Manuel steps into new role with ACC Network
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Florida State Seminoles will be well represented when the new ACC Network launches in August, and not just on the field.
During the 2019 ACC Kickoff, former FSU quarterback EJ Manuel was introduced as one of the network’s on-air analysts and will be on the air regularly, along with former University of Miami linebacker Jon Beason, former Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt and others.
“I’m super excited,” Manuel said of his career move. “Obviously being an ACC guy playing at FSU, winning the ACC championship in 2012, getting the chance to come back and work for this conference is something I’m super proud of.
“I think it says a lot about the way that we handled ourselves when I was at Florida State and always being courteous and conscious to the media. Now working for the media myself, I couldn’t be happier.”
Manuel, who majored in communications during his time at FSU from 2008-2012, said his FSU education that helped prepare him for this position.
“A bunch of professors were really pivotal in helping me get to this level now where I feel extremely comfortable in front of the camera,” he said. “… It’s funny because this is something I’ve always wanted to do, anyway, so I made it to the NFL, played there and then I wanted to get into media and this job came to me, so I couldn’t be happier.”
He had the opportunity to meet with FSU coach Willie Taggart, wide receiver Tamorrion Terry and defensive tackle Marvin Wilson during the ACC Kickoff, and Manuel said he’s optimistic about his alma mater heading into the 2019 season.
“I think they’re going to have a great season. Look, coach Taggart was in his first year. He comes in and didn’t really get a chance to recruit at all because he pretty much just started the season,” Manuel said. “Now that he’s had a whole offseason to recruit some players, you know it takes time. It’s not an overnight process. I think they have the talent to be a really good team, but I really think it’s about the players buying in.”
He added that he’s quite high on projected starting quarterback James Blackman.
“I think James is going to have a great year,” he said. “It wasn’t as pretty as everybody wanted, but those are the things that you need to learn in order to have a great season now. Hopefully James has looked back at that film and said, ‘Look, I’m much more of a grown player now than I was a year or two ago,’
“And I’m looking forward to seeing him grow a ton.”
While the ACC title seems to be Clemson’s to lose, Manuel said the way the conference plays out, anyone can pull off the upset, including FSU.
“I see them right up at the top with everyone else,” Manuel said when asked where he ranks FSU entering the 2019 season. “This is tough conference. Of course Clemson is who they are; they won a national championship, but this is one of those conferences where you can lose any Saturday. I’m talking about Florida State, I’m talking about Clemson, Syracuse, everybody. You have to come out to the game with a clear mindset and a clear plan for each team every week because anybody can beat you in this conference.”