Fisher expects help from unlikely candidates
TALLAHASSEE — Florida State’s wide receivers depth may not be ideal, but Jimbo Fisher believes he has a true freshman, a former walk-on and a senior defensive back who can contribute to the passing game not just due to “necessity” but because of their emerging talent.
Four-star newcomer Tamarrion Terry, who was rated as a top 35 receiver nationally by 247Sports.com, has earned high praise from coaches and teammates for his gogetter mentality.
During FSU’s open practice last week, Terry (6-foot-4, 208 pounds) took on standout defenders Tarvarus McFadden and Derwin James in oneon-one drills.
Terry’s length, size and long strides while running gave McFadden and James a challenge Fisher hopes to use against opposing defenders at some point this season.
“He's growing and getting better and better,” Fisher said of Terry. “This guy learns well. He's big. He's athletic, can run and has really good ball skills.
“I think he'll have a great ceiling. He's coming [along] pretty quick, too.”
Jared Jackson, a former preferred walk-on who was going to attend Florida A&M, got great praise and criticism from Fisher during the same open practice.
When Jackson had a miscue during the session, Fisher yelled: “I want to play you, but you don’t like being played.”
The scolding was meant to encourage Jackson, a 6-foot-2, 200-pounder who played in 13 games last season, mostly on special teams. He also had three catches for 51 yards during FSU’s spring game in April.
“Jared Jackson can play. He can play in this rotation,” Fisher said emphatically. “If he’s stays consistent in what he’s doing, Jared Jackson can help us, and can help us win.”
During his time at Florida State, Fisher has been credited with switching players to different positions to help improve the team and their football careers. Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, a former receiver, and Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Cam Erving, a former defensive tackle, are two examples.
In the case of senior defensive back Malique Jackson, who has moved to receiver this preseason after sparingly playing in 17 games on special teams during his career, Fisher wishes he moved him sooner.
“I know that sounds crazy, but Malique picks it up,” Fisher said. “You talk about live legs that can run, and ball skills? Malique Jackson will make an impact for us this year. That’s not from necessity. That’s from talent. Wish I would’ve done that two years ago.”
True freshman D.J. Matthews, a consensus four-star prospect from Jacksonville, also got positive reviews during the preseason before a hamstring injury has sidelined him late last week.
“D.J. reminds me of [former receiver] Kenny [Shaw,] so much with being as small as he is but great, great ball skills,” FSU receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey said earlier this week. “Great quickness, great jumping ability and great routes.”
Florida State expects all four players to contribute behind quarterback Deondre Francois, third-year players Nyqwan Murray, Auden Tate and George Campbell and sophomore Keith Gavin this season.
“This is as thin as I've been since we've been here it's going to be a challenge,” Dawsey said. “The talent is there. They can get the job done. If they continue doing what they've done, it's going to be a great year for Francois.”