FSU Football: Spring Game freshman players to watch

FSU football has never been shy about playing youngsters early on in their career with the Seminoles – here are some to watch on Saturday.

If there is one thing that the previous two coaches for FSU football – the legendary Bobby Bowden and the man who is busy petting dogs in East Texas now – had in common, it was that neither minded playing young Seminoles early and often. It didn’t matter if a player was a true or redshirt freshman…if they could play and hang, they got a chance.

It was something that was seen last season as the leading rusher on the team was a true freshman in Cam Akers and the quarterback most of the way was a lanky 18-year-old James Blackman – while other players like D.J. Matthews, Josh Kaindoh, Stanford Samuels III and more saw the field early and often, some out of need and some of skill.

During the spring football camp, new head coach Willie Taggart has made it clear that the same sentiment would exist – the best players will play no matter the class. So, with that in mind, here is a look at the FSU football freshman to keep an eye on this Saturday.

Jaiden Woodbey, Safety

Much as Derwin James stepped in to fill the shoes of Jalen Ramsey when he left to be a top NFL Draft pick, Woodbey could easily be a starting safety for FSU football when they take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Labor Day. That is the hype surrounding this five star prospect who has the size, strength and intelligence to crack the starting lineup and never look back.

While he will be facing a receiver corps on the other side of the ball that is depleted by injuries, it will also be a  group that is faster than anything he saw at the high school level in California – and give fans a clearer look at the next household name in the Seminoles’ secondary for seasons to come.

Amari Gainer, Linebacker

The Tallahassee native and son of former FSU football wide receiver Herb, this three star prospect basically became the unofficial recruiting coordinator during the transition process between the previous administration and the Willie Taggart era with the Seminoles – working to help convince other recruits to buy into what was coming to the Noles.

Like we said yesterday, the linebacker position is one where there are no definitive leaders when it comes to the starting spot. A solid showing on Saturday is something that could keep Gainer in the running for some serious playing time come the fall.

Tamorrion Terry, Wide Receiver

With just four true freshman on the spring roster, the pickings are slim when it comes to this preview – so we can also include some of the redshirt freshman who will be getting a chance to see the field. With the wide receiver room looking like a M*A*S*H* unit this spring, the Georgia native could get more looks on Saturday than many expected entering the spring.

Next: Willie Taggart: Summer may produce separation in QB

Terry has made the most of his reps so far, making some circus catches and turning heads. When everyone is healthy, Terry will find himself behind several FSU football players on the depth chart – but an impressive showing this weekend could keep him on the field for many multiple receiver looks in the new Gulf Coast offense.