg during FSU's spring game, connecting on three long field goals, including a 58-yarder to close out the game. Still, replacing the NCAA's all-time leading scorer among kickers won't be an easy task. Dustin Hopkins was as reliable as it gets for FSU, and Aguayo still needs to show he can handle the pressure of making a big kick with the game on the line.
Projecting FSU's future first-rounders 
April, 29, 2013
Apr 29
9:00
AM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The NFL draft hadn't been particularly kind to Florida State in recent years, but the 2013 iteration was far different.
The Seminoles had 11 players selected between Thursday's first round, when EJ Manuel was the first quarterback drafted, to Saturday's final installment, in which six former FSU stars found new homes in the pros. FSU had as many players drafted this year than in the past four seasons combined, and its three first-rounders were the most to come from Tallahassee since 2006.
While that's a major step for coach Jimbo Fisher's program, he insists it's just the start.
The Seminoles had 11 players selected between Thursday's first round, when EJ Manuel was the first quarterback drafted, to Saturday's final installment, in which six former FSU stars found new homes in the pros. FSU had as many players drafted this year than in the past four seasons combined, and its three first-rounders were the most to come from Tallahassee since 2006.
While that's a major step for coach Jimbo Fisher's program, he insists it's just the start.
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Spring practice arrived with some significant questions, and it ended with at least a slightly clearer indication of some answers. This week, we'll take a look at five of the biggest question marks of the spring and decipher what we learned and how much further the Seminoles have to go before the season kicks off.
Next up: The offensive line
The question: With starting right tackle Menelik Watson leaving for the NFL draft, can FSU find a suitable replacement and improve on a solid season by a young offensive line?
The possibilities: The simplest solution would be for junior Bobby Hart to seize the right tackle job -- a position he owned for eight games in 2011. But Hart has struggled with maturity and consistency, which opened the door for a potential reshuffling of the line, with Bryan Stork moving out to tackle and Austin Barron taking over at center.
What we learned this spring: Hart has grown up -- at least a bit. Now in his third season at Florida State, it's hard to believe, but Hart is still just 18 years old, so some of those maturity issues early in his career are understandable. But with age and experience comes wisdom, and Hart insists he's learned from his struggles.
"Once you sit back and understand why you're in that predicament, you mature and you learn from it, and that can be a good thing," Hart said.
At times this spring, that maturity showed. Hart and Cameron Erving were Florida State's two most consistent linemen this spring according to coaches, and when the spring game ended Hart was still the nominal starter at right tackle.
Next up: The offensive line
The question: With starting right tackle Menelik Watson leaving for the NFL draft, can FSU find a suitable replacement and improve on a solid season by a young offensive line?
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Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesNow in his third season, Bobby Hart is still very young at 18, but he's showing more maturity.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesNow in his third season, Bobby Hart is still very young at 18, but he's showing more maturity.What we learned this spring: Hart has grown up -- at least a bit. Now in his third season at Florida State, it's hard to believe, but Hart is still just 18 years old, so some of those maturity issues early in his career are understandable. But with age and experience comes wisdom, and Hart insists he's learned from his struggles.
"Once you sit back and understand why you're in that predicament, you mature and you learn from it, and that can be a good thing," Hart said.
At times this spring, that maturity showed. Hart and Cameron Erving were Florida State's two most consistent linemen this spring according to coaches, and when the spring game ended Hart was still the nominal starter at right tackle.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- While Jimbo Fisher won't be etching anything into stone after Saturday's spring game, there were clearly a few players who took big leaps forward during the past month and a few more who saw significant opportunities slip away.
WINNERS
Jameis Winston, QB
The performance: Winston entered the spring third on the depth chart, but tops in potential. He didn't disappoint. By spring's end, he was splitting first-team reps with Clint Trickett and dominated FSU's spring game, solidifying his place as the fan's choice for the starting job even if Fisher hasn't made anything official.
