:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64747744/717045.jpg.5.jpg)
From 1997-2000, Marvin “Snoop” Minnis compiled one of the greatest careers at the wide receiver position in Florida State history. Minnis was part of the most successful class in FSU football history, which played in three consecutive national championship games.
While he shared targets with other Seminole wide receiver greats like Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans, and Anquan Boldin, FSU’s number 13 was dangerous every time he stepped on the field. Fans and former opponents will remember him for his electric speed and the chants of 80,000 people in Doak Campbell Stadium: “SNOOOOOOOP!”
A Miami Northwestern product, Snoop caught a total of 52 balls for 758 yards and 6 touchdowns during his first three seasons. He surpassed all of those numbers in an incredible senior year, which saw him haul in 63 passes for 1340 yards and 11 touchdowns. He earned first team All-American and All-ACC honors, and was also named a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award. He remains third on FSU’s single-season receiving yardage list
Minnis’ 2000 season saw an all-time moment against Clemson, when he reeled in a 98-yard touchdown off of a perfect play-action fake by Chris Weinke. He finished the evening with 163 yards in a 54-7 win over the tenth-ranked Tigers.
Later that year, the Weinke-Minnis connection produced another play worthy of inclusion on last summer’s countdown by icing a home win against Florida. After a first-quarter 34-yard touchdown catch to put the ‘Noles up 14-7, Weinke found Snoop for 51 yards down the right sideline to make the score 27-7. The Seminoles’ 30-7 win ultimately vaulted them into their third consecutive national championship game appearance.
Unfortunately, Snoop’s Florida State career ended with a disappointment, as he was ruled academically ineligible to play in the title game against Oklahoma. Much like the 1998 match-up with Tennessee, this left the ‘Noles without one of their best players (and, arguably, an offensive coordinator). We all know how that turned out. Minnis was drafted in the third round of the NFL draft by the Chiefs, but ultimately caught only 34 passes in two NFL seasons before moving to the CFL for the 2005 season. Regardless, Minnis will always spark fond memories in Florida State fans as an exciting piece of a glorious era.