Staying four years is no longer incredibly common for major college football players. Too often today, the nation’s top prospects are quick to leave school early and enter the NFL Draft. Florida State’s senior class has been part of one of the more incredible spans for a program with a very storied football history. In a series called “Senior Moments”, we’ll be looking back at the top 5 moments from key members of the winningest senior class in Florida State history.
While not every member of this season’s senior class blossomed into a star, a number were contributors throughout the course of their careers. Some never quite lived up to lofty hype while others fought just to find a niche. Nevertheless, many still made a difference. Here’s a look at the best career moment for five notable Florida State seniors.
Christian Green, WR
A 4-star recruit out of high school in Tampa, Christian Green managed to stay in the Florida State lineup for the majority of his four years, but never blossomed into a go-to receiver. Green began the 2014 season as the team’s second receiver behind Rashad Greene, but his role diminished over the course of the year.
Top Moment: Against N.C. State on September 27th, Green finally scored his first career touchdown. The score however was bittersweet as prior to the game, Green’s grandfather passed away. Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston told Green before the game that he would get him a touchdown in honor of his grandfather and made good on his promise. The touchdown proved instrumental as Florida State rallied from a 24-7 deficit to top N.C. State 56-41.
Jarred “Scooter” Haggins, WR
A slot receiver from Lakeland and nephew of defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins, Scooter Haggins hasn’t made much noise as a receiver in a long time, but after missing all of 2013 with a knee injury, the senior has blossomed into a prominent part of the FSU special teams and has served as a team captain this season.
Top Moment: The best game of Haggins’ career came as a sophomore in 2011 when he reeled in four passes for 45 yards — both career-highs — against #1 Oklahoma. The highlight of the night was a diving reception over the middle in which Haggins was completely horizontal to the ground.
Kevin Haplea, TE
With Nick O’Leary in the lineup, finding playing time was never easy for Kevin Haplea. Haplea transferred from Penn State after the Jerry Sandusky scandal put NCAA sanctions against the school. Haplea suffered a season-ending injury prior to the start of 2013, but has returned this season to bring much-needed depth to the tight end position.
Top Moment: Haplea has just five receptions in his Florida State career, but one of them went for a score. In a 30-17 victory over South Florida in 2012, Haplea’s 1-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter gave the Seminoles some much-needed breathing room as FSU extended its lead to 20-10.
Desmond Hollin, DT
Desmond Hollin isn’t a player loaded with athletic ability or raw talent, but has worked hard to become part of Florida State’s rotation along the defensive front. Hollin has played both end and tackle and as a senior, has become a steady contributor.
Top Moment: After recording two sacks as a junior, Hollin has become a more intricate part of the Florida State defense as a senior and is coming off the best game of his career. In Florida State’s 37-35 ACC Championship victory over Georgia Tech, Hollin recorded a career-high seven tackles with four being solo stops.
Nick Waisome started all 14 games for Florida State in 2012. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images )
Nick Waisome, CB
A highly-touted cornerback out of Groveland, Nick Waisome started all 14 games in 2012, but has not seen much of the field since. Nevertheless, Waisome was key as a sophomore in helping Florida State earn its first ACC title in seven years.
Top Moment: The lone interception of Waisome’s career came in a match-up of top 10 teams as the Seminoles took on Clemson in Tallahassee in 2012. With Florida State leading 42-31 with under nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, Waisome’s pick of Clemson’s Tajh Boyd in Tiger territory served as the dagger. The Seminoles found the end zone on the following play in a 49-37 victory.
