FSU Football: Spring Game offensive players to watch

FSU football will be debuting the new look Gulf Coast offense during Saturday’s spring game – and here’s the top three players to keep an eye on.

When Willie Taggart took over as the head coach of the FSU football team last December, he brought in a new approach to the offense that the Seminoles had been running for the past few seasons – an offense that, at times, looked down right offensive with how predictable it looked under the former leadership.

The new, Gulf Coast offense that Taggart and coordinator Walt Bell have installed is going to be one that will be a whole different look to Seminole players and fans this season – but one that will be aided by having a group of players on the roster that are young and can adapt to things quickly.

With the team dealing with several different injuries on the offensive side of the ball – and one big name player coming back from an injury – the FSU football team will be limited in just how much “lethal simplicity” will be on display this Saturday. But, here’s a look at the three players to keep an eye on during the annual Garnet and Gold game.

Cam Akers, Running Back

In just one season with the FSU football program, all the Mississippi native did was just break the record for a freshman running back when it comes to yards gained and get his name mentioned as possibly the best players in the ACC and a dark horse candidate to be in the Heisman Trophy convo.

Make no mistake about the fact that, while Jacques Patrick did come back for his senior season, the starting spot is Akers as long as he doesn’t lose it. Seeing how he plays in the new offense will be the storyline of the whole day.

James Blackman, Quarterback

Three and a half quarters into the 2017 season, the lanky freshman from South Florida was thrust into the biggest spotlight in the country when he became the starting quarterback. While he played like a freshman at points last year, he also made big plays when needed and kept the team from falling apart at points.

Taggart has made it clear that he likes what he sees from Blackman, and while plenty of people (including myself), feel that Deondre Francois will be the starter when FSU football hosts Virginia Tech, Blackman could make things interesting and keep the battle going through the summer.

Nasier Upshur, Tight End

A lot of people expected me to say someone like D.J. Matthews for the third player, but I think the lack of depth at that spot will make Matthews be a top target and not be a true representation of competition at that spot. Instead, it will be fun to see how the tight end position plays into the new look offense for FSU football.

Next: Do Noles have top QB depth chart this season?

While Upshur hasn’t exactly played up to the hype of being a four star player from the Philadelphia area, the lack of experience at the tight end spot opens up the competition for everyone – and if Upshur can’t take the top spot, guys like Tre’ McKitty and Alex Marshall will be right there to give their shots.