Is a CFP bid realistic for the Seminoles?
TALLAHASSEE — When Florida State opens spring football camp Monday, the Seminoles carry growing expectations that the program hasn’t felt in more than five years.
A 10-win season and the return of more than a dozen starters have pushed FSU back into the national conversation for the first time since 2016. According to ESPN, the roster returns 87% of last season’s production, the most among Football Bowl Subdivision programs, highlighted by quarterback Jordan Travis, running back Trey Benson and edge rusher Jared Verse.
“I’m ecstatic that people are talking about Florida State nationally,” said coach Mike Norvell. “They should. This program deserves that, and this program has earned that through the test of time. We got away from it for a little bit, but the work by the young men I get to coach and what they’ve done has put us back in that national conversation.
“But when it comes to expectations, there are no outside expectations that are bigger than our expectations because that’s what we rely on. It’s about us, and it’s about our growth, our improvement, and all the things that we know we can accomplish.”
Norvell believes self-imposed high standards prepared his team for success in 2022.
With that in mind, here are three areas of concern heading into spring camp:
Offensive line
This had been an Achilles’ heel for the past few years.
Injuries, poor development and lacking depth through multiple coaching changes compounded the problem. But that changed under Norvell, who emphasized the line when he arrived in 2020. After a considerable overhaul and investment, the unit is a strength.
Four regular starters return, led by Robert Scott Jr., Darius Washington, Maurice Smith and D’Mitri Emmanuel. The group participated in 2,485 offensive snaps and combined to start 42 games in 2022.
The Seminoles need to find a replacement for Dillan Gibbons, a two-year starter who played a team-high 770 offensive snaps.
There are options for FSU to work through during spring camp with backups Bless Harris, Thomas Shrader, Bryson Estes,
Zane Herring, Julian Armella and Kanaya Charlton. Transfers Casey Roddick (Colorado), Keiondre Jones (Auburn) and Jeremiah Byers (UTEP) also could find their way into the mix.
Receivers
Much of Florida State’s offensive success can be attributed to the improvement here.
According to Pro Football Focus, transfers Johnny Wilson (695 yards) and Mycah Pittman (317 yards) accounted for 33% of the team’s receiving yards. They also were the top two targeted receivers in the offense.
The departures of starters Ontaria Wilson (414 yards), Malik McClain (192 yards) and tight end Camren McDonald (315 yards) create opportunities for others to step up.
Kentron Poitier (283 yards), Darion Williamson (108 yards) and Deuce Spann (64 yards) showed potential in limited roles. At the same time, Ja’Khi Douglas worked to return from an injury that limited him much of the season. A car crash last spring kept out Winston Wright all season and his return as a receiver and returner gives the ‘Noles a big boost.
Versatile transfer Jaheim Bell (South Carolina) can play at tight end, wide receiver and slot.
True freshman Hykeem Williams, a 6-foot-3 receiver, has enough raw talent to make him an intriguing option.
Secondary
Safety Jammie Robinson’s versatility made him valuable.
“I’m grateful for him because he allowed us to use him in multiple ways,” said defensive coordinator Adam Fuller. “That’s not easy for players because they have to learn multiple spots, but it helps us.”
Transfer Fentrell Cypress II should help ease the impact of Robinson’s departure, as should the development of Akeem Dent and Shyheim Brown. The cornerbacks are solid with the return of starters Renardo Green, Jarrian Jones and Kevin Knowles II.
“I like that group a lot,” said Norvell. “I like the newcomers that have come in. I’m excited to see them out there on the field, how they will perform.”