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FSU Football: James Blackman on trajectory to be elite?

By Kelvin Hunt

CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 11: James Blackman #1 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - NOVEMBER 11: James Blackman #1 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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FSU football went through a lot of ups and downs with a true freshman quarterback in 2017.

FSU football fans understand what having a quality quarterback means to a team. The 2017 season was stern reminder as the Noles went from potential national title contenders to struggling to win seven games.

There were certainly more team issues than losing Deondre Francois in the season opener as the defense had its faults in games as well.

It’s unclear who the QB starter will be for FSU in 2018 with Francois still recovering from his injury. FSU Fans seems to be unsure of how they feel about how true freshman James Blackman played last season.

We’ve written that he played comparably to how Deondre Francois played WITH a redshirt season under his belt. Of course, Blackman didn’t redshirt nor was he an early enrollee, but the following stats should give those unsure fans hope.


Look at these numbers from PFF Draft. Baker Mayfield is projected by some to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Mason Rudolph is being projected to go in the second or third round.

Both of their ratings are after FOUR years of college experience under their belt. Now, let’s look at what James Blackman did as a true freshman.

Thoughts

Blackman compares favorably with Mason Rudolph as both are 6’5″ but Blackman has the better arm talent in my opinion. Neither are particularly elusive with their legs but can get it done if they have too.

Rudolph outweighs Blackman by about 40 pounds, but Blackman will hopefully put on size as he gets more work in the weight room and his body continues to mature physically.

It’s promising Blackman played as well as he did down the stretch as he got more experience. He’s extremely competitive and obviously bright as he was able to play fairly well in the former coaches offense.

Next: 5 Reasons James Blackman is Willie Taggart's QB in 2018

If FSU continues to see progression in him like they did during the season, the Noles could have a heck of a QB on their hands.

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