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Football
In compiling the biggest position battle for each ACC team entering the 2016 season, ESPN makes a statement which is obvious to those who follow Florida State closely: the quarterback could make or break the Seminoles’ playoff chances.
Quarterback Sean Maguire, who replaced an ineffective Everett Golson last year, missed the spring with an ankle injury and isn't assured the No. 1 spot this fall. The majority of spring reps went to J.J. Cosentino (like Maguire a prototypical dropback passer) and dual-threat candidates Deondre Francois and Malik Henry. Redshirt freshman Deondre Francois, who spent last season learning the system, is the favorite to win the starting job.
Sports Illustrated listed Florida State offensive tackle Roderick Johnson as its 36th-best player in college football for the 2016 season.
No. 36: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State
The winner of last season’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy (awarded to the best blocker in the ACC), Johnson was first-team all-conference and second-team All-America during his sophomore season. One of the most formidable linemen in the nation, Johnson will be key if Dalvin Cook makes a run at this year’s Heisman Trophy.
On Friday, two more preseason award watchlists were released and a trio of ‘Noles found themselves on one of the lists.
Big Rod was named to the 2016 Outland Trophy Watch List: https://t.co/BQeUX5k1Rl pic.twitter.com/pmhnoV5eEg
— FSU Football (@FSU_Football) July 8, 2016
Another day, another watch list for DeMarcus and Derwin: https://t.co/CUp8BgZ0lO pic.twitter.com/ZOyfOyXIfk
— FSU Football (@FSU_Football) July 8, 2016
Recruiting
Florida State’s latest commit, four-star running back Khalan Laborn, committed to the Seminoles in style at The Opening over the weekend.
Speaking of The Opening, a number of Florida State commits have impressed on a national stage in Oregon.
Just @Khalan2012 putting a nasty jump cut on a superstar LB. He's a @ChrisThompson_4 clone. #Noles #FSU #Tribe17 pic.twitter.com/acvhRm7BkE
— Bud Elliott (@TomahawkNation) July 9, 2016
Ignore the super late throw, watch how quickly @dat_dj puts 5 yards of space between him and this corner. pic.twitter.com/t140MLpKF2
— Bud Elliott (@TomahawkNation) July 9, 2016
So a team finally did throw at @SSIII_ Mistake. #Noles #Tribe17 #FSU pic.twitter.com/YpfqdE6d4Q
— Bud Elliott (@TomahawkNation) July 10, 2016
Alumni
Over the weekend, Jameis Winston was back in his home state visiting patients at a local children’s hospital.
Thank you @Jaboowins for seeing my son Kaden at Children's hospital of Alabama. He's walking today!! See you soon! pic.twitter.com/WoGCoVbZuc
— Christopher Hoffer (@ckaden321) July 9, 2016
For the eighth straight year, former Seminoles Zack and Henri Crockett will be hosting a free community health festival in Pompano Beach this August.
Sponsored by the nonprofit Crockett Foundation, the event will provide free physical examinations, immunizations, school uniforms and shoes to Broward County youngsters as families prepare for reopening of schools. Fully stocked backpacks will also be given away.
Former FSU baseball player Buster Posey, who will be the starting catcher for the National League in Tuesday’s All Star Game, showed off his pinpoint accuracy recently.