FSU Seminoles

Each season brings with it new expectations, and a handful of Seminoles will bear the brunt of the pressure to perform in 2013. We're counting down the top 10 FSU players being counted on the most to help the Seminoles live up to expectations.

No. 7: RB James Wilder Jr.

2012 performance: Wilder rebounded nicely from a slew of off-field distractions to become a consistent producer in FSU's backfield. He topped 100 yards in his first game of the season and finished as perhaps the Seminoles' most consistent performer in the backfield, rushing for 635 yards and 11 touchdowns and hauling in 19 catches for 136 yards and two TDs.

Pressure point: Wilder finally quieted the critics who thought he wasn't suited for offense, but there's still plenty more to accomplish, and the weight of this year's offense rests largely on his shoulders -- both on and off the field. Wilder still figures to split carries with Devonta Freeman, but with a first-year starter at quarterback, there's likely to be a major emphasis on running the ball successfully. Moreover, Wilder has quickly embraced the role of vocal leader on offense, and he'll need to show he's matured beyond the off-field problems that dogged the early part of his career.

If he succeeds: Life gets a lot easier for Jameis Winston (or whoever wins the QB job) if the running game is producing, and Jimbo Fisher figures to put the onus for that on Wilder and Freeman in the early going. Fisher has raved about Wilder's ability -- not just to run between the tackles but to get outside for big runs, pick up blitzes and work as a receiver out of the backfield. He arrived at FSU as a five-star prospect and he hasn't quite reached that potential yet -- but there's ample reason for optimism. While FSU will need its new quarterback to rise to the occasion from time to time, Wilder can do a lot to minimize the occasions on which the game falls entirely on the QB's shoulders.

If he fails: Wilder and Freeman enjoyed relative success in 2012 even after Chris Thompson's season ended abruptly, but there were some troubling games, too -- such as the debacle at Virginia Tech. The Hokies stacked the box and rendered FSU's ground game completely ineffective, and with an offseason of film study and a new QB running the show, odds are more defenses will take a similar approach this year. The onus for overcoming that will likely fall to Wilder, who embraces the opportunity to get the hard-earned yards through contact. If he can't do it -- or if the pounding takes its toll on his body -- the rest of FSU's backfield lacks anything close to that same physicality or blocking ability, and Fisher's options would be far more limited.

Projection: It's tough to predict a 1,000-yard type of season for Wilder because he'll likely share the workload with Freeman and, of course, no FSU runner has reached that mark in nearly two decades. Still, Wilder has an NFL skill set and he'll get his chance to show he's on that path. Staying healthy will be a big key -- he was bruised and battered throughout 2012 and missed this year's spring game -- and he'll need to show he's more versatile outside the tackles. If Wilder can do both, he should easily exceed last year's totals, be FSU's best red-zone threat and, with a little luck, he might even be able to finally put an end to that inexplicably long drought of 1,000-yard runners.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has no problem with quarterback Jameis Winston continuing to play both football and baseball, even now that it appears the highly touted redshirt freshman has the inside track to win the starting job.

Though Fisher maintains the quarterback competition remains open, Winston seemingly emerged as the front-runner to win the job following a spectacular spring game and the eventual transfer of veteran Clint Trickett.

"I’m not going to limit what he does," Fisher said Tuesday during ACC spring meetings. "If that’s something he helps that team with -- he loves football, he loves baseball and we’ll continue to monitor and do the same things we do."

He later added, "You don’t put parameters on people just because somebody else didn’t do it. Charlie [Ward] did it, Deion [Sanders] did it, Sammie Smith did it. Florida State’s had quite a number of them. And [Jameis] continues to do it very well."

Winston juggled both sports throughout spring practice with no problems. He has appeared in 31 baseball games with 26 starts and is batting .293. He also has made 14 appearances as a relief pitcher with a 1.80 ERA.

Fisher has never had a quarterback play two sports. In fact, two-sport athletes are becoming increasingly rare as players become more specialized in one sport.

But Fisher says, "I think the relationship’s gone very well. Testing the waters in spring I thought he handled it extremely well and did very well with it. It goes back to the individual. Is he capable of handling it? And he’s handled it with ease. He’s excelled in both things that he’s done."

