Florida State Football: Updating the 5 Best Spring Battles

The Florida State Seminoles enter spring practice as one of the most interesting teams to keep an eye on with fall rapidly approaching. 

Jimbo Fisher’s squad has a ton of talent, experience and a friendly schedule awaiting them when the season kicks off in September. 

However, despite their wealth in returning starters, Fisher has vowed to make this spring different by opening up every position for the taking—with hopes to weed out any lingering feelings of comfort with regards to competition. 

Rising youngsters and position changes have turned up the intensity in Tallahassee, and the message is clear—get better or get lost on the depth chart. 

Here are the five best battles taking place thus far in spring practice.

5. Right Tackle

The offensive line as a whole are where most eyes will be spying for those interested in the Seminoles' hopes this fall. 

While every position is truly open, the move of veteran Bryan Stork from center to right tackle raised an eyebrow or two considering the experience he’s gained at center the last two seasons. 

Meanwhile, Bobby Hart started the last nine games as a true freshman—and the baby of the unit (he will turn 18 in August) grew into a man showing tremendous improvement by season’s end. 

If Stork can adjust to the outside, this battle will be an interesting one to follow all the way into fall camp.

4. Running Back

With projected starter Devonta Freeman sitting out spring practice to recover from a back injury, the competition to gain valuable reps is playing out between a veteran and dependable senior returning from injury and a true freshman who arrived in Tallahassee three months ago. 

Chris Thompson—despite still dealing with a broken wrist—looks healed from his gruesome looking back injury that cost him most of last season.

But stud recruit Mario Pender is on his heels—and has quickly grabbed Fisher’s attention—which bodes well for his chances to make a push for the job similar to what Freeman was able to accomplish last season. 

Assuming Freeman returns from his injury—and the legal issues of former 5-star James Wilder, Jr. clear up—the Seminoles will have a stable of backs to choose from when the season rolls around. 

3. Backup Quarterback

E.J. Manuel is one of the few veterans that seem to be locks to retain a job, but there is a new challenger ready to claim the spot behind him. 

For the most part, Clint Trickett played surprisingly well in relief of the injured Manuel early last season, but redshirt freshman Jacob Coker—a 6’4”, 230-pounder with a live arm and wheels similar to Manuel’s—is fighting to unseat last season’s backup. 

This competition may go on under the radar, but given how Fisher likes to run his quarterbacks and their tendency to take punishment (FSU quarterbacks have missed multiple games due to injury in the last three seasons), it may be one of the more important ones to follow. 

2. Nickel Cornerback

Technically, this position is not listed on the depth chart—but given how defensive coordinator Mark Stoops loves to have an extra defensive back on the field for a majority of the time—it’s a position that is of premium importance in giving his defense flexibility in coverages.

The Seminoles will have to replace dependable veteran Mike Harris, and a number of candidates will vie for the right to replace him. 

Currently, the most likely candidate appears to be rising sophomore Tyler Hunter—another player Fisher made it clear he’s enamored with. 

Harris’ backup last season—Terrance Brooks—looks to be in line for the starting nod at strong safety, but he’s versatile enough to slide into the nickel slot in order to get former 5-star safety recruit Karlos Williams onto the field. 

Sophomores Nick Waisome and Keelin Smith are also candidates for the vacancy. 

1. Left Tackle

Without a doubt, the biggest story of the spring has been the move of sophomore Cameron Erving from defensive tackle to left tackle.

Erving—a budding star on defense after a strong freshman campaign—made the switch at Fisher’s request in the offseason—and the results have been promising thus far.

His primary opponent is JUCO transfer Daniel Glauser—a 6’6”, 317-pound import from Switzerland who brings more experience to a position of premium importance. 

If Erving can use his natural athleticism while transferring his mentality from offense to defense or if Glauser steps up and provides a stabilizing force in protecting Manuel’s blind side, one of the Seminoles' biggest questions this season will be answered.

Regardless of how this battle turns out, most hardcore Seminoles fans will be looking more closely than normal at the offensive line during April 14’s Garnet and Gold game.

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