Florida State football did not have the season that it wanted in 2024 as it limped to the finish line with a 2-10 record. The Seminoles' bright spots were few and far between as kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and punter Alex Mastromanno was at least something that fans could hang their hat on.
However, both Fitzgerald and Mastromanno are exiting the program via graduation and Florida State will have to replace the specialists.
To be completely frank, there was a portion of the fan base at one time who gave up on Fitzgerald during his time with the Seminoles. The Georgia native had difficulties during the 2022 season where he only connected on 12 of his 20 field goals.
He placed the blame on his kicking technique. After the proper adjustment, the kicker had major success as he went 32 for 34 in his final two seasons at Florida State and was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2024.
The kicker position has suddenly become a position that many individuals will monitor. One name that I am confident will step into the starting role just fine is redshirt freshman Jake Weinberg.
Weinberg was part of the 2024 recruiting class, where he was rated as the No. 2 kicker nationally by Kohl's Kicking. The Boynton Beach, Florida native has been caught on video in the preseason where he was connecting on 60-yard field goal attempts last January at the Florida State football practice field.
UPDATE: Florida State true freshman kicker Jake Weinberg (@JakeWeinberg6) is out here casually knocking down 60-yard field goals on the Seminoles’ practice field. 😎🍢 #GoNoles #Tribe24 pic.twitter.com/kxAHmS4EXS
— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) June 2, 2024
Weinberg only had one opportunity during his true freshman season in 2024 to get some action. Even though it was only a 23-yard attempt versus Charleston Southern, he made the most of the playing time.
+3✅ @CoachTonyBugeja pic.twitter.com/ZKpNO07sKa
— Jake Weinberg (@JakeWeinberg6) November 26, 2024
Florida State will have to play the likes of Alabama, Miami, Clemson, North Carolina State, and Florida this season, and they will likely be in tight competition with other teams, so every point will matter when it comes to wins and losses.
Weinberg could be a pivotal piece in the Seminoles' success next season (if he does indeed win the starting kicker job). Be sure to follow his Twitter (X) account by clicking here.