A few more notes from Fisher:

• Fisher didn't want to publicly comment on signee Matthew Thomas, who made headlines last week when he said he wanted out of his letter of intent. Athletic director Randy Spetman told The Tallahassee Democrat the school wouldn't release Thomas. Coaches continue to have discussions with his mom to see whether they can get Thomas to come up to Tallahassee. "We're working behind the scenes and I'm not going to comment publicly," Fisher said.
• Fisher also seemed a little surprised that receiver Marvin Bracy decided to quit football to focus on track. "We had a great conversation," Fisher said. "Just he was more undecided about what he wanted to do. I just wanted him to make sure if you’re going to go pro track, is it what’s best for you? Are you going to maximize the money you can make or the opportunity for your life or what’s your education down the road, what’s the big picture? I hope he’s done that."

Each season brings with it new expectations, and a handful of Seminoles will bear the brunt of the pressure to perform in 2013. We're counting down the top 10 FSU players being counted on the most to help the Seminoles live up to expectations.

No. 10: WR Kelvin Benjamin

2012 performance: As a redshirt freshman, Benjamin showed flashes of meeting his immense potential, but overall it was something of a disappointing season. Benjamin finished the year with 30 catches for 495 yards and four TDs, but he averaged just 10 yards per game over his final five contests of the year.

Pressure point: Odds are, FSU's receiving corps is deep enough that a down season by Benjamin wouldn't wreak havoc on the passing game, but a breakout season from the highly touted sophomore could be the difference between a solid unit and an elite one. Rodney Smith is gone, leaving a major vacancy on offense for a receiver with size -- something Benjamin has in spades -- to help out a first-year starting quarterback. But Benjamin has suffered from maturity issues in his first two years in the program, and the jury is still out on whether he can figure it all out.

If he succeeds: Jameis Winston -- or whoever lands the starting QB job -- will have a huge target to work with, opening the door for a potentially explosive offense. While Rashad Greene, Greg Dent and Kenny Shaw offer some sure-handed options in the receiving corps, Benjamin's combination of size and speed are a unique weapon few defenses can handle. He's a deep threat, but he's also got the height and strength to be one of the top red-zone targets in the country.

If he fails: Greene still figures to be one of the ACC's top receivers, so FSU won't be bereft of talent even if Benjamin falters. Still, it would be incredibly frustrating to see a player with so much obvious talent languish for another year. And while Benjamin would still have two more seasons to develop, it's hard to envision the same enthusiasm from fans following him into 2014 if he doesn't show some immense signs of improvement.

Projection: Consistency is really the key for Benjamin, who readily admitted he'd lose focus often last season. What's more concerning is that, as Jimbo Fisher entrusted him with more and more big-play opportunities in crucial moments, Benjamin struggled more and more. Can a guy grow up that much during one offseason? It's certainly possible, and Benjamin now has the luxury of a year on the field under his belt. He knows what it'll take to succeed, but the question is whether he'll put in the work. Regardless, he's got the talent to be a solid receiver, even if he never develops into the superstar so many projected. A reasonable improvement on last year's numbers -- say, 40 catches and 700 yards -- would be a solid season, but FSU would much prefer Benjamin do a better job of maintaining a higher level of play rather than occasionally contributing monster outings.

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.

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston stole the show in the Seminoles’ spring game, but the departure of former quarterback Clint Trickett will not mean an automatic promotion for Winston, coach Jimbo Fisher said on Wednesday.

(Some don't believe this.)

Despite Winston's jaw-dropping athleticism, FSU will head into fall camp with an open competition remaining, and Winston and Jacob Coker will continue to split reps, Fisher said.

“We’re still going to break it up,” Fisher said. “Jameis had an outstanding spring … but Jacob Coker will still be in that battle and so will Sean [Maguire], but Jacob and Jameis will really be battling hard for that job, and Sean has really developed; I’m very pleased with him.

“We’ll split those reps and we’ll keep it because I think we still have some outstanding quarterbacks on this team. We’ll [see] how the consistency relays through, but I was very pleased with those guys in spring practice.”

Fisher said that Coker played three quarters of the spring with a broken foot, so he is eager to see how Coker competes when at full strength.

