South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Seminoles receiver Campbell is ready to play for in season opener
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida State receiver unit will get a boost from redshirt junior George Campbell, who will be available for the No. 19 Seminoles’ season opener against No. 20 Virginia Tech Monday.
The wide receiver was not listed on the FSU’s latest depth chart released, but he is expected to play when the Seminoles and Hokies face off at 8 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium. The game will air on ESPN.
Campbell, rated a five-star prospect by 247Sports.com, has only played in five games during his threeyear career at Florida State. Injuries have restricted his play and limited him during preseason camp.
“Earlier, we [weren’t] sure,” Taggart said about Campbell’s availability for Monday’s game. “He’s been practicing the past couple of day. He’s done a good job for us.”
Arnold shines
Right guard Mike Arnold continues to impress Taggart, especially with the offensive line pushing for stability. The redshirt sophomore is listed alongside redshirt junior Cole
Minshew, who has missed some practice this week due to an ankle injury.
“I thought spring ball was really big for Mike to get all of the reps that he got in. Spring ball helped him so much coming into training camp,” Taggart said. “I’m really comfortable with Mike, and what he is able to do for our football team.”
With the uncertainty surrounding Minshew’s health, Arnold could start against Virginia Tech.
Taggart on QB Hockman’s exit
Taggart had little to say about redshirt freshman quarterback Bailey
Hockman’s decision to transfer.
“He just said he wanted to leave. He wanted to go somewhere else,” Taggart said.
The coach’s disappointment appeared to flash while he was attempting to smile.
“I wish him nothing but the best,” Taggart said. “I really don’t want to talk about anybody but our players.”
‘Young guy’ scrimmage
The Seminoles will hold a “young guy” scrimmage at the Dunlap Training Facility on Saturday. The scrimmage will determine who will join the travel squad.
“The guys in pads are young guys. We’ll have a young guys scrimmage today and try to keep it competitive and the MVP get to travel,” Taggart said Saturday.
FSU’s road game will be at Syracuse on Sept. 15 at noon.
“I’ve done it pretty much everywhere I’ve been,” Taggart said of the scrimmage. “Gives those guys a chance to continue to compete, continue to get good reps and get better.”
The rest of the team will be watching from the sidelines.
Idle Saturday
It was the first major Saturday of the college football season, but the atmosphere in Tallahassee did not reflect it. While Taggart said he would try to watch a few games after practice, he will remain focused on the Seminoles.
“We’re preparing for our game,” Taggart said on practicing today instead of playing. “None of those games have anything to do with us so we’re staying locked in with what we have to do on Monday night. Today’s another day to get better.”
Taggart said that his young daughter, Morgan, never allows him to watch a full game.
“She’ll sit there with me for a little bit,” Taggart said with a smile. “‘Dad, you can have about a quarter. Then we’ve got to go play.’ ”