FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
OFFENSE - 8
------RETURNING STARTERS------
DEFENSE - 8
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Christian Ponder-QB, Rodney Hudson-OG, Ryan McMahon-C
DEFENSE: Markus White-DE, Mister Alexander-SLB, Kendall Smith-MLB, Ochuko Jenije-FS
Running Back / Secondary

Finding a 1,000-yard rusher is difficult when three backs share the rock equally. Those same three will make this ground game one of the best FSU has been able to put forth in a while. The secondary has star potential to be the ACC's best.

Linebacker

Gone are two full-time starters in Alexander and Smith. If Braham decides to skip off to the NFL, this unit will undergo a total rebuilding project.

WR Bert Reed
 
LB Nigel Bradham
 
* DEPTH CHARTS were only designed as a simplistic gauge for listing players that departed and players that received the most playing experience (consistent starters). NationalChamps.net recognizes the importance of missing personnel data not listed such as redshirts, transfers, injuries, incoming recruits, back ups and alternates. Their coverage will begin with our full 2011 Preseason Preview due out this coming spring.
FLORIDA STATE 2011 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB E.J. Manuel-Jr ..
FB Lonnie Pryor-Jr Debrale Smiley-Jr
TB Jermaine Thomas-Sr Chris Thompson-Jr / Ty Jones-Sr
WR Bert Reed-Sr ..
WR Taiwan Easterling-Sr Kenny Shaw-So
WR Rodney Smith-Jr Willie Haulstead-Jr
TE Beau Reliford-Sr Ja'Baris Little-Sr
OT Andrew Datko-Sr Henry Orelus-So
OG Bryan Stork-So ..
C .. ..
OG David Spurlock-Sr Rhonne Sanderson-Jr
OT Zebrie Sanders-Sr ..
K Dustin Hopkins-Jr ..
 
FLORIDA STATE 2011 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Bjoern Werner-So ..
NG Jacobbi McDaniel-Jr Demonte McAllister-So
DT Anthony McCloud-Jr Everett Dawkins-Jr
DE Brandon Jenkins-Jr Dan Hicks-So
SLB Christian Jones-So ..
MLB Vince Williams-Jr Jeff Luc-So
WLB Nigel Bradham-Sr Telvin Smith-So
CB Greg Reid-Jr Michael Harris-Sr
CB Xavier Rhodes-So Lamarcus Joyner-So
SS Terrance Parks-Sr ..
FS Nick Moody-Jr ..
P Shawn Powell-Sr ..
QUICK ANALYSIS

12/18/10
In his first season as the Seminole head coach, Jimbo Fisher has made vast improvements that can be traced directly to the won/loss columns. Getting the correct players on the field, getting the calls made instead of burning times outs, cutting back on penalties and bonehead plays were all a stable of first take improvements. In fact, the Noles put together their first nine win regular season campaign since 2003. The recruiting classes continue to rank with the best of them. More important, FSU has started to finally develop some depth, an ingredient that was sorely missing. While that depth factor may not be up to speed just yet, especially on the defensive side, it's making a big jump. Losing a senior like Christian Ponder behind center is usually reason for concern, but not with redshirt junior E.J. Manuel set to take over for good. Manuel has bided his time, filling in when Ponder's injuries called, winning when asked to do so in crucial games. Defensive coordinator Mark Stoops did wonders considering the poor situation he inherited upon arriving in Tallahassee for his first season. There are still issues on this side with getting players to understand his plan. Using a base 4-3 scheme on most every snap, regardless of the down and distance, has to give way for more complex coverages and blitz packages. Inconsistency haunted the defense in 2010 with a ton on youngsters that had to step in full-time for the first time in their collegiate careers. That won't be the case the second time around for Stoops, so expect the improvements to continue by leaps and bounds. FSU doesn't lose a single skill position player on either side of the ball aside from Ponder. The special teams are sound, the offensive line is strong and the defensive line is making huge strides. All this adds to where if FSU can win a Chick-fil-A match up with old nemesis Steve Spurrier on New Year's Eve, the following year could find the Noles ranked much higher than this to start out. While FSU is still not ready to compete for a national title, they will be a heavy favorite to face Virginia Tech in an ACC Championship Game rematch.

 

2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
DATE OPPONENT
9-3-11 LOUISIANA-MONROE
9-10-11 CHARLESTON SOUTHERN
9-17-11 OKLAHOMA
11-26-11 at Florida

TBA MARYLAND
TBA MIAMI FL
TBA NORTH CAROLINA STATE
TBA VIRGINIA
TBA at Boston College
TBA at Clemson
TBA at Duke
TBA at Wake Forest