Florida State Football: 5 Ways EJ Manuel Can Take the Next Step to Stardom

The Florida State Seminoles have national title aspirations for the upcoming season, and the team will be depending on senior quarterback EJ Manuel to lead them to their lofty goals.. 

Last season, Manuel threw for 2,666 yards, 18 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.

Unfortunately for the Seminoles, Manuel was injured during their Week 3 home loss to then top-ranked, Oklahoma. He missed the team's next game, which turned out to be another loss to eventual ACC Champion, Clemson. 

If everything unfolds according to plan for FSU, then Manuel will be a Heisman candidate in 2012. 

Manuel deserves a lot of credit for performing so well last season because he was often forced to run for his life. 

The offensive line, like many other units on the team, was ravaged by injuries last season. At one point in the Champs Sports Bowl against Notre Dame, FSU had four freshman playing along the offensive line.

If FSU is able to get more consistent play up front, then Manuel should have a great senior season. 

Take Less Big Hits

One of EJ Manuel's greatest strengths is his ability to scramble and make plays with his feet. 

Scrambling quarterbacks tend to take more big hits than pocket passers. Defenses cherish every opportunity they get to take a big shot against the opposing quarterback, and that is evident each and every week.

Manuel takes more hits than the average college quarterback because of his style of play.

Manuel was also sacked 33 times last season, and was hit after he threw the ball on most of his passes. 

It is crucial that Manuel stay in the pocket, to avoid taking such a pounding. If he takes a beating similar to last year, then he will be at a serious risk to get injured. 

Head Coach Jimbo Fisher clearly wants to make Manuel feel more comfortable in the pocket. 

During the spring game, Manuel stayed in the pocket and didn't scramble. Although he wasn't very effective, expect Fisher to have Manuel stay in the pocket more this season. 

Manuel will always be dangerous on the ground, but he has to improve his pocket passing if FSU hopes to field one of the country's best offenses. 

If Manuel cuts down on his rushes, he will be more effective when he does decide to tuck the ball and run because it will surprise opposing defenses. 

Stay Healthy

Perhaps nothing is more important for the Florida State Seminoles than EJ Manuel avoiding the injury bug. 

The Seminoles are much more dangerous on offense when Manuel is leading the offense. 

It is no coincidence that FSU lost the only game Manuel didn't start last season, when it fell to Clemson on the road. 

There is no doubting that Manuel is tough and is willing to play through pain.

He played the second half of last year's bowl game against Notre Dame with a fractured fibia in his left leg. 

It was more than admirable that Manuel stayed in the game and was able to lead a furious fourth quarter comeback to beat the Fighting Irish.

After that performance, no one should be questioning Manuel's toughness and drive. 

Clint Trickett proved to be a serviceable backup last season, but Manuel turns the ball over less and has more experience. 

If Manuel stays healthy, then the Seminoles will be in every game they play this fall. The defense will be excellent this season and should put the offense in good positions throughout the season. 

A healthy Manuel may be enough to secure a spot in a BCS bowl game. 

Win Games

Nothing garners national media attention quicker than winning. 

If FSU gets off to a quick start and manages to stay undefeated for a couple months, then Manuel will become one of the most important players in all of college football.

The Seminoles have an easy opening to their season, as they will be hosting their first four games.

Clemson, who beat FSU last year, has to come to Tallahassee this year when the teams meet in Week 4.

The Seminoles have enough talent on their team to beat every single team that they will face, but they will need to execute well on a consistent basis. 

If FSU starts this season on fire, EJ Manuel will be one of the main reasons for the hot start. 

Also, as the starting quarterback, and perceived leader, of a team contending for a national title, Manuel would be praised for his poise and ability to lead the offense. 

Everyone loves a winner, and being one would help Manuel achieve college football stardom. 

Continue to Take Care of the Ball

One of the knocks after the 2010 season on EJ Manuel, was that he didn't care care of the ball well. 

Through his first two seasons at FSU, Manuel threw 10 interceptions on 199 pass attempts, which is about one interception per 20 attempts. 

Manuel greatly improved in this area last season and threw just eight interceptions, while attempting 311 attempts.

This comes out to about one interception per 39 attempts, which was a major improvement on the year before. 

Manuel didn't throw a single pick in FSU's final five games, and not coincidentally the 'Noles won four out of those five games and should have beat Virginia in the only game they lost. 

The defense will be elite this season and will completely shut down most offenses that they will face. As long as Manuel is judicious with the ball, the Seminoles will be in every game they play.

If Manuel takes care of the ball, then they will be successful and Manuel will be the star leading the team to glory.  

Get the Entire Offense on the Same Page

As stated earlier, the defense that Florida State fields will be elite. 

The offense has the potential to be one of the ACC's best offenses. In order to do so, the unit will need to be united and will have execute at a high level.

The Seminoles are strong at wide receiver and the trio of Rashad Greene, Rodney Smith and Kenny Shaw should be difficult to stop this fall. 

Nick O' Leary played well at the tight end position as a freshman, and another year working with Manuel should be beneficial. 

Manuel will have no shortage of people to throw to if the offensive line gives him enough time to find the open receiver. 

The offense line was ravaged by injuries last season, but that means that a lot of players got experience. Hopefully young lineman, such as Bobby Hart, Josue Matias, Austin Barron and Tre Jackson have learned from their freshman season. 

If they have, then the offensive line should be much better this season. 

If the offensive line plays at a higher level, then Devonta Freeman, who should start at running back, should also have a better season. 

It falls on the quarterback to create offensive unity, and hopefully Manuel will be up to the challenge.