What comes next: Heisman? National championship? The Hall of Fame? With Winston, there doesn't appear to be such a thing as setting the bar too high. Fisher might be trying to temper expectations, but that's likely a lost cause. Winston still has plenty of work to do before he reaches the vast heights predicted for him, but he's only burnished his resume during the past month. What comes next for him though? "It's baseball season," he said after Saturday's spring game.
WINNERS
Jameis Winston, QB
The performance: Winston entered the spring third on the depth chart, but tops in potential. He didn't disappoint. By spring's end, he was splitting first-team reps with Clint Trickett and dominated FSU's spring game, solidifying his place as the fan's choice for the starting job even if Fisher hasn't made anything official.
What comes next: Heisman? National championship? The Hall of Fame? With Winston, there doesn't appear to be such a thing as setting the bar too high. Fisher might be trying to temper expectations, but that's likely a lost cause. Winston still has plenty of work to do before he reaches the vast heights predicted for him, but he's only burnished his resume during the past month. What comes next for him though? "It's baseball season," he said after Saturday's spring game.
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FSU Notes: Vanilla D still makes its mark
April, 13, 2013
Apr 13
8:00
PM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- It's tough to say with any level of certainty just how many sacks Florida State's defense would have recorded if Saturday's spring game was played under true game conditions, but even if the quarterbacks couldn't get hit, Jeremy Pruitt's new-look defense had a strong showing.
Overall, the two teams recorded nine sacks in Saturday's scrimmage, led by defensive tackle Nile Lawrence-Stample's 3.5, which would've been impressive under any circumstances. But as Jimbo Fisher pointed out after the game, those numbers came from a relatively vanilla scheme.
"You ain't seen blitzes yet," Fisher said with a grin.
In his first year as Florida State's defensive coordinator, Pruitt has installed an aggressive style that promises to offer a myriad of looks designed to get after the quarterback.
Saturday's spring game wasn't exactly a sneak peak, however, with a number of key defensive starters out with injuries and only a watered-down version of Pruitt's game plan implemented. But the past four weeks have been eye-opening, linebacker Christian Jones said, and there's ample reason for excitement.
"This spring, we pretty much put in the whole playbook, and we just ran a little sample of it," Jones said. "We've done a pretty good job of picking it all up, but it's a lot of stuff, a lot of checks, change the fronts, but we've done a good job of handling all that. Once we get into the fall and can game plan, I think we're going to have a real scary defense."
It wasn't all smooth sailing for the defense Saturday, as all four of Florida State's quarterbacks managed at least one touchdown pass, but there was plenty of room for optimism. Lamarcus Brutus and Karlos Williams both intercepted passes, and P.J. Williams came up with a pick of a Jacob Coker throw that he returned for a touchdown.
"I thought the defense played well," Fisher said. "I'm very pleased with the way they're playing."
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Melina Vastola/USA TODAY SportsP.J. Williams intercepted Jacob Coker on Saturday, returning the pick for a touchdown.
Melina Vastola/USA TODAY SportsP.J. Williams intercepted Jacob Coker on Saturday, returning the pick for a touchdown."You ain't seen blitzes yet," Fisher said with a grin.
In his first year as Florida State's defensive coordinator, Pruitt has installed an aggressive style that promises to offer a myriad of looks designed to get after the quarterback.
Saturday's spring game wasn't exactly a sneak peak, however, with a number of key defensive starters out with injuries and only a watered-down version of Pruitt's game plan implemented. But the past four weeks have been eye-opening, linebacker Christian Jones said, and there's ample reason for excitement.
"This spring, we pretty much put in the whole playbook, and we just ran a little sample of it," Jones said. "We've done a pretty good job of picking it all up, but it's a lot of stuff, a lot of checks, change the fronts, but we've done a good job of handling all that. Once we get into the fall and can game plan, I think we're going to have a real scary defense."
