Locked On Seminoles - Daily Podcast On Florida State Seminoles Football & Basketball

Latest Episodes:

"Consistency is Key": AS FSU Has CFP Aspirations, What Does Mike Norvell, Adam Fuller & Alex Atkins Need To Do For 2023 Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Locked on Seminoles! Drake and Dave ask and try to answer the questions standing in the way of a playoff appearance/championship for Florida State in 2023!

The college football world has already made a darling pick to make a playoff appearance in 2023, after a resurgent 10-win season fueled by the breakout of star QB Jordan Travis. The Seminoles return the vast majority of snaps on both offense and defense, including numerous players who spurned NFL opportunities to return, and lost only a couple of key contributors while bringing in even more proven talent through the transfer portal.

With all of that said, Dave asks whether the offensive line play can improve enough in 2023 to be better-than-good or great, and whether FSU can reach or win a championship game without great/elite offensive line play. Then, Drake asks whether Florida State’s defense can improve its consistency on a down-to-down, series-to-series, and game-by-game basis, after an up-and-down 2022 campaign that vacillated at times between bend-but-don’t-break and break-but-don’t-bend. Finally, the guys ask whether Jordan Travis can be one of the 5 best QBs in college football in 2023, and whether that level of play will be required to mask other deficiencies and give Florida State a chance at playoff contention.

As always, thanks for making Locked On Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y'all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

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"Depth On The Line": FSU D-Line led by Jared Verse, Fabien Lovett & Pat Payton Could be Best in The Conference for 2023 Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Locked on Seminoles! Drake and Dave continue the way-too-early position previews, finishing the offensive side of the ball with the big guys up front along the offensive line.

Once again in 2023, Florida State’s defensive line appears to be the most talented, sure-thing of any position group on the roster. In 2022, the Seminoles figured to boast one of the premier interior defensive lines in the nation, but had a massive void to fill on the edge after Jermaine Johnson etched his name in FSU lore and earned himself a pick in the first round of the NFL Draft - which highly-anticipated newcomer transfer Jared Verse was expected to help fill. By season’s end, Verse had lived up to the hype and become one of the most feared and disruptive pure pass rushers in the ACC and nationally, and Fabien Lovett demonstrated the stark difference in the defensive play as a whole when without him in the lineup, meanwhile youngsters such as Patrick Payton and Joshua Farmer forced their way into playing time, complementing a high-throttle offensive and helping the Seminoles to a 10-win season. Florida State brings back mostly all key contributors along the defensive line, including Verse and Lovett, and adds even more key, proven talent from the transfer portal, in Braden Fiske, Darrell Jackson, and Gilber Edmond, giving the Seminoles enormous quality depth.

With that in mind, Drake and Dave discuss expectations and performance of the defensive line in 2022, wants, needs, and room for improvement for the defensive line play in 2023, and breakout candidates who could force their way into a starting spot in a crowded and talented defensive line by season’s end.

As always, thanks for making Locked On Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y'all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

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"Win The Trenches": FSU Offensive Line led by Robert Scott & Mo Smith A Critical Unit for Seminole's Success in 2023 Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

Since inheriting one of the worst offensive lines in all of FBS upon his arrival to Florida State, Alex Atkins has coached and recruited the position into a state of serviceability, if not better. Indeed, the offensive line has improved each year since Atkins’ arrival alongside Mike Norvell, largely anchored by the play of transfers such as Dillan Gibbons, D’Mitri Emmanuel, and Jazston Turnerine in 2022, which saw FSU’s run blocking improve to top-50 after being 120th-best the year prior. The Seminoles will once again lean on transfers along the offensive line in 2023, after bringing in yet another top crop of transfers including UTEP stat tackle Jeremiah Byers, Colorado guard Casey Roddick, and Auburn guard Keiondre Jones. Though injuries could have derailed FSU’s offensive line in 2022, quality, functional depth shined through, and the depth should be even greater in 2023.

With that in mind, Drake and Dave discuss expectations and performance of the offensive line in 2022, wants and needs for the line play in 2023, and underclassmen breakout candidates who could force themselves into a starting spot by season’s end.

As always, thanks for making Locked On Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y'all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

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"Show Me The Money": Mike Norvell Extended by FSU Football & How Jaheim Bell Will Unlock A New Gear For The Offense Feb 10, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Locked on Seminoles! Drake and Dave discuss the massive pay raise and extension given to Mike Norvell, and continue the way-too-early position previews with the retooled tight ends room!

First, Drake and Dave offer their thoughts on the pay raise extension given to Head Coach Mike Norvell by Florida State, which extends Norvell through 2029 and raises his average annual salary to just over $8 million per year—bringing the fourth year Seminoles coach, fresh off a 10-win season, in line with the top-10/15 highest paid coaches in the nation. If nothing else, the athletics administration’s commitment to football success (as reflected by this deal) should excite everyone, as FSU announces its financial commitment to competing at the highest level!

