QB Blackman unfazed by new system
This routine is probably getting old for FSU quarterback James Blackman.
Another year, another system to learn. Another year, a different head coach for the redshirt junior.
With spring practice underway for the Seminoles, Blackman is under the tutelage of his third different head coach and in his fourth different offense. Things seem different under new coach Mike Norvell, though.
When Norvell arrived in December, he emphasized getting FSU back on track. In a little more than two months, Blackman has sensed a radical shift in philosophy between Norvell and his staff and former coaches Willie Taggart and Jimbo Fisher.
“Honestly, it’s just the culture,” Blackman said. “The way they detail things, the focus that we have on things, and the way they push. They are ready to rip you at any time, and you just gotta be ready to respond and I feel like that’s just the best asset that we have right now. You have a coach that’s willing to tell you when you’re doing wrong and willing to pat you on the back when you’re doing good, but also just push you to be better every day.”
Much-needed self-criticism was required for an underachieving team the past three seasons. Before Fisher bolted for Texas A&M, FSU went 7-6. During Taggart’s first season, the Seminoles’ NCAArecord streak of 36 bowls was snapped. Taggart was fired last season after just 21 games at the helm, and Odell Haggins filled in on an interim basis and led FSU to the Sun Bowl.
FSU players had to look in the mirror to understand what was going wrong, and Blackman said that process started when Norvell took over.
Blackman said he’s gained 10 pounds. He wakes up at 1 a.m. each day to have a protein shake and eats at least six meals a day. The South Bay native said he doesn’t exactly know how many calories he consumes each day, but he is following the blueprint laid out by Norvell, strength and conditioning coach Josh Storms and director of sports nutrition Marisa Faibish.
“Every day is not perfect, but you get 1% better every day,” Blackman said.
The improved strength could be an asset in offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham’s scheme, which will likely call for Blackman and the rest of the quarterbacks to sometimes move out of the pocket.
Blackman said there is more structure, detail and heightened focus in meetings, the weight room and on the field since spring practice began Saturday.
And there seems to be more accountability when players make mistakes but reinforcement when players do the correct things. Blackman felt himself becoming complacent under the previous regime.
“From past experience, like the last two years, I honestly found myself getting comfortable missing throws, missing reads because I just didn’t have that extra voice behind me pushing me and making sure I be consistent every day,” Blackman said. “So you can feel that focus and that attention to detail around here and you can feel that in the atmosphere again.”
There is no guarantee Blackman, who started 10 of 12 games last season, will be the starting quarterback when the season begins. Backup Jordan Travis and true freshman Tate Rodemaker are pushing for playing time. Freshman signee Chubba Purdy will join the fray when he gets on campus in the summer.
Blackman might have the inside track for the starting gig because of his experience, but he will have to prove it to Norvell, who will continue to push him.
“There’s no secret about it, I tell every quarterback they’re going to be coached the hardest on this football team,” Norvell said. “They’re going to be held to the highest standard because when you play that position, all eyes are on you. And sometimes when things are going great, you got too much positive [attention], and when things are not going very well, sometimes you get too much negative [attention]. But at the end of the day, you gotta be able to handle that and be able to respond. I’ve really been pleased with what I’ve seen from James.
“The things that he’s doing outside of what we’re asking him to do and the things that he’s trying to do to continue to grow has been really pleasing. He knows there’s going to be great competition moving forward and he’s excited about the opportunity.”