It wasn't all smooth sailing for the defense Saturday, as all four of Florida State's quarterbacks managed at least one touchdown pass, but there was plenty of room for optimism. Lamarcus Brutus and Karlos Williams both intercepted passes, and P.J. Williams came up with a pick of a Jacob Coker throw that he returned for a touchdown.
"I thought the defense played well," Fisher said. "I'm very pleased with the way they're playing."
What to watch for in FSU's spring game
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
7:45
AM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- For all the buzz about new schemes and aggressive tweaks to the defense, odds are Saturday's Garnet and Gold game will feature a relatively vanilla approach as Florida State defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt winds down the spring.
The quarterback battle has been the hottest topic in years among Florida State fans, but coach Jimbo Fisher has yet to draw any lines of demarcation on the depth chart, and he insists the four men vying for the job will again rotate reps Saturday.
Melina Vastola/US PresswireKelvin Benjamin could be the player to produce the big plays in Saturday's Garnet and Gold game.And after four weeks of intensity, the battle scars are showing. As many as a dozen key members of the 2013 Seminoles team won't be available for the spring game due to injuries.
So, what's there to be excited about as Florida State's spring practice comes to a somewhat anticlimactic conclusion? Actually, there's still plenty worth watching, even if some of the biggest curiosities will remain just that until fall camp begins in August. Here's a rundown of some of the most noteworthy items of intrigue on display Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The QBs, of course
The quarterback battle has been the hottest topic in years among Florida State fans, but coach Jimbo Fisher has yet to draw any lines of demarcation on the depth chart, and he insists the four men vying for the job will again rotate reps Saturday.
Melina Vastola/US PresswireKelvin Benjamin could be the player to produce the big plays in Saturday's Garnet and Gold game.So, what's there to be excited about as Florida State's spring practice comes to a somewhat anticlimactic conclusion? Actually, there's still plenty worth watching, even if some of the biggest curiosities will remain just that until fall camp begins in August. Here's a rundown of some of the most noteworthy items of intrigue on display Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The QBs, of course
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State wrapped up its first scrimmage of the spring Monday, but if Jimbo Fisher is any closer to picking a starting quarterback, he's playing his cards awfully close to his chest.
"Ain't even close," he said even before he could be pushed on the subject.
Still, Monday's practice gave the four men vying for the job a chance to test their knowledge without Fisher looking over their shoulders on each play, and for the most part, the coach said he's pleased with the results.
"Guys did some nice things, but we've got a long way to go," Fisher said.
Fisher insisted each of the four quarterbacks rotated with the first- and second-team offenses, though left tackle Cameron Erving said his starting line worked more with Jameis Winston and Clint Trickett than the others.
In any case, Fisher said he made a point to put each quarterback in adverse situations to see how they might react.
"We wanted to see pass blocking and we wanted to see the quarterbacks set in the pocket vs. a live blitz, making them stay in the pocket and making the line have to block," Fisher said. "We wanted to do that deliberately."
While most of this is old hat for Trickett, who is now in his fourth year of scrimmages in Fisher's offense, Winston, Sean Maguire and Jacob Coker all had moments of optimism Monday, which fit well with what Fisher was expecting.
He's still far from the finish line in deciding this competition, but the upside is that the four contenders aren't making it any easier.
"It kind of reaffirmed some things I'm seeing in practice, which is that I'm not unhappy at all," Fisher said. "They need to be more consistent, but I imagined that right now in terms of where we're at."
"Ain't even close," he said even before he could be pushed on the subject.
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AP Photo/Don Juan MooreJimbo Fisher liked what he saw from his QBs on Monday but insists the competition still is wide open.
AP Photo/Don Juan MooreJimbo Fisher liked what he saw from his QBs on Monday but insists the competition still is wide open."Guys did some nice things, but we've got a long way to go," Fisher said.
