Early Silver Linings for 2015 FSU Football
By David Visser
Jul 10, 2014; Beaverton, OR, USA; Apocalypse quarterback Blake Barnett (12) hands the ball off to Apocalypse running back Jacques Patrick (10) during Nike Football
Early Enrollees
You tell me if early enrollees matter: last year’s group consisted of Cook, Are, Trey Marshall, Stephen Gabbard (never underestimate the importance of a reliable long snapper), and Kain Daub. This year, the ‘Noles had seven players hit campus early, and they could contribute substantially as well.
This year’s EEs include running back Jacques Patrick, safeties Derwin James and Calvin Brewton, defensive end Josh Sweat, wide receivers De’Vante Phillips and George Campbell, and quarterback De’Andre Johnson.
Patrick could very well challenge to fill the thunder role to contrast the lightning attacks of Cook and Pender. But unlike the departed Williams, who was moved from safety to linebacker to running back while at FSU, Patrick is a natural running back, so instincts shouldn’t be as big an issue to overcome.
James seems the heir apparent of Jalen Ramsey: he plays with the best kind of ill intentions. And, like Ramsey, don’t be surprised if he grabs a starting role for the ‘Noles early in the season.
Sweat, while coming off an ACL injury, is an absolute freak, who has drawn early comparison to Jadeveon Clowney. His health will be an interesting storyline to keep track of as the year progresses.
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And Phillips and Campbell are big, athletic receivers who already know how to use their bodies very well. Expect Travis Rudolph and Ermon Lane to groom and mentor them thoroughly.
Brewton and Johnson are fine players as well, and should be valuable practice components who will provide nice depth.
We’ve still a long way to go, of course. There undoubtedly will be freak injuries, disciplinary problems, and academic issues, as there are with any and every college program. But those who’ve forecasted nothing but doom and gloom for 2015 FSU football may well be discounting a number of promising silver linings.