The 2013 BCS National Champions will be getting their 2014 campaign underway in Dallas on August 30th. After winning its first national championship in 14 years last season, Florida State looks to have a very good shot at defending its title. Though quarterback Jameis Winston will garner most of the attention, FSU looks to be solid from top to bottom as Noled Out continues its position previews.
Florida State loses two of its top three receivers from a season ago, but the Seminoles still have a lot of talent at the position. FSU does lack experience on the outside, but brought in some of the nation’s premier high school talent during the offseason. While Florida State isn’t overly experienced at wide-out, it should be one of the deepest positions in 2014. Here is a brief look at quarterback Jameis Winston’s targets for the upcoming year:
The Headliner
Rashad Greene, Senior
The most experienced wide receiver on the roster, Rashad Greene has led Florida State in receiving in each of his three seasons on campus and looks to become the first Seminole ever to do it in four straight years. Greene is just 1,134 yards shy of becoming the school’s all-time leading receiver as he aims to become the first FSU receiver to record back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since Ron Sellers in the late 1960’s.
Despite a slight 180-pound frame, Greene is the complete package. Greene can beat opposing defenders deep, can run after the catch and is unafraid to make the tough grab over the middle. Throughout his Florida State career, Greene has had a knack for coming through in the clutch and never was it more evident than on the final drive of last season’s BCS National Championship. Greene’s 49-yard catch and run against Auburn put the Seminoles in striking distance before Kelvin Benjamin ultimately caught the game-winner.
As good as Greene has been in his first three years, the senior could be poised for a career-year in 2014 with Jameis Winston returning at quarterback and fellow receivers Kenny Shaw and Kelvin Benjamin now gone. Greene finished with 76 receptions for 1,128 yards a season ago — the most for any FSU receiver since Marvin Minnis in 2000. Greene also found the end zone nine times.
The Sleeper
Isaiah Jones, Sophomore
With Kelvin Benjamin declaring early for the NFL Draft, 6’4″, 200-pound wide receiver Isaiah Jones could blossom into a possession receiver and a red zone target for Florida State in 2014. Largely unheralded, Jones finished with just two catches for 31 yards in 2013, but has the size and physicality to contribute immediately. Jones will have to fight for his reps, but as Florida State’s biggest receiver, he could certainly be utilized.
The Future
Ermon Lane, Freshman
A top 50 national recruit, Ermon Lane made a huge splash by choosing Florida State on National Signing Day. South Florida is known for its speed and the Homestead-native Lane should be able to help FSU immediately in a number of ways. At 6’2″, Lane is a burner and should transform into one of the nation’s best throughout the course of his career. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Seminoles find many different ways to get the ball in Lane’s hands.
Other Names to Know
Nick O’Leary, Senior (Tight End)
As Florida State’s most accomplished tight end perhaps ever, Nick O’Leary could put forward an All-American caliber season in 2014. O’Leary is Florida State’s all-time leader in touchdowns among tight ends and could be Winston’s second favorite target this season behind Greene. O’Leary is not only deceptively quick, but is physical as well. O’Leary averaged nearly 17 yards-per-catch and caught seven touchdowns this past season.
Christian Green, Senior
After finishing with 450 yards receiving as a freshman, Christian Green has struggled to find his niche. Greene finished with just 13 receptions in 2013, but as one of the few veterans on the receiving corps, Green needs to become a bigger factor in 2014. At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Green has good size and athleticism, but must find a way to put it to use.
Jarred “Scooter” Haggins, Senior
Jarred Haggins is coming off of a knee injury prior to the start of 2013, but looks to be a veteran presence for FSU this season. Haggins does his best work underneath and a full recovery would be one of the feel-good stories for Florida State in 2014.
Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield, Sophomore
Kermit Whitfield is one of the more exciting players on the Florida State roster and a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Whitfield’s 100-yard kickoff return for a score in the BCS National Championship gave FSU its first lead since the opening quarter and was a huge factor in the Seminoles’ come-from-behind victory. Whitfield scored four touchdowns a season ago — three of longer than 70 yards — but none as a receiver. At just 5’7″ and 185 pounds, Whitfield is small, but could have a much bigger role this season.
Overview
Despite the losses of Kenny Shaw and Kelvin Benjamin, the Florida State receiving corps is deep and very talented. Rashad Greene will once again be the go-to guy for Florida State, but which players emerge behind him remains to be seen. Seniors like Christian Green and Jarred Haggins will be expected to provide veteran presences, but freshmen like Ermon Lane, Travis Rudolph and Javon Harrison could certainly push them for playing time. While there is depth, talent and uncertainty and the receiver spot, quarterback Jameis Winston will be fortunate enough to have one of the nation’s best safety valves in tight end Nick O’Leary. The Seminoles may not have a set receiving rotation until the midway point in the season, but wide-out is hardly an area of concern for FSU.
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