Fisher insisted each of the four quarterbacks rotated with the first- and second-team offenses, though left tackle Cameron Erving said his starting line worked more with Jameis Winston and Clint Trickett than the others.
In any case, Fisher said he made a point to put each quarterback in adverse situations to see how they might react.
"We wanted to see pass blocking and we wanted to see the quarterbacks set in the pocket vs. a live blitz, making them stay in the pocket and making the line have to block," Fisher said. "We wanted to do that deliberately."
While most of this is old hat for Trickett, who is now in his fourth year of scrimmages in Fisher's offense, Winston, Sean Maguire and Jacob Coker all had moments of optimism Monday, which fit well with what Fisher was expecting.
He's still far from the finish line in deciding this competition, but the upside is that the four contenders aren't making it any easier.
"It kind of reaffirmed some things I'm seeing in practice, which is that I'm not unhappy at all," Fisher said. "They need to be more consistent, but I imagined that right now in terms of where we're at."
Editor’s note: Each day until the start of spring practice, we’ll pose a question facing Florida State's football team as it moves toward the 2013 season. Today’s question: Can FSU's offensive line continue to grow in 2013?
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The starting point was so low, it would've been nearly impossible for Florida State's offensive line to fall short of expectations last season.
In 2011, the line was horrendous -- allowing the most sacks in the conference, providing virtually no room to run, and forcing an injured EJ Manuel to be a one-man offense far too often. By season's end, Jimbo Fisher essentially went back to the drawing board and started from scratch, giving a starting nod in FSU's bowl game to four freshmen. It was a gesture that admitted there was nowhere to go but up.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The starting point was so low, it would've been nearly impossible for Florida State's offensive line to fall short of expectations last season.
In 2011, the line was horrendous -- allowing the most sacks in the conference, providing virtually no room to run, and forcing an injured EJ Manuel to be a one-man offense far too often. By season's end, Jimbo Fisher essentially went back to the drawing board and started from scratch, giving a starting nod in FSU's bowl game to four freshmen. It was a gesture that admitted there was nowhere to go but up.
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From the impending quarterback competition to finding replacements for departing juniors, Jimbo Fisher will have his work cut out for him during the next few months as he lays the groundwork for 2013.
With that in mind, we're going position by position looking at Florida State's strengths and weaknesses as the Seminoles prepare for the start of spring practice.
Previous entries can be found here.
Next up: Offensive Line
2012 recap: If success is determined as a matter of perspective, then 2012 was a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida State offensive line. It's not that the unit was dominant -- though at times, it was exceptional -- but rather that it came so far from the unmitigated disaster of 2011. Only center Bryan Stork was a holdover from the previous season's regular starters, while guards Tre Jackson and Josue Matias built on the foundation they laid in the 2011 bowl game. But it was the arrival of right tackle Menelik Watson and left tackle Cameron Erving that made the biggest impact. Overall, the line helped FSU to nearly double its rushing total from the previous season while trimming the number of sacks allowed from an ACC-worst 40 to a much more respectable 26.
With that in mind, we're going position by position looking at Florida State's strengths and weaknesses as the Seminoles prepare for the start of spring practice.
Previous entries can be found here.
Next up: Offensive Line
2012 recap: If success is determined as a matter of perspective, then 2012 was a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida State offensive line. It's not that the unit was dominant -- though at times, it was exceptional -- but rather that it came so far from the unmitigated disaster of 2011. Only center Bryan Stork was a holdover from the previous season's regular starters, while guards Tre Jackson and Josue Matias built on the foundation they laid in the 2011 bowl game. But it was the arrival of right tackle Menelik Watson and left tackle Cameron Erving that made the biggest impact. Overall, the line helped FSU to nearly double its rushing total from the previous season while trimming the number of sacks allowed from an ACC-worst 40 to a much more respectable 26.
