Intrigue revolves around backup QB
Redshirt sophomore, true freshman are vying for the spot
Jordan Travis is no stranger to quarterback competitions at Florida State.
The West Palm Beach native has had to prove himself worthy to others around him. Even as the Seminoles wrap up spring football camp next week with Travis as the clear-cut starter, there always will be competition.
“Jordan is our starting quarterback,” coach Mike Norvell reiterated after FSU’s second scrimmage Saturday. “He’s done a phenomenal job. You better have competition at every position. Does that push guys? Yes, and you need to be pushed. Everybody does.”
While Travis has cemented the top spot in the quarterback room, the competition between redshirt sophomore Tate Rodemaker and true freshman AJ Duffy has drawn interest.
“It’s exciting to see how they’re competing,” said Norvell. “Tate and AJ are showing that they are competing to be ready when their numbers are called.”
Rodemaker was thrown into the mix early as a true freshman in 2020, playing in four games with one start. Since then, it’s been the way he’s embraced the nuances of what it takes to be a college quarterback that’s impressed his coaches.
“He’s doing what I expected him to do,” said Norvell. “I saw steps last year in what he was doing, but I knew this would be a big spring for him. He’s shown confidence . ... I’m impressed.”
His performance in Saturday’s scrimmage drew praise, but new offensive coordinator Alex Atkins doesn’t believe Rodemaker will challenge Travis for the starting job just yet.
“I don’t think it’s more about pushing Jordan.It’s just becoming the best quarterback he can become,” said Atkins. “Of course, we look at everything as a competition in football, and this is more of Tate becoming the best player he can become and getting better each day. Jordan is the QB, but I like to see Tate progress just like Jordan had before he was the guy.
“Competition comes with the job, but everyone’s job is to become better each day.”
Norvell has seen the transformation from Travis, who went from third-stringer to starter in two short seasons.
“He’s done a lot of things throughout his career and even the improvement he’s shown from the fall to the spring,” Norvell said. “He is in a much better place than he was at any point last year just in his skill set and understanding of the offense.
“It’s been fun to see and I’m excited about that quarterback group and the steps that we’ve seen and the competition.”
Dent shines for defense: The defense drew strong praise for its performance in Saturday’s scrimmage for the second week in a row. Again, the first team was disruptive, creating miscues and shifting momentum, including redshirt junior defensive back Akeem Dent.
“He had two big picks today and that’s what a safety does,” said defensive coordinator Adam Fuller. “I do think Akeem is feeling comfortable. Akeem needs to be put in a position and once you tell him what to do, he’s very good at doing it.”
Dent has appeared in 30 games (18 starts) during his career in the secondary. He’s coming off his best season in 2021, when he had 44 tackles with 5 pass breakups, an interception and is one of 10 defensive backs with starting experience.
“Akeem is a very talented young man,” said Norvell. “He has excellent range and speed. That playmaking ability is something that has made the transition from corner to safety [better].”