Fall Camp Preview: Five FSU Newcomers to Watch
By David Visser
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Rudolph– Wide Receiver, #15
6-2, 184 lb.
In addition to losing Kelvin Benjamin, FSU also said good-bye to dependable WR Kenny Shaw. Shaw was the definition of steady, running immaculate routes, catching everything thrown at him, and blocking with spirit, all while being a selfless teammate. Since the ‘Noles lost so much at receiver, Travis Rudolph is the second WR on this list.
From what I’ve seen, I actually think Rudolph may actually be the most game-ready of the new receivers. One of the first drills receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey runs the receivers through in practice emphasizes snapping one’s hips and shoulders into cuts, so as not to round-off routes. Rudolph does this better than any receiver in the 2014 class, and his precise route running should endear him to the coaching staff — and quarterback Jameis Winston — quickly, as will his sure hands. Per ESPN’s Tom Luginbill: he’s “going to make the difficult grab, but won’t drop the routine one.” Rudolph also has better, more efficient footwork than Lane– his wasted steps are few and far between.
Rudolph had a monster senior year at West Palm Beach’s Cardinal Newman High School: he caught 63 balls for 1,237 yards and 15 touchdowns.