FSU is scheduled to begin spring practice on March 9 and, after another eventful offseason that saw plenty of roster movement, there will be a lot of questions to answer with these spring practices.Â
Mike Norvell had to deal with staff changes, late retirements and the revolving door of the transfer portal, where the Seminoles welcomed over 20 new faces. Many of them will be leaned on to help FSU get back to a bowl game and find some new footing in the college football world. Here are four transfers to watch:Â
Ashton Daniels, QB (Auburn/Stanford)
The opinions on Daniels are mixed at best, and while he has the inside track to the starting spot, it's not guaranteed, Daniels has to prove that he's made significant strides as a passer because, with Norvell calling the plays, his ability to run will not be as big of a factor as it would be under former offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. Those improvements must include cutting down on errant throws and turnovers, which has been a problem for Daniels' career up to this point.
Rylan Kennedy, EDGE (Texas A&M)
As important as Daniels is to the offense, Kennedy might be even more important to what Tony White's defense can do this year. His defense needs a real threat off the edge. They tried with James Williams last year and he was a disaster. Kennedy's career sack numbers (3.5 in three seasons) aren't going to make anyone take notice, but can that productivity improve with increased snaps and responsibility? Kennedy is saying all the right things, but he's going to have to prove it.
Chris Jones, LB (Southern Miss)
Let's be honest, FSU has been a mess at linebacker since Kalen DeLoach left a few years ago. The Seminoles brought in Mikal Gbayor from North Carolina to be a veteran that knows what to do even if he doesn't always have the athleticism or strength to do it. But Jones is the guy that fought Ole Miss for, and he brings the explosive movement that's lacking in the room. He's going to have to prove he can cover at this level though, and opposing offenses are going to go after him early.Â
Chimdia Nwaiwu, OG (Stephen F. Austin)
There's always some trepidation about players leveling up, especially going from FCS to P4. But Nwaiwu is such an intriguing big athlete that there's a lot of excitement about what a veteran OL coach like Herb Hand can do with this piece of clay. If Nwaiwu can continue to ascend in the spring like he did at SFA to get himself on the map, he will be in the mix for a starting spot in August.