Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher confirmed to Warchant Radio on Monday what most had already suspected: redshirt junior Sean Maguire will be the Seminoles’ quarterback moving forward.
For Maguire, the climb to the top of the FSU depth chart has been a long one. Florida State was only one of two FBS programs to offer Maguire a scholarship when he was playing high school football in New Jersey. The other was Buffalo.
Now that Maguire has earned the nod as Florida State’s starting quarterback, the next task for the junior will be keeping it. Barring a meltdown, Maguire will likely assume the role for the remainder of the season, but the competition looks to get a bit stiffer for next season.
Maguire will be trying to hold off three guys with more overall talent and athletic ability, but who are not nearly as seasoned. Freshman Deondre Francois and incoming 5-star Malik Henry were both among the top quarterbacks in the country in high school while current redshirt freshman J.J. Consentino has a huge arm and the preferred build for most Fisher quarterbacks at FSU at 6’4″ and nearly 240 pounds.
Being the permanent starter at FSU was something few envisioned that Maguire would ever be. Just two years ago in the spring, Maguire was fourth on the depth chart behind Jameis Winston, Clint Trickett and Jacob Coker. Entering this spring however, it appeared as though Maguire would finally be the guy, but the transfer of Everett Golson changed things.
During Golson’s Notre Dame career, he was no stranger to the big stage. As a freshman in 2012, Golson helped lead the Fighting Irish to the BCS National Championship, where they were defeated by Alabama. Golson’s athletic ability also gave FSU another dimension that Maguire seemingly didn’t which FSU hoped would compliment an inexperienced offensive line. Golson won his first six starts as a Seminole before falling to Georgia Tech last month.
Whether Maguire can hold down the starting spot is a question that likely won’t be answered any time soon, but if Maguire has proven anything, it’s that he’s able to perform well on short notice.
In his first career start against Clemson last season, Maguire learned less than 24 hours before the game that he would have to play the duration of the ACC opener after the suspension of former Heisman Trophy winner Winston was pushed from a half to a game. Maguire led FSU to a thrilling 23-17 overtime victory.
Maguire wasn’t named the starter for the October 31st contest against Syracuse this year until shortly before kickoff as Golson was battling concussion symptoms. Maguire proceeded to pass for 348 yards and three touchdowns in a 45-21 FSU rout.
The latest example came against N.C. State on Saturday. With FSU trailing 17-7, Maguire replaced Golson in the second quarter after the Notre Dame transfer had committed three early turnovers, including a pair of interceptions. Maguire finished the day with 231 yards through the air and a pair of touchdown passes while leading scoring drives on his first four possessions as the Seminoles cruised to a 34-17 victory.
Maguire won’t likely ever be mentioned in the same breath with Charlie Ward, Chris Weinke or Winston, but he has made the most of his opportunity. Maguire now has the opportunity to prove he’s the guy for FSU moving forward. It may be his greatest challenge yet.
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