Florida State's much-hyped quarterback competition was hardly at full speed during Thursday's drills. Jameis Winston was absent from the proceedings, part of a balancing act with his baseball career, and Jacob Coker was limited to a stationary bike due to a foot injury. But Jimbo Fisher said things are about to get much more interesting once spring practice begins, and he expects it to be a wide-open competition.
"I think I know what their abilities are, but you never know what somebody is capable of until they're put out there in a position to lead and take off," Fisher said. "You just have to let it happen and trust your eyes. Don't force it. Let them tell you. You can't tell them."
Among the three leading contenders for the job vacated by EJ Manuel, Clint Trickett was the only full participant Thursday, but both Winston and Coker should be back at work in time for spring practice, which begins March 20.
Coker has a minor foot injury and has been wearing a walking boot, but Fisher said he expects the sophomore "should be out there every day" this spring. Winston, who has been an integral part of the FSU baseball team thus far, will shift his focus back to football then, too, with Fisher assuring the freshman won't miss a single meeting or practice.
While Winston has only been a limited participant during fourth-quarter drills, his work has been impressive.
"He came over the other day and blew this thing away," Fisher said. "He flew around here like a wild man. He's in great shape, he's throwing, he's probably up there watching film by himself an hour or two hours a day. He's been right involved in the middle of everything."
While Winston has impressed, Fisher certainly isn't indicating he has a favorite in the race. In fact, he said he'll let what happens on the practice field -- both in the spring and potentially into fall camp -- decide who will win the starting job.
"It's going to be very interesting not only to see how they do their job but how they can make the other 10 guys around them do their job and make the guys on defense feel uncomfortable about them doing their job," Fisher said. "That's all important for a quarterback."
"I think I know what their abilities are, but you never know what somebody is capable of until they're put out there in a position to lead and take off," Fisher said. "You just have to let it happen and trust your eyes. Don't force it. Let them tell you. You can't tell them."
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Joel Auerbach/Getty ImagesHeralded quarterback Jameis Winston was redshirted last season.
Joel Auerbach/Getty ImagesHeralded quarterback Jameis Winston was redshirted last season.Coker has a minor foot injury and has been wearing a walking boot, but Fisher said he expects the sophomore "should be out there every day" this spring. Winston, who has been an integral part of the FSU baseball team thus far, will shift his focus back to football then, too, with Fisher assuring the freshman won't miss a single meeting or practice.
While Winston has only been a limited participant during fourth-quarter drills, his work has been impressive.
"He came over the other day and blew this thing away," Fisher said. "He flew around here like a wild man. He's in great shape, he's throwing, he's probably up there watching film by himself an hour or two hours a day. He's been right involved in the middle of everything."
While Winston has impressed, Fisher certainly isn't indicating he has a favorite in the race. In fact, he said he'll let what happens on the practice field -- both in the spring and potentially into fall camp -- decide who will win the starting job.
"It's going to be very interesting not only to see how they do their job but how they can make the other 10 guys around them do their job and make the guys on defense feel uncomfortable about them doing their job," Fisher said. "That's all important for a quarterback."
State of the Noles: Offensive Tackle
February, 20, 2013
Feb 20
8:30
AM ET
By NoleNation Staff | ESPN.com
NoleNation writers David Hale and Corey Dowlar are going position by position, looking at what FSU has on its roster now, and who might provide reinforcements down the line, projecting starters and evaluating the depth through 2015.
Up next, one of the biggest long-term needs for FSU: Offensive tackle.
Current scholarship offensive tackles (4): Cameron Erving (RJr.), Henry Orelus (RSSr.), Bobby Hart (Jr.), Wilson Bell (Fr.)
Potential early departures: The buzz surrounding Erving in his first season on the offensive line in 2012 was immense, making an early exit for the NFL a possibility. But throughout the year, he showed he still needed time to develop. He has the physical talent for the next level, but it remains to be seen if he'll be ready by the end of 2013.
Up next, one of the biggest long-term needs for FSU: Offensive tackle.
