2012 Florida State Seminoles Preview

OFFENSE

All the pieces are seemingly in place, particularly if a maturing offensive line can stay healthy and gain experience.  Of course, for the Seminoles, it all starts with quarterback EJ Manuel. Manuel has been good, not great, and often injured during his career. If Manuel can remain healthy, and take his game to the next level, big things are in store for the scoreboard operator.  For FSU to really excel, the offensive line, which has been problematic in recent years, must develop into s strength.  The group gained a ton of playing time last fall, and really came into their own in the second half against Notre Dame in the Champs Bowl. Positions had to be earned in fall camp, and with that in mind, it appears Menelik Watson has won the right tackle job. Carmeron Erving, over from the defense, is the other tackle, and look out.  Bryan Stork is the center, Josue Matias one guard with Tre' Jackson, Bobby Hart and Jacob Fahrenkrug in the mix. Manuel has a slew of outstanding receivers to work with, with Rashad Greene leading the way.  Greene exploded upon the scene last season, and is very, very good. Rodney Smith, Greg Dent, Christian Green and Jarred Haggins are weapons to be sure, and newcomers Kelvin Benjamin and Orlando Boone world class sprinter Marvin Bracy have the tools to see the field.   FSU is also blessed with a bench full of talented running backs.  Chris Thompson is back from a broken back, joined by Devonta Freeman and James Wilder, Jr.  At fullback, the Seminoles possess a very versatile player in Lonnie Pryor, who has an NFL future.  Nick O'Leary will have a major role, backed up by Penn State transfer Kevin Haplea and Will Tye, who are quality tight ends. If the offensive line remains healthy and develops, this unit will be very good no matter what happens with EJ.  If EJ remains healthy and steps up his game, this unit will be nothing short of outstanding.

DEFENSE

Simply put, Florida State has a good chance to field the best defensive unit in the country.  Mark Stoops has done a remarkable job restoring the proud Seminole defense should land him a top head coaching position in the very near future. For the Seminoles, the line is anchored by terrorizing ends Brandon Jenkins and Bjorn Werner, who are among the natons best. Although Jacobbi McDaniel will not be back this year due to injury, the tackles are deep and talented, led by sophomore Timmy Jernigan.  Everette Dawkins and Anthony McCloud are strong  and experienced to complete the rotation.  Depth may be of some concern, but the Seminoles are very comfortable with the starting linebacking core. Christian Jones has a chance be very good on the weak side, with Vince Williams and Nick Moody inside. Whenever I watch game film, I see Telvin Smith, so expect him to be making plays all season.  Although Greg Reid made some mistakes and has been booted from the team, the secondary is outstanding.  Xavier Rhodes, who did not play as well as expected last fall, has sky high ability and will dominate opposing wideouts.  Lamarcus Joyner is a top notch safety to patrol the backfield.  Nick Waisome will step in for Reid at boundary corner, backed by exciting freshman Ronald Darby, who will play.  Terrence Brooks will hope to pick up where he left off playing great at free safety, backed by Karlos Williams.  Tyler Hunter will be in the mix at corner as well.  The Seminole defensive unit could be dominant, with top notch players and depth at each level of the defense. There are even some talented newcomers who may get chances to contribute as well, helping build a tremendous future.

 

INTANGIBLES

 

For once, Florida State has a schedule made for a run at the National Title.  West Virginia, a top ten team, was the week two home opponent, but as they made the move to the Big XII Conference, they backed out, and have been replaced by Savannah State.  Eight games are in the state of Florida, including a trip to Tampa to face USF, a trip to Miami to face a down Hurricane team and a home game with Florida.  Clemson comes to Tallahassee, leaving road trips to emerging N. C. State and Virginia Tech team as the major challenges.  Florida State is breaking in a new punter, but the place kicking is in good hands with Dustin Hopkins.  Rule changes will lessen the effectiveness of his kickoffs, but he is a real weapon with a tremendous leg and good percentage success.  The return game will no doubt miss Reid, but there are several players ready to step up, including Rashad Greene, while newcomers Ronald Darby and Marvin Bracy may get opportunities.

 

HONORS CANDIDATES

 

There are several.  On offense, Manuel could be All ACC. WR Rashad Greene could aim higher, and don't be shocked if Cameron Erving develops into a top lineman in the conference.  Defensively, Jenkins and Werner could earn All America honors, as could Xavier Rhodes.  Lamarcus Joyner is an outstanding player, and Christian Jones may gather national acclaim as well.  Timmy Jernigan may earn All ACC as well.  Dustin Hopkins may land All America honors at placekicker.

 

NEW ARRIVALS

 

Marvin Bracy, the first FSU scholarship player from my high school, Orlando Boone, will utilize his world class speed to play immediately.  Ronald Darby, another speedster, is a potential starter act corner if you can imagine.  Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman has a chance, as does end Mario Edwards, Jr.  Kelvin Benjamin, a big wide receiver with great speed, had coaches raving throughout spring.

 

FINAL ANALYSIS

 

The schedule sets up for Florida State, who under coach Jimbo Fisher, are building a team which will compete for National Championships on an annual basis.  Not only are the starting units very good, but here is quality depth at almost every position. FSU has been injury prone, and there have been noticeable mental errors, but this is often common for teams growing in maturity.  If FSU gets improved play from a maturing offensive line and EJ Manuel, who has all the physical tools, continues to increase his mental approach to the game in terms of efficiencies and health, the Seminoles could be playing for the National Title.  Talk was cheap for a young team a year ago, but this is a veteran team, who may be even better in 2013.  For 2012, anything short of 11 wins and the minimum of an ACC title would be a disappointment.

 

GAMEDAY GALLERY