The start of Florida State’s 2016 campaign is about four months away as the Seminoles will open the year on Labor Day night against the Ole Miss Rebels. FSU has high hopes as it aims for a fourth ACC crown in five years and perhaps a spot in the College Football Playoff.
One of the big obstacles that FSU will have to overcome is the inexperience at linebackers. Linebackers not only have to stop the run, but cover opposing backs and tight ends as well. Here’s the top 5 tight ends the Noles will try to slow down in 2016:
1. Jaylen Samuels, N.C. State
2015 Stats: 65 catches, 597 yards, 7 touchdowns, 56 carries, 368 yards, 9 touchdowns
One of the most versatile players in the country, there isn’t much that Jaylen Samuels doesn’t do for North Carolina State. Last season, Samuels led the Wolfpack in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches and also ranked third on the team in rushing. Samuels came to N.C. State as a running back and has proceeded to become its top pass-catcher and earned first-team All-ACC honors as a tight end last season. Samuels finished with 51 yards of total offense and a touchdown in last season’s 34-17 loss to FSU in Tallahassee. The teams will meet this year in Raleigh on Nov. 5.
2. Cam Serigne, Wake Forest
2015 Stats: 46 catches, 562 yards, 4 touchdowns
Wake Forest hasn’t been known for its offense over the last couple of seasons, but junior tight end Cam Serigne is as consistent as they come at tight end. After leading the team in receiving as a freshman in 2014, Serigne improved his yardage and yards per catch totals last season. His four touchdown grabs was tied for a team-best. Serigne finished with 10 catches for 83 yards and a score in last season’s 24-16 loss to FSU. The Demon Deacons will visit the Seminoles on Oct. 15.
3. Jordan Leggett, Clemson
2015 Stats: 40 catches, 525 yards, 8 touchdowns
One of Clemson’s many talented pass-catchers, Jordan Leggett had a breakout year as a junior in 2015. Leggett led the Tigers with eight touchdown catches a season ago and served as nice safety valve for Deshaun Watson. Leggett had his best game of the 2015 season against FSU, tallying six catches for 101 yards. The teams will meet in Tallahassee this season on Oct. 29.
4. Evan Engram, Ole Miss
2015 Stats: 38 catches, 464 yards, 2 touchdowns
Fresh off an outstanding Sugar Bowl performance against Oklahoma State, Ole Miss’ Evan Engram will be a tough cover for FSU when the teams meet in Orlando on Sept. 5. Engram has finished with 38 receptions in each of the last two seasons while amassing more than 1,100 yards receiving over the span. At 6-3 and 230 pounds, Engram runs well and can make plays down the field.
5. Jake McGee, Florida
2015 Stats: 41 catches, 381 yards, 4 touchdowns
Despite playing in a run-heavy offense, Jake McGee was a reliable target for Florida in 2015. McGee finished second on the team with 41 receptions and was tied for the team-lead with four touchdown grabs. McGee caught four passes for 34 yards against FSU in last season’s 27-2 loss in Gainesville. The teams will meet at Doak Campbell Stadium on Nov. 26.
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