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Previewing the FSU quarterback position for spring football. Wayne McGahee III/Democrat
Florida State Seminoles quarterback James Blackman (1) looks to pass the ball to tight end Ryan Izzo (81) against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles during the first half in the 2017 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium.(Photo: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports)
Florida State spring practice is right around the corner, and one of the biggest questions is which quarterback will win the starting job.
The Seminoles have two quarterbacks that have started double-digit games — Deondre Francois (14) and James Blackman (12) — to go along with redshirt freshman Bailey Hockman.
Redshirt senior J.J. Cosentino is also on the roster, but he is not expected to factor into the quarterback battle.
Francois started the entire 2016 season and earned ACC rookie of the year honors after throwing for 3,350 yards and 20 touchdowns with seven interceptions.
He started the 2017 season, but went down in the final minutes of the season-opener against Alabama with a torn patellar tendon in his knee.
With Francois sidelined, Blackman stepped in and started the final 12 games of the season.
He threw for 2,230 yards and 19 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
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Hockman early enrolled and participated in spring practice in 2017, but injuries in fall camp limited his chance to compete for the starting job.
Now — with Willie Taggart at the helm — the slate has been wiped clean, and there’s an open quarterback competition.
Unfortunately for Francois, he may not be able to participate in spring practice