Currently, sitting inside the Top 25, is Florida State for real? With two of their four wins coming against LSU and Louisville, let’s see what Mike Norvell’s teams are all about!
Florida State – Offense
Quarterback
It all starts with Jordan Travis, this 6’1” signal-caller is playing smart and protecting the ball. He has enough speed to extend plays with his legs, move the pocket or run for solid gains. When it comes to arm strength, he makes deep throws (See LSU) or off-balance throws with solid accuracy.
Running Back
Trey Benson stands out as a runner and showed some great moves on the kickoff return for a TD against Boston College. My concern with him is his upright running style, he has some power but keep an eye on that. Treshaun Ward is probably my favorite runner on the team, his initial burst shows and I think he could be a day two pick when he comes out. So far, Ward leads the backfield in carries but this team has no problem riding the hot hand each week.
Wide Receivers
Can’t talk about the wideouts without talking about the next of Michael Pittman’s sons in line for the NFL (potentially). Mycah Pittman, the former 4-star prospect that was originally with Oregon is currently tied for 2nd on the team with 12 catches. I anticipate his opportunity coming to join his brother in the league sooner rather than later. Mycah’s not as big as his brother but brings a similar physical style that will transition well to the NFL.
Johnny Wilson leads the team in receptions and is a bigger play threat (averaging 20.9 ypc on 13 receptions). Wilson is also one of the biggest receivers in college around 6’6”/6’7” and I’m sure he gets a chance in the NFL as well. I like that Wilson doesn’t wait for the ball to hit his body, he goes after the ball every time. His routes don’t appear to be the most crisp but that can get better, otherwise, I see no big issues.
I’ll reserve the right to change my thoughts on the tight ends but FSU appears to use them more for blocking than anything. Camren McDonald’s been used for some pass-catching but just six catches over four games, there’s not much to read into. Used more as a blocker, we just need to see more. I can’t say he gets to the league just yet.
Offensive Line
So far they’ve graded out better as run blockers than pass blockers, according to PFF. Though as pass blockers, they’ve only given up four sacks on the year, so there’s that! I will say both QBs have enough agility to be able to make defenders miss, so I’d trust what Shane and Brian say here about their NFL prospects along the offensive line!
Florida State – Defense
This defense is pretty opportunistic thus far, getting 10 sacks, 3 Interceptions, and a forced fumble so far in 2022. They have some young guys to keep an eye on, in terms of NFL prospects soon it’s probably their safeties Jammie Robinson or Akeem Dent (maybe) with the best chance.
Of the younger players, Jared Verse who’s working to come back from injury has definitely been a player to watch. Three sacks in three games is a nice stat but he needs reps and development, there’s definitely something there though!
Tatum Bethune, the UCF transfer is a linebacker that definitely could show out and has so far. He has the smarts to attack the ball, not just the ball carrier. He is the leading tackler from the linebackers and has more than enough ability to get a shot in the NFL.
So Are The Seminoles For Real?
I think we can say they are definitely moving in the right direction. Good recruiting, smart coaching, and talented players add up to a challenge for any opponent they face in 2022! The next three weeks will be the ultimate test, they face three ranked opponents each week.
If they can get through this “murderers row” of games, including Clemson, we will have a good idea of what this team is made of. I believe Coach Norvell is moving in the right direction, and in time this could be a playoff team.
Any questions or just want to keep the conversation going, hit me up on Twitter Feel free to @ me or DM me and we can talk more about him and the rest of the 2023 NFL Draft, and don’t forget to check out our Mock Draft’s here on Draft Countdown!