The 2013 BCS National Champions will be getting their 2014 campaign underway in Dallas on August 30th. After winning its first national championship in 14 years last season, Florida State looks to have a very good shot at defending its title. Though quarterback Jameis Winston will garner most of the attention, FSU looks to be solid from top to bottom as Noled Out begins its position previews.
While the Seminoles have a very talented roster, no position shined brighter in 2013 than quarterback. As the 2014 season nears, here’s a look at what to expect from Florida State under center this upcoming season:
The Headliner
Jameis Winston, Sophomore
As a redshirt freshman in 2013, Jameis Winston recorded the single best season ever for a Florida State quarterback. Winston became the school’s third Heisman Trophy winner while leading the Seminoles to their first national title in 14 years. Winston was stellar from his first snap before throwing for better than 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns.
Though just 20 years old, Winston is a born leader and has quickly become the face of the Florida State program. As a freshman, Winston passed for over 300 yards on seven occasions and threw multiple touchdown passes in 13 of the Seminoles’ 14 games. Behind Winston’s arm, the Seminoles scored more points in 2013 than any other school in FBS history. With all eyes on the freshman, Winston orchestrated an 80-yard drive to propel Florida State past Auburn 34-31 in the BCS National Championship.
With a Heisman Trophy and a national title to his name as well as some questionable off-the-field issues, Winston will wear a bigger bulls-eye in 2014. Winston loses two of his top three receivers from last season, but should have enough talent around him to make a repeat run at the Heisman Trophy and to help the Seminoles try and repeat as national champions.
The Sleeper
John Franklin III, Freshman
While Sean Maguire earned the backup spot this spring, John Franklin III is a very good athlete at the quarterback position for Florida State. Although the Seminoles are hopeful that Franklin isn’t forced to take many meaningful snaps under center, he could be very entertaining to watch in mop-up duty. That could be enough to earn the redshirt freshman playing time in the future — perhaps at a position other than quarterback.
The Future
J.J. Consentino, Freshman
At 6’4″ and 215 pounds with a rifle for an arm, Florida State fans are hopeful that Pittsburgh area product J.J. Consentino is just the next in line when it comes to great FSU quarterbacks to play for Jimbo Fisher. Consentino is the prototypical pocket passer, but is big and strong enough to slip past oncoming pass-rushers.
Other Names to Know
Sean Maguire, Sophomore
The projected backup to Jameis Winston, Sean Maguire was arguably Florida State’s best quarterback during the spring game. Maguire isn’t overly gifted physically, but is accurate and has an ability to make quick decisions. Maguire however, has yet to see any meaningful game action.
Overview
Returning a reigning Heisman Trophy winner never hurts and if Jameis Winston can be as good as he was a season ago, Florida State should once again be national championship contenders. While there is nothing that FSU would want less than for anything to happen to Winston, there is talent behind him. Unlike last offseason, the starting job is without a doubt Winston’s, but the fight for the backup spot could be an interesting one to watch in the not-so-distant future.
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