The Jameis Winston era at Florida State has come and gone. The era which spanned only two seasons produced a 27-1 record, two ACC titles, and a national championship. Winston earned the school’s third Heisman Trophy in 2013.
With National Signing Day not here yet, the 2015 season seems like light years away. One of the big questions for the Seminoles in 2015 will ultimately be who replaces Winston at quarterback. Some are hoping that Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller transfers to Florida State, but as of now, here are the candidates hoping to succeed Jameis Winston:
Sean Maguire, redshirt junior
The most experienced of the group, Sean Maguire came through when the Seminoles needed him to in a 23-17 win over Clemson in September — his only career start. Maguire was intercepted twice, but passed for 304 yards and a long touchdown to Rashad Greene that evened the game with about six minutes remaining. Maguire isn’t overly gifted physically, but seems to be a heady player and this spring will begin the fourth season in head coach Jimbo Fisher’s system.
John Franklin III, redshirt sophomore
John Franklin III has yet to compile a statistic, but has been invaluable to the Seminoles as the scout team quarterback, playing the role of Deshaun Watson, Justin Thomas and Marcus Mariota. Odds are Franklin ends up a position other than quarterback — most likely receiver — but that doesn’t mean a special package to utilize his athletic ability is out of the question.
J.J. Consentino, redshirt freshman
A big kid with a big arm, J.J. Consentino has the tools to be successful in Fisher’s offense. Consentino is more physically gifted than Maguire and will have a year of experience on the incoming freshmen. Consentino could also use the spring as a chance to surpass Maguire and build a comfortable edge over the newcomers not already on campus.
De’Andre Johnson, freshman
Mr. Football in the state of Florida for 2014, Johnson is already enrolled and could have a very early impact. Johnson has good size and a big arm, but is also very athletic. Johnson is one of three quarterbacks currently committed to Florida State for 2015, but is the only one to have signed a letter of intent.
Deondre Francois, freshman
At 6’0″ and 190 pounds, Deondre Francois lacks ideal size, but is a very good passer and may be the most athletic of the group. Francois is only committed to Florida State and there is plenty of speculation that could change before or on National Signing Day.
Kai Locksley, freshman
At 6’4″, Kai Locksley is the biggest of the bunch, but it’s beginning to look like the 4-star prospect will line up on the outside at wide receiver for the Seminoles. As is the case with Franklin, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could be used in some sort of special package or get to show off his arm on a trick play.
