The send-off wasn’t what most of Florida State’s seniors had hoped for, but nevertheless, the accomplishments as a program that this year’s senior class helped with are many. With the regular season in the books and only the Independence Bowl to be played, we’ll be looking back on the careers of some prominent FSU seniors.
The outgoing senior class for the Seminoles was part of the first College Football Semifinal ever and helped FSU finish in the top 10 twice and play in three New Year’s Six bowls. Some departing seniors contributed each season while others had small parts in the grand scheme of things.
The next senior in our series never reached star status, but was a 3-year contributor for an FSU defense that has ranked in the top 25 nationally in each of those seasons. A big linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Orlando native Ro’Derrick Hoskins was never the best player at his position for FSU, but was valuable enough to remain in the lineup.
Throughout his career, Hoskins has recorded nearly 150 tackles and 13.5 for loss. He’s also recorded 2.5 sacks throughout his career. As we continue our series looking back on notable seniors, we view the five best moments in the career of Ro’Derrick Hoskins:
5. Epic Spring Game Performance
April 12, 2014
Ro’Derrick Hoskins didn’t make much of an impact during the 2014 season, but he certainly made a case to in the spring prior. During FSU’s annual spring game, Hoskins was the best defensive player on the field. Hoskins recorded two sacks and returned a Sean Maguire interception 63 yards for a touchdown to help the Garnet top the Gold, 31-14.
4. Nine Tackles vs. Alabama
Sept. 2, 2017
The top tackling performance for Ro’Derrick Hoskins throughout his career came in one of the more hyped openers ever. Against Alabama in Atlanta to kick off this season, Hoskins recorded nine total tackles in the 24-7 loss. He would equal that total in FSU’s next contest against N.C. State.
3. First Career Half-Sack
Oct. 15, 2016
Despite getting plenty of playing time as a redshirt sophomore in 2015, Ro’Derrick Hoskins didn’t get credit for getting to the quarterback until midway through his junior season. Hoskins got his first half-sack at home against Wake Forest. The sack came midway through the first quarter as Hoskins and defensive end Josh Sweat combined to bring down John Wolford on third down in a 17-6 FSU win.
2. First Career Sack
Oct. 29, 2016
After notching his first career half-sack against Wake Forest, Hoskins notched his first career full sack in the very next game against Clemson. Midway through the fourth quarter, Hoskins got to Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson for a loss of one yard. The sack was a critical play in holding the Tigers to a field goal. Unfortunately, FSU still came up on the short end of a 37-34 score.
1. Critical Forced Fumble
Nov. 11, 2017
Facing No. 4 Clemson, Florida State looked dead in the water early, falling behind 17-0. FSU crawled its way to within three when Ro’Derrick Hoskins made a play midway through the final period that could have changed the game. Hoskins was able to strip Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant of the ball in Tigers’ territory and FSU recovered within striking distance of taking the lead. Unfortunately, FSU turned the ball over on the very next play and lost the game, 31-14.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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