FSU Football: Willie Taggart has confidence in James Blackman for 2019

FSU football is going to have a new starting quarterback for the beginning of the 2019 season – a man who led them to a winning season just two years ago.

After former FSU football starting quarterback Deondre Francois went down with a devastating knee injury during the opening game loss against Alabama to start the 2017 season, the offense was turned over to a true freshman who literally had been playing high school football less than one calendar year before that moment.

By the end of that season, James Blackman not only threw the ball for over 2,200 yards and 19 touchdowns in the course of a 12 game period – he helped lead the Seminoles to a 7-5 record that included a four game winning streak to end the season, finishing up with an Independence Bowl win over Southern Miss.

As the 2018 season went on under first year head coach Willie Taggart, those who wanted to see Blackman back in the starting role got louder and louder with their cries – especially after he threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns in his one start last year against N.C. State.

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Now, with Blackman in the likely spot of being the starter for FSU football when they take the field against Boise State on August 31st, some wonder if he truly has all the confidence in those members of the coaching staff – including the head Nole getting ready for year two.

Taggart’s answer? Yeah, he likes the man in the No. 1 jersey.

"“My entire time here, just watching his growth, James has been a kid who is willing to learn. He wants to be the best, he wants to impress us. He wants to do well, he wants to be what we all think a Florida State quarterback should be.James was always a great teammate, always taking care of his teammate and doing what was right for his teammate. I think James is starting to take care of himself and make sure he is working on his craft.”"

As the summer period starts for the FSU football team, Blackman knows that he is – baring a long term injury or an off-field issue – the leader in the race to be the starting quarterback next season over graduate transfer Alex Hornibrook as well as – if he ever gets his wavier approved – Jordan Travis.

After what took place last season with Francois and all the other issues under center for the Seminoles last season, having a confident man running the offense could be job No. 1 for the Noles – and what better person would the Seminoles have to do that job than the man wearing No. 1!