Five Players To Watch on Offense as Florida State Prepares to Reconvene for Spring Camp
The pads are on, and spring break is coming to an end for the Florida State Seminoles, which marks a pivotal time for captains and newcomers alike to carve out their roles heading into the 2023 season.
Veterans like quarterback Jordan Travis, defensive end Jared Verse, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, defensive tackle Fabien Lovett running back Trey Benson and running back Lawrance Toafili have a foothold on their respective positions. It is safe to say that the staff knows what they have in their returning players, who helped lead a 10-3, 5-3 ACC run that hadn't been accomplished for the Noles since 2016.
This list is comprised of redshirts, transfers, and standouts as the Seminoles prepare for another potential breakout season.
Tight end Jaheim Bell
Watching him at practice only solidifies why he was the top tight end in the transfer portal after leaving South Carolina and deciding to suit up for the Seminoles. He's fluid and, more importantly, sure-handed, versatile, and experienced. Bell can play multiple positions in the offense and will be another matchup nightmare pulling out and making plays downfield.
It is still early in camp, and the pads just came on, but Bell is more likely than not going to be an impact player in 2023. He's 6-foot-3, 233-pounds, and provides a gadget for offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and Norvell to get creative. How Bell continues to build chemistry in the offense will determine his role moving forward.
*Markeston Douglas has been building from his momentum after last season and seems to be picking up where he left off. As another big body, Douglas' progression will be something to look for.
FSU Spring Position Preview: Tight End
Running back Caziah Holmes
Holmes was a highly sought-after transfer prospect out of Penn State that missed his window and wasn't eligible to play in 2022. He spent his time learning the offense on the scout team, and whoever steps in his place will have big shoes to fill. He has already flashed this spring, and his progression will be one to watch because there is a vacancy in the "three-headed monster" after former FSU running back Treshaun Ward transferred in the offseason. Holmes has some tough competition, with Rodney Hill and CJ Campbell vying for that spot in the rotation, and it will be intriguing to watch how that battle pans out heading into summer.
FSU Spring Position Preview: Running Back
Wide receiver Winston Wright Jr.
With slot receiver Mycah Pittman out for the foreseeable future, there will be a few different players fighting for his role, and Wright will be in the mix. Coming off a devastating injury last season, Wright has put on good weight and will finally get to showcase his skillset in the offense. A fully healthy Wright has a chance to carve his role in a deep receiving corps and on special teams.
FSU Spring Position Preview: Wide Receiver
Offensive lineman Julian Armella
Armella was a highly touted 5-star legacy recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas who appeared in four games and took a redshirt in 2022. By all accounts from coaches and teammates alike, Armella is a hard charger and looks to be taking a big step in his development under offensive coordinator Alex Atkins. On an offensive line that can utilize versatile players, Armella can move up in the rotation at tackle after another year in the system and a front with more depth.
*Qae'shon Sapp, along with a few other players from last year's class, have an opportunity after the departure of Dillan Gibbons and Jazston Turnetine.
FSU Spring Position Preview: Offensive Line
Wide receiver Hykeem Williams
Another 5-star out of south Florida, Williams does not look like a freshman on the field. During his introductory press conference, he joked about quarterback Jordan Travis' return and quipped, "I'm gonna have a better season than I expected." because of it.
That type of confidence, along with his size and skillset, should pair well in Tallahassee. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound receiver out of Stranahan comes with high expectations and has a chance to be great. At this point, he needs to continue honing in on his fundamentals as a wide receiver while working himself in better shape. Fellow true freshman Vandrevius Jacobs has flashed plenty as well.
READ MORE: Florida State to kick off 2024 season abroad against ACC Opponent
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