South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Blackman shows competitive fire for starting job
TALLAHASSEE — Florida State quarterback James Blackman continues to assert himself during the Seminoles’ preseason, but he may not being doing so in the most ideal manner.
During the first week of preseason camp, Blackman felt the need to defend fellow quarterback Bailey Hockman, who was being taunted by defensive end Brian Burns after a sack.
Blackman charged toward Burns, with the tall Seminoles meeting facemask-to-facemask and sharing some enthusiastic words before getting ready for the next play.
It was a light-hearted moment that showed how far Blackman has come from being a timid true freshman who was thrust into the starting job last season.
Blackman continues to compete with quarterbacks Deondre Francois and Baliey Hockman for the starting job this preseason, but he may need to consider self-preservation if he wants to win the competition. James Blackman, right, Deondre Francois, left and Baliey Hockman still have a chance to win the starting quarterback job, said FSU offensive coordinator Walt Bell.
“Did I see that? Yes. Did I admire the competitive spirit? Absolutely,” offensive coordinator Walt Bell said with a smile. “Will [Blackman] earn the respect of his peers because of that? Probably, yes.
“But also, understand that’s Brian Burns and you’re 170 pounds.”
Burns — a 6-5, 235-pounder who may be Florida State’s standout defender this season — genuinely seemed at a loss for words when asked about
the interaction.
New coach Willie Taggart has said Blackman gained 10 pounds of muscle this offseason, but Blackman is still rail thin with some defined muscle.
All Burns could do is laugh at the thought of Blackman, who is listed on FSU’s roster as 6-foot-5, 181 pounds, confronting him. He also noted defenders are not allowed to tackle quarterbacks during preseason workouts.
“James is different. I don’t know. He just … I don’t know,” Burns said while smiling and shaking his head. “He just has that mentality that he can come to my face. He’s just doing that because he’s not live [in practice]. But James is different. He thinks different.”
Blackman’s red non-contact jersey may have kept him safe. But Blackman, a Belle Glade native, does not know how to back down from a challenge.
“It’s a different type of skinny,” Blackman said with a sly smile. “I’m not like ev- eryone else.”
Blackman’s persistence helped Florida State eventually overcome a 2-5 start last season to finish 7-6. He delivered his best performance of the season during the Seminoles’ bowl win, contributing four touchdowns.
After two weeks, Blackman may be trailing Francois in the quarterback competition. Francois has been more accurate during portions of practice open to media.
But Bell insists all three of FSU’s quarterbacks are sharing opportunities with the first-team offense and still have a chance to win the starting job.
Blackman is using his newfound edge and confidence this season to try to separate himself in the competition.
“It hypes up the whole team,” Blackman said. “We’re just having fun. It’s good to have fun while you’re out here working.”