FSU Football: Who is Tate Rodemaker and can he lead FSU?

FSU football went into their last home game against North Alabama hoping to get their 11th victory of the season and celebrate their senior players. Not everything went according to plan as star quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a brutal injury in the first half of the game.

Head football coach Mike Norvell went to his seasoned backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, who has been at FSU for four seasons.

Who is Tate Rodemaker?

Tate was a 3-star recruit out of the powerhouse Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Georgia. He was the 12th ranked Pro-Style quarterback in 2020 recruiting cycle, according to 247 Sports. He threw for 6,800 yards and 74 touchdowns in his high school career. This is a big deal considering that Valdosta High School is classified as “big-time football”.

He came to Florida State with fellow quarterback Chubba Purdy who was a 4-star recruit, but Chubba didn’t stay long at FSU. While Tate did not get a lot of playing time early in his career at FSU, he always remained upbeat and worked hard.

Tate has the prototypical height for a quarterback at 6’4” and he shows good arm strength. He does not make risky throws and will manage the game well when he gets a chance.

Can Tate lead the Seminoles to the playoffs?

I think with Tate’s experience learning the offense and watching the growth of Jordan Travis, he can step in and lead the offense. He will not be alone because he has so many playmakers that will help his development. Tate is no stranger to stepping on the big stage and winning games as he did last season against Louisville when he came in and completed 6 of his 10 passes for 109 yards with two touchdowns with only one interception to help the Seminoles come from behind in the contest and win.

As we saw in the North Alabama game, the Seminoles are loaded at the running back position and are about five-deep with guys who can run the ball and gain yards.

At the wide receiver position, there is ultra-talented playmakers such as Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson on the outside who will go up and get the football. On the inside, you have guys like Jaheim Bell, Kyle Morlock, and Destyn Hill who will lighten the load and make it so Tate will not have to carry the burden by himself.

All in all, I believe in Tate Rodemaker and his ability to be successful in the Seminoles’ offense.