Ashton Daniels must deliver for FSU this year and Mike Norvell knows what it will take

When Mike Norvell announced that Ashton Daniels was going to be FSU's starting quarterback, he knew there was some risk involved. Daniels has struggled over his career as a starter, going 5-18 between stops at Stanford and Auburn. 

But the Seminoles coach believes he's equipped the 6-foot-2 redshirt senior with everything he needs to succeed, including a loaded, talented backfield and a host of explosive playmakers at wide receiver. 

"It's good to know when you have a supporting cast of guys that you don't have to do it all. You've got Duce Robinson, one of the best receivers in college football. Micahi Danzy is one of the most explosive players in the country. Excited about Jayvan Boggs and seeing him," Norvell said. "And then we've got guys in that receiver room, a couple true freshmen I think have a chance to be really good. And then running backs, it's probably as good as what I think we've had top-to-bottom."

Mike Norvell believes he will get the best out of Ashton Daniels

FSU did a ton of work in the offseason to add and retain major pieces on offense. It all started with Robinson deciding to return to Tallahassee. The Seminoles acquired former 1,000-yard rusher Tre Wisner out of the transfer portal after he spent the past three seasons at Texas. There are other skill players to be excited about, like running back Ousmane Kromah and incoming freshman wide receiver Devin Carter. 

Daniels also has the athleticism to help himself. He has bulked up to over 230 pounds and is expected to be a big part of the running game.

Quarterbacks often get too much credit for wins and too much blame for losses, so while that 5-18 record as a starter looks bad, it shouldn't be the end all, be all. The way Norvell sees it, Daniels has players around him that he can trust, so he doesn't have to take so much of the offense on his shoulders, which could lead to a major cut down in mistakes.

"Sometimes, when you're watching interceptions, what are the cause? What is the root of it? Sometimes, guys trying to make too many things happen. Sometimes, trying to force the issue to be the ultimate playmaker," Norvell added. "But there are times when you are trying to force because you need to or there's also sometimes it is just poor decisions or things you can correct. So I think when you look at him throughout his career, there are probably some times where he tried to do too much early."

Daniels should have to do more than his job with this offense around him. When things are in doubt, get the ball to Robinson. It works. It's been a few years since FSU has had the kind of quarterback play that fans can count on to give the Seminoles the best chance to win. Daniels doesn't have to be an All-ACC guy to be successful (although it would be nice), he just needs to play within himself and protect the football. If he can do that, FSU has a chance to win some games.

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