Spring game will honor ’Noles past success

TALLAHASSEE — New Florida State coach Willie Taggart was in disbelief the first time he walked into Doak Campbell Stadium after being hired in December, reaching the 50-yard line and marveling at his name spelled correctly on the scoreboards.

During his first five months on the job, Taggart has often gazed at Bobby Bowden Field from his new office and taken several walks on his new canvas alongside visiting recruits. Taggart said he got goosebumps with the FSU war chant blaring on the stadium speakers.

Tonight, Taggart will get to experience his first game-like atmosphere at his new home stadium when the Seminoles host their annual Garnet and Gold spring game at 6 p.m.

“It’s going to be highly competitive, and we want them to go out and do something,” Taggart said.

“It’s a game and the spotlight does strange things to some people. Some people show up and show out, and some people hide. They have an opportunity to go out there to show up and show out. It’s another opportunity for our guys to get out, get ahead and solidify some spots for them.”

On the field, Taggart’s high-powered, Gulf Coast offense he deemed as “lethal simplicity” and an engaged defense that has also adapted a simpler playing style under new defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett will be on full display.

More important, Taggart’s aim in his first spring game is to continue endearing himself to the Seminoles’ fan base by reconnecting them to the school’s rich football history.

Legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden, longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews and Seminoles legends Deion Sanders, Charlie Ward and Jameis Winston are among a large number of former FSU players expected to be in attendance for the game.

To build on the throwback theme, the end zones will feature an old-school white and gold color scheme and a digital spirit spear similar to stadium staples during the ’90s. And fans will end their experiences with a postgame hiphop concert featuring SaltN-Pepa, Vanilla Ice and Rob Base.

The Seminoles released their final spring game rosters on Friday, with both teams filled with players hoping to impress Taggart and the new coaching staff before next season.

Running back Cam Akers; receivers D.J. Matthews, Tamorrion Terry and Ontaria Wilson; linebacker Dontavious Jackson; defensive backs Levonta Taylor, Stanford Samuels III and Hamsah Nasirildeen; offensive lineman Landon Dickerson and defensive tackle Demarcus Christmas highlight the Garnet team.

On the Gold side, quarterback James Blackman; defensive end Brian Burns, wide receiver Keith Gavin, running backs Jacques Patrick and Amir Rasul, and defensive back Jaiden Woodbey and Cyrus Fagan highlight the roster.

The Seminoles could play the scrimmage with just one quarterback in Blackman. Garnet quarterback Bailey Hockman suffered a foot injury in practice, but he was expected to play earlier this week, Taggart said.

Redshirt junior quarterback Deondre Francois and running back Zaquandre White were not listed on any rosters and will not participate for disciplinary reasons.

Along with impressing their coaches, there is plenty on the line for the Seminoles.

“The winners get steak, the losers get hot dogs and the losers have to put an apron on and serve,” Taggart said.