Current scholarship offensive tackles (4): Cameron Erving (RJr.), Henry Orelus (RSSr.), Bobby Hart (Jr.), Wilson Bell (Fr.)
Potential early departures: The buzz surrounding Erving in his first season on the offensive line in 2012 was immense, making an early exit for the NFL a possibility. But throughout the year, he showed he still needed time to develop. He has the physical talent for the next level, but it remains to be seen if he'll be ready by the end of 2013.
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From Jimbo Fisher decision to start four freshmen linemen in the bowl game a year ago to Brandon Jenkins returning and Greg Reid leaving before their senior seasons, the storylines that seemed the biggest at the time actually had relatively little impact on 2012 for FSU. As it turned out, only two of those young linemen saw significant playing time this season, Jenkins season ended in Week 1, and the secondary improved without Reid.
Sometimes, the biggest decisions float under the radar at the time, and it's only in retrospect that we figure out what really defined the season. With that in mind, here are the five decisions that probably made the biggest impact on the 2012 ACC champions.
1. West Virginia waves goodbye
The rumors started last December and by February it was official: West Virginia backed out of its scheduled non-conference trip to Tallahassee, leaving FSU scrambling for an opponent. The result was a horrific game against lowly Savannah State -- one that mercifully wasn't played to completion due to weather -- and months of bemoaning a weak schedule.
Thanks to two games against FCS foes and another down season in the ACC, the Seminoles were lambasted as untested and its conference title (and 12 wins) felt somewhat hollow, given that only Clemson and Florida provided legitimate obstacles in the minds of many fans.
2. Moving Cameron Erving, benching Bobby Hart
When the 2011 season ended, Erving was a prospect on the defensive line and Hart was ensconced as the starter at right tackle. By the end of spring practice, a lot had changed.
The young and talented Hart found himself in line coach Rick Trickett's doghouse, and by the time fall practice began, he had been moved inside to guard and was working with the second-team offense. That opened up room for Menelik Watson, a junior college transfer who blossomed into a star.
Erving was swapped from offense to defense -- with a little convincing -- and although he had his ups and downs this season, he provided a marked improvement in protecting EJ Manuel's blind side.
With Erving and Watson working the edges, FSU shaved 14 sacks off its total from 2011 and kept Manuel healthy enough to start all 14 games.
Sometimes, the biggest decisions float under the radar at the time, and it's only in retrospect that we figure out what really defined the season. With that in mind, here are the five decisions that probably made the biggest impact on the 2012 ACC champions.
1. West Virginia waves goodbye
The rumors started last December and by February it was official: West Virginia backed out of its scheduled non-conference trip to Tallahassee, leaving FSU scrambling for an opponent. The result was a horrific game against lowly Savannah State -- one that mercifully wasn't played to completion due to weather -- and months of bemoaning a weak schedule.
Thanks to two games against FCS foes and another down season in the ACC, the Seminoles were lambasted as untested and its conference title (and 12 wins) felt somewhat hollow, given that only Clemson and Florida provided legitimate obstacles in the minds of many fans.
2. Moving Cameron Erving, benching Bobby Hart
When the 2011 season ended, Erving was a prospect on the defensive line and Hart was ensconced as the starter at right tackle. By the end of spring practice, a lot had changed.
The young and talented Hart found himself in line coach Rick Trickett's doghouse, and by the time fall practice began, he had been moved inside to guard and was working with the second-team offense. That opened up room for Menelik Watson, a junior college transfer who blossomed into a star.
Erving was swapped from offense to defense -- with a little convincing -- and although he had his ups and downs this season, he provided a marked improvement in protecting EJ Manuel's blind side.
With Erving and Watson working the edges, FSU shaved 14 sacks off its total from 2011 and kept Manuel healthy enough to start all 14 games.
