TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Spring games often offer young players a chance to emerge. With starters and backups split among the rosters of the Garnet and Gold teams, Florida State players on both sides made the most of their opportunities.
FSU's spring game on Saturday was often ugly – nearly 30 minutes went by without an offensive touchdown at one point. And there were 15 punts (eight by the Gold and seven by the Garnet).
Coach Jimbo Fisher said he went into this game knowing what to expect from certain players, especially seniors like quarterback EJ Manuel and defensive end Brandon Jenkins.
What he wanted to see was the quality and depth of the roster. He wanted to see how the handful of players who changed positions looked. And, of course, how far the young offensive line has come.
"Some young guys got some opportunities," Fisher said. "We have a lot of work to do (but) we know where we're at. We have a good foundation built. Now it's just a matter of what we do between now and the first ballgame."
There are plenty of position battles that are up for grabs between now and the start of August practice.
Fighting for the No. 2 quarterback spot, Clint Trickett had two touchdown passes as the Garnet defeated the Gold 35-20 before an announced crowd of about 40,000 fans at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Trickett connected with Greg Dent on a 70-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown on the game's first play and then found walk-on Rashad Gholston on a 15-yard TD pass in the third quarter to put the Garnet up 21-7.
Gholston also had a 25-yard touchdown catch from walk-on James Moore in the fourth quarter as the Garnet pulled away.
Fisher was also happy with the multiple players who changed positions, including tight end Dan Hicks, who had two catches for 42 yards after moving over from defensive end. And left tackle Cameron Erving, who went from defensive tackle to left tackle.
"Cam Erving played very well," Fisher said. "I wanted to see if he could block it over and over and over and over again. And handle that side."
Manuel had a hit-and-miss day, throwing touchdown passes to James Wilder Jr. in the first quarter and Kenny Shaw in the third quarter. Manuel completed 28 of 51 passes for 255 yards but also had two interceptions.
"I did well as far as distributing the ball out to guys," Manuel said. "The ball came out of my hands well. I went through my reads minus the two picks."
Manuel's two interceptions were costly, well, as much as they can be in a close-of-spring exhibition.
On the first interception, Terrence Brooks stepped in front of a pass intended for Shaw and raced 51 yards for a touchdown.
"I just jumped that (pass) and took it to the house," Brooks said. "It was definitely a good play, and I plan on making a lot more."
Garnet linebacker Jeff Luc had six tackles and a second-half interception of Manuel.
The offenses both showed their depth. Eight players caught passes for the Gold, while 10 pulled in receptions for the Garnet.
Rodney Smith had seven catches for 71 yards for the Garnet. For the Gold, Shaw had seven catches for 53 yards and Jarred Haggins had three catches for 63 yards. Nick O'Leary added five catches for 53 yards.
"We have a lot of depth," said Wilder, a Gold tailback who had a 2-yard touchdown catch. "We had first string and second string on our side and on the other side that could probably start for most other teams."
Trickett and Jacob Coker split time for the Garnet as both attempt to nail down the No. 2 spot at quarterback behind Manuel. Trickett completed 12 of 23 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, while Coker completed 8 of 11 passes for 137 yards.
Fisher praised Trickett for his control in the huddle and knowledge of the playbook, and he said that he was pleased with Coker's touch and arm strength.
The competition will continue when FSU opens camp in August, Fisher said.
Linebacker Telvin Smith led the Gold defense with eight tackles. Tank Carradine had seven tackles and two sacks for the Garnet.
"I thought the defense played really well, especially early," Fisher said.
Fisher stood behind the quarterbacks all day, evaluating their performance and that of the offense in general. He was clearly unhappy at times, but in the big picture said after the game that there were no serious injuries and that the team made strides this spring.
"We have a long way to go," Fisher said. "A lot of progress was made."
