Willie Taggart yet to announce starting quarterback against NC State

Florida State Head Coach Willie Taggart said earlier in the week that starting quarterback Deondre Francois was “beat up” from hits he took against Clemson and listed him as day-to-day. The first year Seminoles coach also said that he would have to practice fully to start against the Wolfpack.

From what the media has seen in practice, Francois has been limited and Taggart didn’t upgrade his status during this morning’s media availability.

“Yeah, he’s still day-to-day,” Taggart said. “Again, you guys didn’t see him do anything, but he’s still day-to-day.”

It is still unclear who will be behind the center on Saturday. But, If Francois can’t go, be it because of injury or the staff making a change, it will be Sophomore James Blackman calling the shots in the always hostile Carter-Finley stadium.

Blackman has extensive on-field experience as he started every game last year following Francois’ season ending knee injury against Alabama. Despite being experienced, Blackman hasn’t seen many live reps this year. Knowing this, Taggart is still confident in Blackman if his number is called.

“I’m very confident,” Taggart said. “James is fully prepared and has plenty of experience. He has the backing of this team. He’s going to go out there and get the job done. I’m very, very, very confident.”

We haven’t been able to see much of what Blackman brings to the table as far as production on the field this year. But, what we have seen, is his unquestionable leadership role on this team. Coming off of a week when there has been a lot made about players quitting while getting blown out by Clemson, Blackman asserted that that wouldn’t be the mentality going forward. Taggart recognized Blackman’s ability to rally his teammates as one of his strengths.

“I think he understands what we’re doing offensively,” Taggart said. “He can go out and execute at a high level and I think he can get his teammates to do that too.”