53,818 fans filled Doak Campbell Stadium to watch Florida State take on... themselves! The Seminole faithful gathered to watch the annual Garnet and Gold game, the culmination of spring practice. Garnet barely edged out Gold 19-17.
Florida State enters the 2011 season with high expectations and rightfully so. Following a 10 win season which included winning the ACC's Atlantic Division and the Chick-fil-A Bowl (where they beat Head Ball Coach and South Carolina), Coach Jimbo Fisher went out and scored the nation's number one recruiting class, plus his team returns 18 starters. Sounds like a recipe for success.
Leading the charge is new starting quarterback EJ Manuel. Fortunately Manuel was able to complete the full spring practice session, something he hasn't done before. In the spring game he was 17 for 36 with 204 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Fisher said he learned more watching Manuel bounce back from mistakes than if his quarterback would have had a perfect game. This could be a breakout year for the the Virginia Beach native.
Manuel's targets include returning receivers Rodney Smith, Taiwan Easterling, Bert Reed and Willie Haulstead. One thing the Seminoles need is a big play receiver. Hoping to fill that void is Kelvin Benjamin. The 6'6" 210 pound freshman out of Glades Central (FL) has explosive speed and may be the deep threat Florida State is looking for.
Another freshman hoping to have an immediate impact is Nick O'Leary, the nation's top tight end prospect. O'Leary, grandson of golf legend Jack Nicklaus, has strong hands, plus his on field versatility is attractive. Look for him to challenge for the starting position.
When it comes to the rushing attack the Seminoles have plenty of weapons in their arsenal. Returning upperclassmen include running backs Chris Thompson, Jermaine Thomas and Ty Jones, who together combined for nearly 2,000 yards last season, along with productive fullback Lonnie Pryor. Freshman James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman add to an already deep running back corp.
The defense had a solid 2010 season and will continue to build on that foundation. Greg Reid, who picked up right where he left off last season snagging a pick six in the spring game, along with 2010 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Xavier Rhodes, team sack leader Brandon Jenkins and leading tackler Nigel Bradham will spearhead the defense.
The defensive line added depth and should be fun to watch. One player to keep an eye on is junior college transfer and phenomenal athlete Tank Carradine. Look for him to compete for the starting defensive end position opposite Brandon Jenkins.
Coach Fisher has assembled all the pieces necessary to compete for the BCS National Championship. He returns 18 starters (though replacing four year starting center Ryan McMahon will be key), added top notch depth and has invigorated new life into Florida State football. Now it is up to his players to make it happen on the field.
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