Since Jameis Winston’s 2013 Heisman Trophy campaign, consistency in quarterback play has not been easy to find for Florida State.
As the Seminoles enter 2019 looking to bounce back from a 5-7 campaign, there is one thing at the position that FSU will not lack — experience. When it comes to career starts, FSU has two of the five most experienced signal-callers in the ACC.
Wisconsin transfer Alex Hornibrook, a redshirt senior, enters the year with more starts than any other quarterback in the conference with 32. Over the last three seasons, Hornibrook compiled a 26-6 record as the Badgers’ starter in a run-heavy offense.
While Hornibrook’s record as a starter is solid, odds are that he will serve as the No. 2 behind projected starter James Blackman. Now a redshirt sophomore, Blackman also isn’t short on experience.
When it comes to ACC quarterbacks, Blackman ranks fifth in career starts with 13 to his name. 12 of those came in 2017 when he became the first true freshman to start for the Seminoles at quarterback since Chip Ferguson in 1985. Blackman passed for 421 yards and four touchdowns in his only start last season — a 47-28 loss at NC State — en route to being named ACC Offensive Back of the Week.
Aside from Hornibrook, only Boston College’s Anthony Brown, Virginia Tech’s Ryan Willis and Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett have more career starts than Blackman among ACC quarterbacks. Blackman is just 7-6 in his career as a starter, but of the names mentioned, only Brown and Hornibrook have a better record.
With 45 combined career starts, FSU will have plenty of experience behind center. It is worth noting that neither have ever played in new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles’ system.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson. Like The Daily Nole on Facebook. To pitch an idea, author a post or to learn more about The Daily Nole, email Mike Ferguson at Mike@TheDailyNole.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login