Florida State Football: 5 holiday wish list items for Seminoles in 2019

3. A better fit at quarterback

Willie Taggart’s Gulf Coast offense is predicated on relentlessly running the rock followed by big, explosive plays down the field. And he likes to run the quarterback.

Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois has never been an elite runner. But in 2016, he possessed enough speed and mobility to force defenses into respecting his ability to run.

That is, before his season-ending injury to Alabama in 2017. Since then, Francois has been a shade of himself, more often resembling a statue in the pocket than the sort of willing runner needed to execute Taggart’s offense.

Last year’s starter, James Blackman, is a serviceable runner. But with his slight, lanky frame, there are real concerns about consistently using him in the run game.

Luckily, the Noles have their sights set on Sam Howell, the No. 3 pro-style quarterback in the nation. In addition to being a talented passer, Howell is a more than capable runner. And he’s been committed to FSU since April.

But his primary relationship is with former offensive coordinator Walt Bell. So if Howell ends up flipping, the Noles will need to turn elsewhere for a quarterback who can run the offense more effectively.

Jalen Hurts, anyone?