Taggart closing in on naming FSU starting QB

With the season opener two weeks away, Florida State coach Willie Taggart is still deciding who will start at quarterback for the Seminoles when they take on Virginia Tech.

Speaking at FSU’s media day on Sunday, Taggart said he’s getting closer to a decision.

“How close? Closer than we were the first day we started training camp,” Taggart said, per the Tampa Bay Times. “We’re getting there.”

Deondre Francois, the 2016 starter, was hampered by his recovery from a knee injury in spring practice, giving James Blackman and Bailey Hockman a chance to impress Taggart.

Blackman started 12 games for the Seminoles as a freshman last season after Francois suffered a season-ending injury in the opener, completing 58.2 percent of his passes for 2,230 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Hockman is a redshirt freshman but has a good grasp on Taggart’s offense.

“I’m excited,” Hockman said. “I think I’ve got a good shot.”

Francois passed for 3,350 yards and 20 touchdowns, with just seven interceptions, in his one full season at QB for the Seminoles and seems confident he’s ready to resume the role.

“I feel very comfortable where I’m at now,” Francois said.

–Field Level Media