We asked Examiner columnist Adam Tolliver for his list of things the Seminoles need to achieve this spring to have a killer fall. It's hard to argue with these.
1. Get EJ Manuel comfortable and settled: This may seem like a no brainer to many, but Manuel's confidence and psyche will be a huge factor in the success of this football team in 2011. It isn't uncommon for the hotshot QB that everyone has been waiting for, to somewhat falter under pressure and yes that applies to those with situational playing experience prior to starting. Manuel is stepping into a role of unquestioned leader of the Seminole football team and it would be absolutely huge if he were able to cement himself within the offense so that FSU isn't limited in the fall.
2. Establish a consistent reliable offensive threat: Particularly at the WR position. For a while now, FSU has had guys that are capable and athletically gifted, but haven't had that one guy that can be expected to play at a minimum level of solid play each week. Last season there were games in which seemingly every receiver had an off day. Other times, there was no telling which one of the bunch would step up and tease you with a great performance before disappearing in the following weeks. This Spring, at least one of the dynamic talents among the receiving corps should develop into a reliable threat.
3. Kick up the defensive intensity: 2010 was the Seminoles' first year under defensive coordinator Mark Stoops. At times it can be lost on people, just how significant a full year of live playing experience can be for a unit under a new coordinator. FSU took its lumps last season without question. Much of that was related to a lack of familiarity and comfort within the brand new scheme. The natural next step would be to expect to see players look more natural and play and react at a much faster pace than last season. The comfort should be evident when the Seminoles take the field for the Spring game on April 16th.
4. Safety Progression: There's no secret that the safety position is probably the most cause for concern for FSU based on last season...
5. Avoid/deal with major injuries: As generic as this last one may be, it has the potential to throw a huge damper on a Spring camp, especially one in which there is so much buzz and excitement surrounding the Seminole football program. So far there have been a couple of incidents of guys being banged up, but nothing terrible. Injuries are apart of the game obviously and when they do occur it will be important for FSU to adjust and move forward as well as possible.
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