“He’s a big, strong guy who can think, really knows the offense, tough guy, big-time arm strength, can get the ball vertically and throw the underneath game,” Fisher said. “And Winston has all the tools, also. I’m very excited for those guys and their futures here.”

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Because Jimbo Fisher hasn't been entirely forthcoming about Florida State's quarterback race, there's been a wealth of assumptions on the part of the fan base.

In most cases, the tea-leaf reading hasn't been all that tough, but at a recent booster club event in Pensacola, Fisher had an interesting statement that might undermine at least one of those assumptions.

During the Q&A portion of the event, a fan asked Fisher to compare outgoing quarterback EJ Manuel with the presumed 2013 starter, Jameis Winston. His answer was a bit surprising.

"Jameis is a very talented young man," Fisher said. "He and EJ are different. EJ might run a little better and be a hair bigger. I think Jameis throws the ball a little better overall."

What's so surprising is that Fisher's analysis is at odds with the popular perception that Manuel's greatest asset was his high completion percentage, while Winston has the athleticism to allow FSU to open up its offense.

As Winston's case to become the starting quarterback has grown, so have the arguments from fans who think Fisher can embrace a more wide-open style that allows his quarterback to run with the ball early and often. In fact, the comparisons between Winston and Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel have already begun -- even if they're not entirely fair.

But what Fisher's assessment of Winston's athleticism indicates is something that probably should have been fairly obvious even before: His offense isn't going to change, regardless of which player is starting at quarterback.

Even if you want to argue with Fisher's assumption that Manuel was the better athlete, it's worth noting that QB runs were never a big part of Florida State's game plan. Here's the breakdown during Fisher's six years as offensive coordinator, which included seasons with Drew Weatherford, Christian Ponder and Manuel.

(Read full post)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Clint Trickett's decision to transfer from Florida State might have narrowed the playing field in the Seminoles' quarterback competition, but Jimbo Fisher still isn't making anything official when it comes to naming a starter.

The clear implication from Trickett's departure is that redshirt freshman Jameis Winston is in command for the job, but Fisher said Thursday he plans to keep it an open competition into fall camp.

"They have to go into fall camp and still perform," Fisher said. "Spring is one thing, and you got an indication of what we're capable of and where we're going, but we have to continue to grow and continue those performances with consistency going into fall camp and throughout summer and all through the season. There's always competition."

Fisher might be insistent on a quiet public approach to the job, but all signs point to Winston being in the driver's seat to take over for EJ Manuel as the Seminoles' starter in 2013.

Trickett entered spring atop the depth chart, but Winston's reps with the first-team offense grew over the course of spring practice, and his spring game performance -- 12-of-15 passing for 205 yards and two touchdowns -- was clearly enough to push Trickett out the door.

While Fisher didn't discuss an updated depth chart publicly, he said following the spring game that the quarterbacks would have a clear understanding of where they stood.

"You're honest about what's going on, our response," Fisher said. "If you're honest every day with them, that's the key. The key is to be open and honest with them -- and they know. They know what you're looking for. In the end, they'll know."

After evaluating the film, Fisher's impressions of Winston certainly underscore why Trickett decided to leave. While Winston wasn't perfect, Fisher raved about how quickly he picked up the offense.

"He was very good, made good decisions with the ball, as accurate, as very calm under pressure," Fisher said. "Handled the poise, understood the situations. He had a couple mistakes in there, even on some of the good plays, the process in which he went about it would've been better. But he was very productive, seized the moment, and I thought he took advantage of things, which you want guys to do. That's what you want to see. I was very pleased with his performance, and he's a very fun guy to coach."

Trickett met with Fisher this week and informed the coach of his decision to transfer. Both parties declined to offer details of the meeting, but Fisher said his long relationship with Trickett and his family -- father Rick Trickett is FSU's offensive line coach -- made it a difficult conversation but an easy decision to grant the transfer request.

"We had a long discussion, and he had some things that he wanted to do, and I’m backing him 100 percent," Fisher said. "I hate losing him, we loved to have him, he was a heck of a player for us, he would have been a heck of a player for us, but that’s the way things are sometimes, and we wish him nothing but the best."

Trickett plans to visit several schools before making a decision on where he'll transfer.

