Florida State football did not have the season that it wanted to have in 2024, as it collected a 2-10 record and was deemed a disaster by many individuals within the fan base. The Seminoles would like to have many moments of the campaign back for a redo.
However, all the program can do at this rate is learn from the failures and move forward positively. There wasn't much to hang their hat on from last season other than kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and punter Alex Mastromanno.
The specialists were sensational for the Seminoles and something that Florida State could rely on. Head football coach Mike Norvell described special teams as being a core foundation of a program that he wanted to build. Even though Norvell has had his fair share of frustrations during his tenure at Florida State, special teams have been a bright spot, and he stresses the importance of it.
I wrote recently about redshirt freshman kicker Jake Weinberg taking over the responsibilities of the do-it-all Ryan Fitzgerald, who was once seen as someone who fans despised due to his struggles.
Weinberg only had one field goal attempt this season for Florida State as he connected on a 23-yard field goal in the matchup versus Charleston Southern.
The former No. 2 kicker (according to Kohl's Kicking) had connected from 60 yards away when he was at the Seminoles' practice football field. However, Weinberg did one better recently as he knocked a 70-yard field goal down on Sunday morning.
70 yarder this morning @CoachTonyBugeja @CoachStarr_AP @CoachJRut @FSUCoachJP pic.twitter.com/engKPo11q9
— Jake Weinberg (@JakeWeinberg6) March 9, 2025
This goes to show you the big leg that Weinberg has. The Seminoles likely won't need a 70-yard field goal attempt this season (unless they needed it for a game-winner). That would be outrageous since NFL kickers don't even have to be relied on like that.
However, it is impressive to see Weinberg's leg power on the field goals. He will be a weapon that Mike Norvell can use in 2025.