Florida State football coaches and the back office staff made it interesting, but ultimately did what they had to do to ensure a successful close down the stretch with the transfer portal closing on Friday.
FSU retained Kevin Wynn, Mandrell Desir, and Darryll Desir. They added two experienced linebackers to an already impressive defensive secondary haul.
We wrote how FSU needed to add those important defensive pieces to give the fans a glimmer of hope going into spring practice. What the staff accomplished did just enough to do that. There are still some huge questions at certain positions, including quarterback.
However, FSU did some work in the trenches on offense and at running back. The retention of Duce Robinson and Jayvan Boggs lessened the loss of Lawayne McCoy. They got a serviceable tight end to replace Randy Pittman Jr. and retained Landen Thomas, who still has some upside as a former top recruit.
Aside from the quarterback position, FSU did solid work. Truthfully, the quarterback fits what Gus Malzahn likes to do. However, the question is, can he limit the turnovers and complete passes at a high enough rate to score touchdowns?
The one area FSU hasn't fully addressed yet is at defensive end. They added a rotational guy, and they can probably get some pass rush from the linebackers they added, but they didn't find a bonafide DUDE to do it.
They still have the option to do it since the transfer portal doesn't close until Friday, and technically guys can submit their paperwork on Friday and not appear in the portal until Wednesday of next. However, the drop add period for classes is near and they'll have to move fast to add any other players who want to participate in spring ball.