Less than two weeks now separate us from the end of Florida State’s spring practices. As always, there are a number of players for FSU such as quarterback Deondre Francois, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and safety Derwin James who are expected to do big things.
There is also a number of players who have been around the program that have yet to really to make an impact. Here’s a look at a player (or two) at each position who is running out of time to make an impact as a Seminole:
Quarterback: J.J. Cosentino
Once a 4-star prospect out of Pennsylvania, some saw J.J. Cosentino as the next great FSU quarterback to play under Jimbo Fisher. Now a redshirt junior and the veteran at a position group that has just four scholarship players, Cosentino is now hoping to hold off two true freshmen be the backup to a Deondre Francois. As players like Marcus Outzen, E.J. Manuel and Sean Maguire have shown in the past, backup quarterback is an important role. With Bailey Hockman enrolling early, we’ll see if Cosentino is up to the task.
Running Back: Johnathan Vickers and Ryan Green
Johnathan Vickers and Ryan Green are both seniors for 2017 at a position that has become very deep. Vickers got some meaningful time as a sophomore in 2015, but was a virtual non-factor last season. Ryan Green has played a bit of musical positions during his time at FSU and has battled some injury issues. With Jacques Patrick expecting to be a big part of the offense, two 5-stars coming in and coaches high on Amir Rasul, the two seniors should perhaps consider lining up elsewhere.
Wide Receiver: Da’Vante Phillips
Now a junior, Da’Vante Phillips is expected to take on a bigger role for Florida State and with only five scholarship receivers returning, FSU desperately needs him to. At 6-1 and about 205 pounds, Phillips is more of a possession receiver, but has some wiggle. He enters the 2017 season with just 10 career catches.
Tight End: Jeremy Kerr
Jeremy Kerr, a redshirt senior, probably isn’t going to play over Ryan Izzo or Mavin Saunders, but as a run-blocking specialist, he could still contribute. With younger players like Naseir Upshur and early enrollee Tre’ McKitty pushing for time, even that could be an uphill battle for Kerr. For his career, Kerr has just one catch for one yard, but it was a touchdown against rival Florida in 2015.
Offensive Line: Corey Martinez
With Alec Eberle out for the spring, Corey Martinez was given the first shot to earn the center spot, but doing that won’t be easy. Martinez started early during the 2015 season, but eventually was replaced by Ryan Hoefeld and then Eberle. The FSU coaching staff also expects redshirt freshman Baveon Johnson to compete for the job of starting center. If there is one thing Martinez has going for him, he does have some experience playing guard.
Defensive Line: Keith Bryant
Keith Bryant is the veteran of the defensive line for Florida State, but has just four total tackles in his career. Bryant was expected to back up DeMarcus Walker at strongside end last year before suffering a season-ending injury in the preseason. Now a redshirt senior, this is the last chance for Bryant to make an impact at FSU.
Linebacker: Delvin Purifoy
Once a 4-star prospect, Delvin Purifoy finally made it onto the field last season, but strictly as a special teamer. Now a redshirt junior, Purifoy is likely to sit behind two starting seniors and will fight younger, hungrier and in some cases, more experienced youngsters for playing time. Injuries have plagued Purifoy, but if he is to make an impact, he needs to do it now.
Defensive Back: Malique Jackson
It wasn’t that long ago that Malique Jackson was mentioned as competition to Marquez White to start at cornerback. Now a senior, Jackson finds himself buried on the depth chart behind sophomores like Levonta Taylor, Carlos Becker and Kyle Meyers. In three years, Jackson has just three career tackles.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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