FSU's top juniors won't look past UF
November, 23, 2012
11/23/12
9:00
AM ET
By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- For EJ Manuel and the rest of Florida State's seniors, the moment is emotional by design. They'll take the field Saturday knowing its the last time they'll do so at Doak Campbell Stadium, a mix of nostalgia and finality.
The same could be true for junior Bjoern Werner, too, should he decide to enter the NFL draft at year's end, but he's choosing not to look at it that way.
"I'm just going to finish the season and think about it after the season," Werner said. "If I start thinking about it too early, I'm just going to mess up my game. We have big games -- Florida, an ACC championship, and hopefully an Orange Bowl. I can't think about that stuff."
Werner is one of a handful of Florida State underclassmen who could forgo a final season with the Seminoles in favor of an NFL career, which could make Saturday's game all the more significant if they let the weight of the decision sink in.
So far, however, they all appear to be following Werner's lead.
"I never put that pressure on me," said safety Lamarcus Joyner, whose draft future is perhaps the most uncertain of any of FSU's potential early departures. "That's something that has to be evaluated definitely at the end of the season."
Werner figures to be a sure first-round pick if he departs early, and cornerback Xavier Rhodes could be as well.
A year ago, as a redshirt sophomore, Rhodes weighed the decision, too, but an injury during FSU's bowl game made the choice easy. This time around, he's acutely aware that the finality of a season and a career can sneak up on a player -- whether or not he's thinking of heading to the NFL.
"Every game to me is emotional," Rhodes said. "You've got to cherish every second of it. That's how I go into every game."
Rhodes, Werner, Joyner and linebacker Christian Jones could all choose to leave at year's end, but that's still a decision that doesn't need to be made for a few weeks.
In the interim, there's a game with Florida -- a team none of the four juniors have lost to as active players. Keeping that streak alive means a lot more at this point than a career that may soon be ending.
The same could be true for junior Bjoern Werner, too, should he decide to enter the NFL draft at year's end, but he's choosing not to look at it that way.
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Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesAn injury at the end of last season kept CB Xavier Rhodes at FSU another year, but now the emotional player faces a huge decision.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesAn injury at the end of last season kept CB Xavier Rhodes at FSU another year, but now the emotional player faces a huge decision.Werner is one of a handful of Florida State underclassmen who could forgo a final season with the Seminoles in favor of an NFL career, which could make Saturday's game all the more significant if they let the weight of the decision sink in.
So far, however, they all appear to be following Werner's lead.
"I never put that pressure on me," said safety Lamarcus Joyner, whose draft future is perhaps the most uncertain of any of FSU's potential early departures. "That's something that has to be evaluated definitely at the end of the season."
Werner figures to be a sure first-round pick if he departs early, and cornerback Xavier Rhodes could be as well.
A year ago, as a redshirt sophomore, Rhodes weighed the decision, too, but an injury during FSU's bowl game made the choice easy. This time around, he's acutely aware that the finality of a season and a career can sneak up on a player -- whether or not he's thinking of heading to the NFL.
"Every game to me is emotional," Rhodes said. "You've got to cherish every second of it. That's how I go into every game."
Rhodes, Werner, Joyner and linebacker Christian Jones could all choose to leave at year's end, but that's still a decision that doesn't need to be made for a few weeks.
In the interim, there's a game with Florida -- a team none of the four juniors have lost to as active players. Keeping that streak alive means a lot more at this point than a career that may soon be ending.
Eagles provide added focus for FSU
October, 13, 2012
10/13/12
10:34
PM ET
By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- According to Florida State safety Lamarcus Joyner, there is a time and a place to talk trash to an opponent. And in Boston College's case, their timing was poor.
Linebacker Nick Clancy told Boston.com that he didn't think the Seminoles had the persistence to set aside a heartbreaking loss at North Carolina State.
“I think their mindset is, OK, we were these big-time recruits, they’re much more talented than us, we don’t belong on the field with them,” he said. “They think that we’re much less talented. But when it comes down to it, we’re just different type of people.