Next, the guys continue their way-too-early previews with the tight end position. Cam Macdonald was a reliable, consistent, known-quantity tight end for Florida State throughout his career and in 2022, but Markeston Douglas burst onto the scene as the Seminoles’ most highly-graded tight end last season, and what a wonder it was seeing the coaching staff draw up screen passes for a 270+ pound tight end. Fast-forward to 2023, and Douglas is joined by highly-touted transfer tight ends Jaheim Bell and Kyle Morlock, which Drake and Dave explain will add another dimension to Norvell’s already-top-10 offense. Will 2023 see FSU’s best tight end play since perhaps the days of Nick O’Leary? Will one of the newcomers at tight end be a breakout player of the year candidate for Florida State’s offense, or will Douglas continue to grow and surprise everyone as the best tight end on the roster?

As always, thanks for making Locked On Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y'all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

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LinkedIn jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at Linkedin.com/lockedoncollege Terms and conditions apply.

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"Bringing the Boom": FSU LBs Ready for Another Big Step as Tatum Bethune & Kalen DeLoach Return to Lead the Core Four Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Locked on Seminoles! Drake and Dave continue the way-too-early position previews: this time with the much-improved linebackers!

Tatum Bethune transferred to Florida State from UCF and instantly solidified the Seminoles’ linebacking corps which, for the first time in several seasons, was generally not a liability for the defense. Kalen Deloach thrust himself into household name status, and potential into a high-level NFL Draft pick, with a series of impressive performances and games in 2022, and yet has significant room to grow. DJ Lundy was, to the likely surprise of many, FSU’s highest-graded linebacker on the 2022 season, flourishing under the tutelage of new linebackers coach Randy Shannon. And Brendan Gant showed great potential in his first year at linebacker after changing positions from his traditional safety spot. As a result, expectations are relatively high for the linebackers in 2023, and the solidity of their play could be a key to the Seminoles’ defensive success and path to a conference title and playoff run.

With that in mind, Drake and Dave assess the expectations and performance of the linebacking unit in 2022, how they expect the Seminoles’ linebackers to perform in 2023, and end with a talk about scheme and how FSU’s linebackers can become better than good.

As always, thanks for making Locked on Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y'all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

LinkedIn jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at Linkedin.com/lockedoncollege Terms and conditions apply.

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"Thunder and Lightning": Trey Benson & Lawrance Toafili lead FSU Football Running Backs To New Heights For 2023 CFP Berth Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Locked on Seminoles! Drake and Dave continue the way-too-early position previews - this time with the running backs - and entertain the question of whether Trey Benson will be Florida State’s first 1,000 yard rusher since Dalvin Cook!

With Treshaun Ward departed through the transfer portal to Kansas State, the running back room clearly belongs to breakout star Trey Benson, whose 2022 campaign was single-digit yards short of the 1,000 rushing yard mark. With Benson (perhaps surprisingly) electing to forego the NFL Draft and return for another season, expectations are through the roof for both Benson and the Florida State running game, which was already among the best in the country in 2022.

Benson’s average of more than 4.5 yards after contact per carry brings a punishing running style, complimented by change-of-pace backs Lawrence Toafili and Rodney Hill, who are poised to see an uptick in carries following Ward’s departure. Also in the mix for carries is the oft-forgotten Cazaiah Holmes, who brings enormous talent and potential (Holmes was a blue chip recruit that Penn State was very excited about), a full season in the system on the scout team, and a bigger body similar to that of Benson and capable of withstanding down-to-down contact. Walk-on CJ Campbell also figures to receive some carries after repeated impressive practice performances over the course of the 2022 season materialized into playing time and two touchdowns.

With that in mind, Drake and Dave assess the expectations and performance of the running back room in 2022, how they expect the Seminoles’ rushing attack to perform in 2023, and which player(s) will be the wild card for Florida State to maximize its offense next season.

As always, thanks for making Locked on Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y'all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

LinkedIn jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at Linkedin.com/lockedoncollege Terms and conditions apply.

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FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet to get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in Free Bets – win or lose! Visit Fanduel.com/LockedOn today to get started

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"The Pinnacle": How Florida State Football can Reach the top with stars Johnny Wilson, Akeem Dent & Trey Benson Feb 05, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Locked On Seminoles! Dave brings in an old face you know and love (yes, it’s Max) to discuss what the offense and defense need to do in order for FSU to be a real championship contender in 2023, and offer their wild cards for which players stepping up could make the biggest difference.

