Nyqwan Murray: FSU’s new Bobo Wilson?

For what seems like forever, Florida State fans have been clamoring for the ‘Noles to involve their tall receivers into the offense more. When senior Bobo Wilson went down due to a foot injury during the Seminoles’ win over Wake Forest, many figured that the 6-5 Auden Tate would see increased targets, and he did in FSU’s close loss to Clemson, drawing six throws. He made an impressive catch on one fade route and drew some pass interference calls as well, but the player who stepped up tallest in Wilson’s absence was just an inch taller than the hobbled senior.

And that was Nyqwan “Noony” Murray (if he continues to play like he did on Saturday, you’ll need to know the 5-11 sophomore’s nickname). The Orlando native, known for his great hands and stellar after-the-catch moves in practice, had just six catches during his freshman year of 2015. And coming into the Clemson contest, he’d totaled just five this season.

And then, on Saturday, Murray not only stepped in for Wilson, he replicated his numbers as the Seminoles’ leading receiver, at least for one game. Murray led the ‘Noles in catches (six) and yards (96), while also pulling in his first career touchdown catch, an impressive sideline grab. FSU Head Coach Jimbo Fisher was quite ebullient in his praise of No. 80, who may not have the length for which ‘Nole fans have yearned, but nevertheless cast a broad shadow with his play in primetime: “You saw a great step-up by Nyqwan — Noony — really stepped up and really played big in the game. I told the guy, I love the way he’s been developing in the game.” Fisher continued on to say that Murray simply needed to “grow up,” and stop doing “silly things,” but concluded his comments on him as such: “I love him. . . . We just got to get him going.”