Maguire: Blackman will be ready

TALLAHASSEE — Former Florida State Sean Maguire remembers a thing or two thrust into action for the Seminoles.

As true freshman quarterback James Blackman assumes the starting job for the injured Deondre Francois, Maguire has the utmost faith in coach Jimbo Fisher’s preparation before Saturday’s game against NC State. “It is crazy,” Maguire said of FSU’s quarterback situation. “I don’t know much about the kid. [Blackman] obviously wasn’t there when I was there, and I don’t remember much from his recruiting standpoint.

“But I know how Coach Fisher recruits quarterbacks so I don’t think I’d be the slightest bit worried. I know how he prepares people for big time start on short notice, that’s for sure.

“I think this kid will be ready, and I wish him the best of luck. He’s got a great team around him.”

Maguire is speaking from experience. His first career start came against Clemson in 2014, with then-starter Jameis Winston suspended for the game. Maguire led the Seminoles to an overtime win that helped them stay on track for a third straight ACC championship that season. Maguire wishes Francois a speedy recovery. “It’s terrible. You never want to see someone get hurt, especially with the season he had last year and how much he was going to be able to grow,” Maguire said of Francois. “But he’ll come back, and I think he’ll have a phenomenal year next year.”

Next game: No. 12 FSU vs. NC State, Saturday, noon, ABC

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