First, Dave and Max explain why the offense—already one of the best in the country in 2022, for both passing and rushing—needs to improve on the margins, namely by improving situational football and consistency, which will likely see the greatest gains at wide receiver (with another year in the system for key contributors such as Johnny Wilson, Mycah Pittman, and Winston Wright) and tight end (with a revamped room that includes highly-touted transfer additions Kyle Morlock and Jaheim Bell).

Then, they address the improvements needed on defense, namely maximizing the talent and potential at the defense back position (which should be accomplished through the addition of new defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain), and more well-rounded defensive line play that sets the edge and finishes the numerous almost-sacks/pressures Florida State saw each week in 2022.

Finally, they offer their individual wild cards for the 2023 season that could push the Seminoles over the hump into championship contender territory, including new tight ends Morlock and Bell, veteran returning defensive back Akeem Dent, and Kalen Deloach.

As always, thank you for making Locked On Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y’all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOSeminoles?sid=YouTube

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"State of DBU": FSU DB Room adds Fentrell Cypress to Jarrian Jones, Renardo Green and new Coach Pat Surtain for 2023 Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Locked on Seminoles! Drake and Dave continue their way-too-early position previews/breakdown, this time looking at the defensive back room.

First, Drake and Dave discuss the expectations and after-the-fact feelings about the DB corps in 2022, a group that was yet again loaded with talent and potential, and had guys step up primarily at the CB position, but overall saw inconsistent performance outside of star safety Jammie Robinson.

Then, the guys address the expectations for the defensive backs heading into 2023, as Florida State adds lockdown corner, UVA transfer Fentrell Cypress, but loses Jammie Robinson, under the tutelage of new defensive backs coach Pat Surtain. Will this be the year of Travis Jay? Will Akeem Dent fill in nicely for Jammie Robinson? Will guys like Renardo Green or Jarrian Jones take the next step to provide another shutdown option at CB opposite Cypress?

Finally, they discuss whether, despite being loaded with talent/potential and household names, the DB room is the biggest question mark on the team for 2023, and how deep the safety spot really is beyond the first team—will a youngster step up and make a name for himself?

As always, thanks for making Locked on Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y'all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOSeminoles?sid=YouTube

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LinkedIn jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at Linkedin.com/lockedoncollege Terms and conditions apply.

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FanDuel

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"ACC Schedule Drop": ACC Drops FSU' Football's Full 2023 Schedule & How Clemson and LSU Early Pave the Way for Back Half Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Locked on Seminoles, your favorite daily Florida State Seminoles sports podcast! Drake and Dave break down the newly-released 2023 schedule for Florida State, and explain why they believe it sets up well for a playoff run.

First, Drake and Dave discuss the opening third of the schedule—9/3 vs. LSU in Orlando; 9/9 vs. Southern Miss; 9/16 @ Boston College; and 9/23 @ Clemson—and discuss the fact that despite the difficulty of playing LSU and Clemson in the same month (and to start the season), having their most challenging games early provides the Seminoles a buffer to make the playoffs even with a loss.

Then, the guys tackle the middle third of the schedule following a bye week on September 30th (after Clemson)—10/7 vs. Virginia Tech; 10/14 vs. Syracuse; 10/21 vs. Duke; and 10/28 @ Wake Forest—in what Dave coins the “control your destiny” part of the schedule, as the Seminoles will be favored and should beat each of these 4 teams (3 of which will be played at home in Doak), like good teams are supposed to do.

Finally, they assess the final third of the season—11/4 @ Pitt; 11/11 vs. Miami; 11/18 vs. North Alabama; and 11/25 at Florida—and argue that getting Miami late could actually be a good thing, notwithstanding the fact that the Miami and Florida games fall within 3 weeks of each other. Yet again, FSU will be favored in each of these games and should control its ACC Championship and playoff destiny, without an overly high level of scheduling difficulty (thanks, ACC?).

As always, thanks for making Locked on Seminoles your first listen each and every day. We thank y'all for all the love and support and hope you enjoy the show.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOSeminoles?sid=YouTube

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"Can, Should, Will 2023 Edition": What Is FSU Football's Ceiling and Floor For Jordan Travis, Mike Norvell against LSU, Clemson & UF Jan 28, 2023

Show notes

In the battle's end she's great and who better to give us his opinion on all things Florida State Football in 2023 than one of TBE’s very own and one of the boys Mr. Max Moody of the Seminole Executive Brief!

On todays show, Dave and our special guest do Locked On Seminoles staple: Can Should and Will for this 2023 season and this Florida State Seminoles football squad.

What are Max’s expectations for this upcoming season. Does el presidente of the Jordan Travis hive have a higher ceiling than the rest of us. Also, what does he want to see from this team in order for them to take the next step. And sadly as always, we have to discuss what would be a disappointing season for this squad.

As always, we here at Locked On Seminoles want to thank each and every single one of you for all the love and support. We hope you enjoy todays episode and we’ll see all of y’all next time!

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