Florida State Football: Whitfield, Wilson Growing into Expanded Role for 'Noles

Florida State has resolved one of its biggest concerns going into the 2014 season: the lack of consistent receiving options after senior Rashad Greene.

It's no surprise that Greene leads the team with 15 receptions and 283 yards. Or that tight end Nick O'Leary is second on the Seminoles with eight catches for 79 yards.

But sophomores Kermit Whitfield and Jesus "Bobo" Wilson have developed into complementary targets. While both are relatively short (Whitfield is 5'7" and Wilson is 5'9"), they have above-average speed and are good route-runners.

Whitfield has four receptions for 37 yards. Wilson, in his first game back following a one-game suspension, had three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown in the win over The Citadel.

They are providing quarterback Jameis Winston with two more passing options, and that's a good thing as No. 1 FSU (2-0) prepares for its Sept. 20 game at home against No. 23 Clemson (1-1).

"It's good to have a guy like [Wilson] and Kermit out on the field," Winston said. "You can give them the ball, and they can make something happen."

Both sophomores, Whitfield and Wilson are just beginning to show a glimpse of their talents.

Whitfield more than a returner

Ever since he sprinted 100 yards untouched to the end zone in the fourth quarter of the national championship game, Whitfield's life has changed.

There were more than 200 texts and 800 friend requests on Instagram. His kickoff return with four minutes and 31 seconds left against Auburn didn't necessarily win the game—Kelvin Benjamin's touchdown grab from Winston with 13 seconds left sealed the 34-31 win—but Whitfield's return became one of the most memorable moments from FSU's victory.

Whitfield, however, has been working to be known as more than a return man.

"I don't want to just be known as a special teams guy, no one-play guy," Whitfield said. "I want to be known for multiple plays."

Whitfield is known for that play, and he sees it daily when the kickoff return shows up on the iPad that sits above his locker. The highlight is what he hopes is the first of many.

While a hamstring injury prevented him from running track this spring for the Seminoles, Whitfield is healthy again, and his speed has been a challenge for FSU's defensive backs in practice.

"He definitely does catch a lot of balls in practice because it's hard to guard him," cornerback P.J. Williams said in August. "He's real fast. Speed kills. It's difficult to cover him."

Bobo learns from mistake

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Wilson was suspended for FSU's opener by coach Jimbo Fisher after the receiver reached a plea deal stemming from his theft of a motor scooter in June. Fisher wanted Wilson to make the trip to Arlington, Texas, for the Oklahoma State game, but he also wanted him to feel the pain of not being able to play, so Wilson was forced to be a spectator.

That was a motivator for Wilson, who had been able to practice with the team in the preseason. Wilson caught three passes in The Citadel game, including a 12-yard touchdown run.

"Coach didn't sit me out for the worse; he sat me out for the better," Wilson said. "He wants what's best for me and I learned from that."

It was a tough but necessary lesson. Wilson admitted that he needs to make better decisions, but he's thankful for the support of Fisher and his teammates.

"It's great to be back with the team," Wilson said. "I'm very blessed."

Wilson and Whitfield won't make FSU fans forget about Kelvin Benjamin and Kenny Shaw, two receivers who left FSU with a combined 3,425 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns.

With Wilson, Whitfield and some contributions from true freshmen, FSU's passing attack looks strong. Defenses may still focus attention on Greene and O'Leary, but they also need to be aware that the Seminoles' strength is in having so many options.

"We want to show the country that we can spread the ball to anyone," Winston said. "…I'm comfortable with everybody. We try to give everybody the ball."

Bob Ferrante is the Florida State Lead Writer for Bleacher Report, all quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Statistics are courtesy of Seminoles.com. Follow Bob on Twitter. All recruiting information is courtesy of 247Sports.