Tate Rodemaker starting vs. Jacksonville State

Florida State Seminoles football is making a switch at quarterback heading into its non-conference game.

After redshirt junior James Blackman struggles with consistency that were showcased through the first two games of FSU’s season, the Seminoles decided to make the call. Blackman was pulled during last Saturday’s loss to the Miami-Florida Hurricanes, replaced by true freshman Tate Rodemaker — who now is getting the starting nod against the Jacksonville Gamecocks.

“I was just impressed with his overall demeanor,” tight end Camm McDonald said following Saturday’s loss. “The way that he approached it, I was impressed. I am excited about the future of Tate, I really am.”

“I believe Tate has a lot of potential,” freshman running back Lawrance Toafilli said Tuesday. “He’s a good player. I feel like me and him will be tight in the future. We are already.”

Rodemaker was ranked the nation’s No. 27 prostyle QB, the 71st best player in Georgia, and the country’s No. 720 prospect overall. His primary recruiter was new offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, and he also had offers from Baylor, Utah, Virginia Tech, Pitt, Northwestern, Boston College, USF, and many other programs.

As a senior, Rodemaker threw for over 3,000 yards and 42 touchdowns.