With the veteran Trickett gone, sophomore Jacob Coker and redshirt freshman Sean Maguire remain in competition with Winston heading into fall camp. Coker is the only quarterback on the roster to have experience in a college game.

Fisher praised both Coker's and Maguire's potential, but as he provided analysis of the spring performance for each of the three quarterbacks, it seemed clear Winston had made the most progress in turning potential into performance.

"Jameis has a really good grasp on things, has developed in the system really well, is very intelligent, and athletically he can make the throws," Fisher said.

Jameis Winston arrived at Florida State with all of the hype and expectations that come with being the top-rated quarterback recruit in the country.

Everybody saw why Saturday in his Tallahassee debut. Winston stepped onto the field at Doak Campbell Stadium for his first game in a Seminoles uniform. Sure, it was a spring game, but this one was hugely important. The starting quarterback job was hanging in the balance.

Winston entered the game for the first time in the second quarter. He stepped back to pass. The result? A 58-yard touchdown pass to David Tyrrell that sent jaws dropping. Winston got better from there, leading the No. 1 offense on two more scoring drives. He ended up with just three incompletions on the day and 205 yards passing -- thoroughly and completely outplaying presumed No. 1 quarterback Clint Trickett.

Four days later, Trickett announced his decision to leave the Seminoles.

Jimbo Fisher has not announced a starter for 2013, but the timing does not seem to be a coincidence. After that performance Saturday, Trickett had to know the Jameis Winston era was about to unfold in Tallahassee.

Trickett has done his part for the Seminoles, serving as the backup to EJ Manuel the past two seasons. He started twice in 2011 when Manuel was hurt. Though Fisher declared the starting quarterback job open this spring, Trickett went into practice No. 1 on the depth chart, given his experience and knowledge of the offense. Of the four players competing for the starting job, he had the most extensive game action.

But what Trickett has in experience and knowledge, Winston beats in talent and astounding potential. See: Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel tweeting about Winston following the spring game, writing, "Hearing this Jameis Winston kid is a baller out at Florida State. Spring Football dominating and pitching on the baseball team."

Indeed, Winston left the spring game and headed over to the baseball field, playing in the second game of a doubleheader against Duke. Winston ended up with one hit and is batting .282 on the season while compiling a 2.45 ERA and two saves in 14.2 innings as a reliever.

For many, it was a foregone conclusion that Winston would win the starting job just based on his prep credentials. The man he is most often compared to, Charlie Ward, attended the spring game and believed the same, telling the Orlando Sentinel, "He's special. There's no question about it."

Winston seems poised and mature for his age, a player who is used to high expectations and immense hype given his high school career. He also seems humble, saying after his magnificent spring game, "I got to get better. I still have to get better on my reads and play recognition. It's just so many different things and different aspects of my game that I have to improve on. I don't really have a comfort zone with my performance right now."

Winston could be the next Seminoles great. He could do what Ward did and what Chris Weinke did. He could end up being better than both. The time for him to begin living up to all those expectations starts now.

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.

First up: The quarterbacks

The question: Which of Florida State's four talented backups could take over for EJ Manuel and win the starting job?

The possibilities: Clint Trickett entered the spring as the de facto No. 1 thanks to two career starts and three years on the sideline as Manuel's backup. Sophomore Jacob Coker was next in line, followed by redshirt freshmen Jameis Winston and Sean Maguire. Each had their supporters, but Winston's recruiting pedigree made him the most intriguing of the bunch.

What we learned this spring: Winston can back up the hype. The freshman split his attention between football and baseball throughout the spring but still wound up as the most impressive of the four candidates vying for the job, which speaks to his athletic ability and mental resolve.

"I don't have a social life," Winston joked.

Winston might not have time to get out much these days, but he's certainly got his share of admirers. He worked his way from third string to effectively splitting reps with the No. 1 offense by the end of spring practice, and he delivered in the spring game, completing 12 of 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

What's left to decide: Jimbo Fisher still isn't naming a starter, and Trickett and, to a lesser degree, Coker and Maguire remain in the mix. But Winston has clearly established himself as a potential star. Whether he starts the opener remains to be seen, but the notion that he'll eventually be Florida State's starting quarterback feels like something of an inevitability at this point.