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

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 /

2 of 6

. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Duh. Everyone’s eyes will be on Deondre Francois, the young quarterback with the golden arm. The ACC Freshman of the Year for 2016, Francois showed enviable poise all last season. Now that he is a veteran we should see even more from him.

Earlier this year, Francois threw a football three-and-a-half stories over the Pi Kappa Alpha house on the FSU campus. This stunt shows without doubt that Francois’ talent is undeniable–only one other quarterback, Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston, has ever managed to perform the same feat.

While this is an exhibition game, it also is a great means for assessing players. Francois finished 4-2 against ranked teams in 2016, but I think that number is going to be even better this year.

Red-zone offense was strong for the Seminoles in 2016. Francois threw 15 touchdowns and no interceptions in the red zone last season. Athlon Sports has Francois ranked in the top 15 quarterbacks in the country this season.

Home/Florida State Seminoles