Florida State Football: 5 players to watch in 2017 spring game

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Sep 24, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Jacques Patrick (9) dives forward in the second half as South Florida Bulls linebacker Cecil Cherry (33) defends in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 55-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

With a stellar recruiting class and some formidable veterans returning, Florida State football has its eyes on the CFP this year. Here’s who to watch in the spring game.

The Florida State football spring practice sessions are well underway. The annual Garnet and Gold game, coming up this Saturday, April 8, is a great way for fans to check out some of the new recruits and see how the veteran players will perform in the fall season.

Unfortunately, we won’t get the chance to see Marvin Wilson, as the behemoth No. 1 defensive tackle won’t be in Tallahassee until fall. In addition, the ‘Noles have two starters sidelined with injury. Center Alec Eberle and guard Landon Dickerson will not be playing in the spring game as they recover from injuries.

Left tackle Roderick Johnson and left guard Kareem have departed for the NFL, as did insanely talented back Dalvin Cook. But the ‘Noles aren’t without their share of weapons. Quarterback Deondre Francois is back in the starting position, and if he shows even a fraction of the promise he did last year, expect a Heisman candidate in the redshirt sophomore. Some of the Noles most promising recruits will not be playing in Saturday’s match–safety Hamsah Nasirildeen among them.

Can the ‘Noles still be a contender without Cook? Who will pick up the pressure? Here are some things to watch on Saturday.

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