Anonymous Defensive Coordinator Takes A Shot At Florida State Star Jordan Travis
Florida State is nearly two weeks into preseason practice and it has become clear that the hype surrounding the program is more than legitimate. The Seminoles have an opportunity to develop into one of the top teams in the country. A lot of that success will revolve around star quarterback Jordan Travis.
READ MORE: Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell Discusses Health Of The Team
The sixth-year senior is coming off a career-best season where he was named Second-Team All-ACC after completing 64% of his passes for 3,214 yards with 24 touchdowns to five interceptions. He added 417 yards and seven more scores on the ground.
The Heisman campaign kicked off in Tallahassee earlier this year. Travis has more than looked the part through Florida State's first eight practices, reminding everyone of his surge from a three-star recruit to an NFL prospect.
However, not everyone is impressed. One defensive coordinator even took a shot at Travis. ESPN's Adam Rittenburg compiled opinions on the top quarterbacks in the country from anonymous head coaches and assistants. That led to mixed opinions on FSU's top player.
"He's not as good as all the hype he's getting. I don't think he's even close to being the best quarterback in this league," the defensive coordinator reportedly said.
Another ACC coach offered a more positive opinion, noting his improvement over the years with the Seminoles. Travis' 3,214 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns in 2022 more than doubled his career totals ahead of his final season at the college level (5,959 passing yards, 46 passing TDs).
"He's much better than he was two years ago," that ACC coach reportedly said.
Travis was the highest-graded FBS quarterback and highest-graded offensive player in the ACC (91.7) last year according to PFF. He already holds career records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in program history. Travis is ranked fourth in total touchdowns and will conceivably rise higher on that list during the season.
Led by Travis, the Seminoles have an opportunity to field a special offense in 2023. Florida State sports a vast array of skill players that include running back Trey Benson, running back Lawrance Toafili, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, wide receiver Keon Coleman, and tight end Jaheim Bell, among many others. The offensive line is also made up of a group of players that have combined for over 200 career starts.
Ahead of a week one matchup with LSU that is expected to be one of the top non-conference games of the season, Travis probably isn't worried about coaches that won't stamp their name on their criticisms. The Seminoles and Tigers will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 3.
READ MORE: Florida State Loses Safety Commitment To Alabama Crimson Tide
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