Three (over)reactions from Florida State QB commit Luke Altmyer’s season opener

I spent my Friday night watching high school football on my laptop.

Thankfully, TN’s very own Lastnoleofkrypton, shared a link to Florida State quarterback commit Luke Altmyer’s game so we could tune in. I’ve watched the game a couple of times and come up with the same conclusion each time... but you’ll have to wait for that.

As always, I’m here to (over)react to what I watched, while sharing a couple of clips. Let’s dive in.

Running

Too much has been made by some folks about Altmyer’s rushing stats in previous seasons. Well, Friday night, he rushed for nearly 100 yards even though he had multiple runs called back due to penalty. The play above is one of those plays flagged for holding.

Most of you are wanting to see the 74-yard TD run to start the game, but this one excited me even more. We see Altmyer working in a tight box, forcing him to showcase his athleticism. He runs through an arm tackle, makes a nice jump cut in the hole, and then outruns a safety for a nice gain. This is what we didn’t get to see from Altmyer in previous seasons, so it’s nice to see him showcasing it. Maybe he heard the whispers?

Pocket Mobility

Here’s the pocket movement I want to see from Altmyer. The ability to manipulate the pocket and avoid rushers is a skill that’s almost a sixth sense. Some kids are able to possess the footwork, understand timing, and feel the rush, while others have to see it and are clumsy. Altmyer’s smooth under duress and moves around easily, all the while keeping his eyes down field.

A climb up, spin out, and sprint left avoids two rushers and creates space to throw a strike. Does this look like the kind of athlete who can play behind a traditionally porous (but hopefully improving) offensive line?

We could get more technical on this, but I’d rather not bore you.

Quick Trigger

The run-pass option is a vital part of Mike Norvell’s offense. A quick release is necessary if you’re going to be effective throwing RPO pops and arrows. A quick, efficient release also assists in getting the ball in the right spot for quick game. Seminole fans have grown accustomed to a QB with a long release.

Altmyer flips his hips open and has that quick flick release, helping him get it out. What I like most from this clip is how synched his upper and lower body are. Watch the hands load the football while his hips/feet get into position and then boom (John Madden voice). There are no false steps in his catch and throw (3-step drop from under center). This is textbook mechanically. My only complaint is that the ball appears to be inside, allowing for a potential interception.

Altmyer, in my opinion, is a 4-star caliber player and one of the top 10 QBs in his class. I’m bullish on Altmyer because he’s shown a high passing ceiling consistently and now has proven he has a decent rushing floor, as well.

The tools are there across the board for Altmyer to excel when he gets to Tallahassee.

Highlights from Friday night: