FSU football: Top 5 takeaways from ‘Noles 2021 season
By Kelvin Hunt
Staff Can Develop Players
How many players went into the 2021 season with huge question marks, or were players fans had already written off? How many of those players ultimately became important players for this coaching staff? I’m glad you asked:
- Jordan Travis
- Kalen DeLoach
- Baveon Johnson
- DJ Lundy
- Akeem Dent
- Malcolm Ray
- Jarrett Jackson
- Ja’Khi Douglas
- Tre’shaun Ward
- Jordan Wilson
All of these guys had a big impact as a starter or played important snaps in a reserve role. FSU likely only wins one game without Jordan Travis. DeLoach and Lundy combined for 138 tackles and 11.5 tackles for a loss. Akeem Dent had 44 tackles and four passes defended with a game-winning interception.
Ray and Jackson helped spell Fabien Lovett and Robert Cooper. Ray had nearly as many tackles as Lovett! Douglas emerged as a receiver that could make a play late in the season(although we saw it in game one and he disappeared for a bit).
Tre’shaun Ward went from a walk-on to a guy that had 700 total yards and five touchdowns. What about the true freshman who emerged and became contributors? Kevin Knowles and Omarion Cooper became impact players in the FSU secondary.
Malik McClain showed flashes at wide receiver. Jordan Wilson overcame an injury to emerge into a top blocker and threat in the passing game. These are all good signs the coaching staff can find roles and develop players.