Florida State football, recruiting news: Shifting the culture

Football:

The worst has been confirmed — Jaiden Lars-Woodbey will miss the rest of the season. The news comes just one week after Florida State lost fellow defender Joshua Kaindoh for the season. Down two starters, can the defense keep it together?

Cam Akers and Marvin Wilson were named ACC Players of the Week. It’s hard to argue that Akers and Big Marv are the best players on the team and some of the best players anywhere in the country.

Willie Taggart spoke to the media yesterday. Besides confirming JLW’s season is over, he stated James Blackman and Jauan Williams are both day-to-day. Blackman has a sprained MCL and is unlikely to play against NC State on Saturday. He also spoke about Wilson, Alex Hornibrook, penalties, the culture, and preparing for the Wolfpack.

Like the climate, sometimes culture shifts slowly, instead of a sharp turn. Taggart believes FSU may be beginning to make the turn. He pointed to a lot of the little things against Louisville that helped FSU finally close out a win on their own terms in 2019, including self-less play that may indicate players are buying in. Something to build on.

Taggart also, in no uncertain terms, spoke about “competition” for kicker Ricky Aguayo.

New defensive analyst Jim Leavitt is bringing energy and an attention to detail.

If you felt like FSU football this season was an emotional and figurative roller coaster, well, you were right:

Hale had some time yesterday:

It’s not a coincidence that freshman offensive lineman Dontae Lucas has been something of a revelation:

It’s worth reiterating: there is no QB controversy, as James Blackman and Alex Hornibrook each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

The line has moved: after opening as six-point favorites against NC State, the Seminoles are now favored by just 4.5 points.

Enjoy some stunning photos from FSU’s win over the Louisville Cardinals.

After some brief speculation due to the ties to FSU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, Houston quarterback D’Eriq King announced he will stay at Houston after redshirting this season.

FSU sets the dates for Family Weekend.

Recruiting:

Our High School Recap will keep you up to date on FSU’s targets and commitments. There’s updates on Jeff Sims, Jaylan Knighton, Malachi Wideman, Ja’Khi Douglas, Keyshawn Greene, and more.

Speaking of showing off, Wideman is still ridiculous:

Other Sports:

FSU Men’s golf senior Jamie Li finished in the top five at the Fighting Illini Invitational.

Senior Nandini Das captured the Women’s tennis singles title at the Furman Fall Classic. The rest of the Women’s team won two doubles titles.

The Men’s tennis team finished undefeated at the Battle at the Beach, beating Oklahoma and LSU en route to capturing the championship title.

Alumni:

Check out our rundown of ’Noles in the NFL. Through three weeks emerging NFL superstar Dalvin Cook leads the league in rushing. We also got updates of superstar corner Jalen Ramsey, Jameis Winston, Devonta Freeman, Brian Burns, Auden Tate, and good lord so many, many more.

Speaking of, Ramsey called out of work sick yesterday. We’ve all been there, right?

But that’s not all; the trade drama continues to swirl around Ramsey.

Not sure what else Jameis Winston can do — even when he plays well, the Bucs still lose:

So let’s end on a high note — Dalvin Cook is special: