Fall Camp Preview: Five FSU Camp Battles to Watch

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Johnathan Ford (23) is called for roughing the punter against Florida State Seminoles punter Cason Beatty (38) during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Punter

Cason Beatty has been the starter the past two years but there should be plenty of competition for him in camp this month. Beatty finished last in the ACC in punting average last season and was 112th in the country — 121st in net average. The junior has the potential to be a very good punter but has lacked consistency over the past two years.

Brian Crews is a local kid from Tallahassee Lincoln that averaged 48.2 yards per punt as a senior. He’s a walk-on this year, but could factor into the competition if Beatty falters early on. Another walk-on, sophomore Jonathan Hernandez, out-kicked Beatty in the Spring game and could also push for the punting job over the coming weeks.

Jimbo Fisher even jokingly tossed incoming four-star freshman quarterback JJ Cosentino into the conversation last February when he talked up the recruit’s punting ability at a press conference and again later at a booster dinner. While it’s unlikely Fisher would burn a year of Cosentino’s eligibility on punting, that might give some insight into his thinking on the position heading into camp. Beatty is still the favorite to retain his role, but there will be competition and Fisher has never hesitated to let the best players play — so anything can happen.