James Blackman – Noteworthy
James Blackman insists nothing has changed. But nearly everything around him at Florida State is different this spring. A month after coach Willie Taggart dismissed two-year starter Deondre Francois, the Seminoles’ No. 1 quarterback is clearly Blackman. When he was dismissed from the team, Taggart said Francois was not living up to the “high expectations” and “standards of conduct” expected of student-athletes. Blackman will be backed up by a Louisville transfer, Jordan Travis, who is still awaiting the result of an appeal to be able to play in 2019, and walk-on Nolan McDonald. The quarterbacks may not push Blackman during the spring, but he says he is motivated to help the Seminoles rebound after a disappointing season in coach Taggart’s first year.
“Still got to come out here and work hard every day, get better every day, push my teammates every day,” Blackman said. “The standard is still the same. We’re at Florida State. The standard doesn’t change.” The standard took a step backward in 2018 as Florida State went 5-7 in Taggart’s first season. Taggart hit the reset button in the offseason, bringing in offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, offensive line coach Randy Clements and wide receivers coach Ron Dugans. Florida State began spring practice on Monday, the first of 15 leading up to the spring game on April 6. – AP College Football