Florida State Seminoles Roster 2019 Seminoles Roster

Head Coach: Willie Taggart        2017 Salary: N/A        Offensive Coordinator: Walt Bell       Defensive Coordinator: Harlon Barnett         

Stadium: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak S. Campbell Stadium       Surface: Grass        City: Tallahassee        State: Florida Willie Taggert brings the West-coast style of play to the south in his first year as head coach at Florida State. The program moved from Jimbo Fisher, upgrading the tempo and the style of play with the Taggert hire. Taggert spent last season in Eugene as head coach of the Oregon Ducks. Applying a new system to a historical program creates a bit of a learning curve, but this roster presents the talent pool necessary to abide to changes. Yet another strong pre-season showing and recruiting classes from across the ACC keeps this conference near the top level of competition. This was a program that was on the map as the top dog just a few seasons ago, making the wild card approach to this season a welcomed stance for the university.

The two-headed monster at quarterback is the first surprise this team has in store. Deondre Francois was the starter last season, but a high level of inconsistent play limited a solidified role at the position. James Blackman was the team's highly touted recruit from a few seasons ago and he showed signs of calm under pressure. Its anyone's guess who will be the starter come day 1, but both possess interesting skill sets to dissect. Francois dazzles with the feet. He possesses a strong arm, but inaccuracy is a small blemish that adds predictability to his game. Blackman also favors the feet usage, but he has a stronger pocket presence than Francois. Francois owns the experience advantage, but work within a system and building a core contingency of skills in practice is what fosters the learning of both of these young talents. Cam Akers has a lock on the running back position and his speed mimics the flavor that Francois and Blackman both possess. Nyqwan Murray tops a great receivers' group, applying plenty of prosperous talent for downfield options.

From a defensive perspective, the Seminoles had to replace a large base of talents. Key position removals include areas of the secondary, linebackers, and some upfront lineman. Most of the same faces will be entering their second season within the program, buying enough time to work their way through the kinks that ailed the team last season. A talented group of recruits joins the noise, with the secondary becoming the most bolstered area for new faces. Some of these recruits will face starting minutes on day 1 while others will spend time being placed on practice squads for healthy, first-team competition. The defensive build has the inner-workings of a group oozing with potential, but some of this development may not turn fast enough for the team to feature these players this season.

A tough slate of games marks a difficult road to be traveled from beginning to end. Florida State faces a ranked opponent in Virginia Tech the first game of the season, slating the team for a healthy contest right off the bat. The team also gets Miami, Clemson, and Notre Dame this season, rivaling their strength of schedule with the elites of college football. It won't be smooth sailing for this team in 2018, but they have the guys they need placed in areas for improved production.