Florida State Football: Don’t expect instant turnaround in 2020
By Nick Fiore
Pieces are there for an offensive resurgence
James Blackman looks to be the starter to open the season but may be on a short leash. Now entering his junior season, he has plenty of starting experience, and is climbing up the program’s all-time records lists. The issue with Blackman has been his turnover problems — 23 interceptions to 41 touchdowns. Mike Norvell has no connection to him at all and it wouldn’t be shocking if he loses the job if he struggles early.
Sophomore Jordan Travis and a pair of freshmen in Chubba Purdy and Tate Rodemaker sit behind Blackman in the quarterback room, but could see some action this fall. Norvell flipped Purdy who was committed to Louisville in his first big recruiting win in Tallahassee.
The Seminoles’ strength on offense is at receiver. Tamorrion Terry is one of the best receivers in the ACC and could contend for the Biletnikoff this year. He’s a guy who doesn’t get the praise that Ja’Marr Chase, Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and other top guys get, but we could be hearing his name called early on with those guys in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s a big-play threat, averaging 20.3 yards per catch in his first two seasons and has 17 touchdowns.
Lining up next to Terry will be Keyshawn Helton, Ontaria Wilson and DJ Mathews. All three are upperclassmen with starting experience. Jordan Young is a talented sophomore who could get time in the slot as well.
Texas A&M transfer running back Jashaun Corbin was a big get for Norvell after losing Cam Akers to the draft. Leading returning rusher Khalan Laborn was recently dismissed from the program, so Corbin looks like he’ll be the guy in the backfield.
The biggest issue on offense in 2019 was the offensive line play. Last year, the line gave up 48 sacks which was the fifth most in the country.
There was a lot of inexperience getting playing time with freshmen Dontae Lucas, Darius Washington and Maurice Smith playing ahead of schedule and struggling. The line should be a little better this year with those guys now having a full season under their belts and FIU grad transfer Devone Love Taylor adding more experience.
It’s gonna take some time before Norvell is able to turn this offense into something resembling his Memphis unit.