"We’re blue-collar people. We have a very strong work ethic. We know when adversity’s thrown in our face what to do and how to respond. And I think that’s what separates us.”
When the clock struck zero on Saturday night and the scoreboard read 51-7 in favor of Florida State, Clancy was apparently mistaken.
Sure, the Seminoles weren't thinking about those comments when their number was called in the huddle. They probably were more concerned with what route to run, what guy to block and the snap count.
But it was some added motivation that allowed for increased focus.
"I mean, those guys got what they were asking for," said Joyner. "That's all I'm saying. I don't want to be too arrogant about it, but that is what happens when you talk trash before the game starts.
"I will say this, I think they did it at the wrong time."
Starting left tackle Cameron Erving agreed. But playing in the trenches is a physical deal, and the reality was they were concerned more with their teammates assignments than the Eagles unfortunate phrasing.
"We heard it, processed it and just used it as motivation to help us to play hard," Erving said. "We already had the edge coming in because we just had to bounce back. At the same time, we were playing for each other, not for them."
Clancy, meanwhile, finished the game with five tackles.
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Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesFSU's Lamarcus Joyner had some motivation after some comments from a Boston College player.
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesFSU's Lamarcus Joyner had some motivation after some comments from a Boston College player.“I think their mindset is, OK, we were these big-time recruits, they’re much more talented than us, we don’t belong on the field with them,” he said. “They think that we’re much less talented. But when it comes down to it, we’re just different type of people.
"We’re blue-collar people. We have a very strong work ethic. We know when adversity’s thrown in our face what to do and how to respond. And I think that’s what separates us.”
When the clock struck zero on Saturday night and the scoreboard read 51-7 in favor of Florida State, Clancy was apparently mistaken.
Sure, the Seminoles weren't thinking about those comments when their number was called in the huddle. They probably were more concerned with what route to run, what guy to block and the snap count.
But it was some added motivation that allowed for increased focus.
"I mean, those guys got what they were asking for," said Joyner. "That's all I'm saying. I don't want to be too arrogant about it, but that is what happens when you talk trash before the game starts.
"I will say this, I think they did it at the wrong time."
Starting left tackle Cameron Erving agreed. But playing in the trenches is a physical deal, and the reality was they were concerned more with their teammates assignments than the Eagles unfortunate phrasing.
"We heard it, processed it and just used it as motivation to help us to play hard," Erving said. "We already had the edge coming in because we just had to bounce back. At the same time, we were playing for each other, not for them."
Clancy, meanwhile, finished the game with five tackles.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The hype built for months, but really, the questions about Florida State's resurgence had been offered for nearly a decade. On Saturday, however, the buzz finally intersected with reality, and Florida State issued an emphatic statement, toppling No. 10 Clemson 49-37.
From EJ Manuel's marquee performance to the second-half defensive resurgence, there were plenty of heroes. And throughout Clemson's torrid first half, marked by self-inflicted wounds by FSU, there were some goats, too.
Here's a look at who played the biggest role in digging Florida State's early hole and who made the biggest impact as they climbed back out.
From EJ Manuel's marquee performance to the second-half defensive resurgence, there were plenty of heroes. And throughout Clemson's torrid first half, marked by self-inflicted wounds by FSU, there were some goats, too.
Here's a look at who played the biggest role in digging Florida State's early hole and who made the biggest impact as they climbed back out.
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ABOUT NOLE NATION
David Hale
David Hale joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering the Philadelphia Phillies for The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the University of Georgia for The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. Hale has written about college and professional sports since 2004. He currently lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and can be reached at davidmhale@gmail.com.
Corey Dowlar
Corey Dowlar joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering Florida State and South Florida athletics for 247Sports.com and Rivals.com. Dowlar has written about Florida State sports and recruiting since 2007. He currently lives in Clearwater, Fla., and can be reached at cdowlar@gmail.com.