FSU spring football preview: Jordan Travis set to lead quarterbacks
It’s Year 3 for Florida State under coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles hope to take the next step in their development.
FSU showed marked improvement from 2020 to 2021, going from 3 to 5 wins, with the team showing glimpses of potential. But the roster remains a work in progress with Norvell and his staff adding talent and depth through a pair of top-25 recruiting classes, not to mention the transfer portal.
As the Seminoles prepare to embark on another spring camp, here is a look at some of the key positions:
QUARTERBACK
Returners
Jordan Travis (RS-Jr.), Tate Rodemaker (RS-So.), Gino English (RS-So.)
There is little mystery about who enters Florida State’s spring camp as the favorite at quarterback. Jordan Travis is the incumbent, following a solid finish to the 2021 season. The redshirt junior appeared in 10 games last season, starting 8 times while leading the Seminoles to a 5-3 record. After a shaky start, Travis rebounded to guide FSU to wins over North Carolina and Miami, finishing with 2,069 yards of total offense with 22 total touchdowns. Another offseason in Norvell’s offense can only benefit Travis.
Who backs up Travis could be the most intriguing battle heading into fall camp.
Tate Rodemaker is the only other quarterback with practical experience, appearing in seven games, including one career start during his two seasons at Florida State. But the redshirt sophomore has attempted 31 total passes, completing just 18 (58%) for 137 yards.
Gino English hasn’t taken a game snap, spending the past three seasons on the scout team.
Newcomer
AJ Duffy (Fr.)
After arriving as an early enrollee in January, freshman AJ Duffy could push Rodemaker for the No. 2 spot. He is the highest-ranked quarterback signee by the Seminoles since Malik Henry in 2016, according to 247Sports rankings, and he’s built a reputation for his athletic prowess, creating opportunities with his arms and legs, which makes him an exciting option for Norvell.
Duffy passed for 2,568 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 501 yards, leading Moreno Valley Rancho Verde High to an 11-1 record in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered his junior season in 2020, and he decided to transfer to IMG Academy in Bradenton for his senior year, where he appeared in nine games for the Ascenders.
He’s already impressed FSU coaches with his hard work and film study, something he attributes to being the son of a high school football coach.
Gone
McKenzie Milton (81 of 139, 775 yards, 3 TDs, 6 INTs)
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.
