Commentary

Summer Stock: Florida State

An emerging new quarterback (EJ Manuel) and a talented D have Noles thinking big

Originally Published: May 17, 2011

By KC Joyner | ESPN Insider

This is the second article in our "Summer Stock" series, a three-week look at the programs generating the most buzz coming out of spring practice.

Florida State Seminoles

Potential.

Some coaches view this word as the quickest avenue to losing a job -- nothing will get a coach fired quicker than leading a team that doesn't play up to its perceived talent level.

But Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher isn't backing away from the perception that his 2011 squad is loaded with potential. The Noles are coming off their first 10-win season since 2003 and are being viewed as a national championship contender, even though they'll be starting a new quarterback (EJ Manuel) and will be facing a challenging schedule.

And while that situation alone might cause many coaches to ratchet down the expectation levels, Fisher is embracing the challenge. And there are certainly many reasons for him to be confident.

To read more about the Florida State Seminoles' chances of contending for a national title, plus a preview of their offensive, defensive and special-teams units, become an ESPN Insider today.