Athlon Sports Ranks FSU #9

Athlon Sports is doing a daily countdown of their football rankings leading up to the release of their magazine and yesterday unveiled that FSU is # 9 on their list. They devoted an entire day to the Seminoles and their football history in honor of this occasion. Several of these topics I will cover during the next few days, but I decided to focus on the team preview for 2012 today. However, also included yesterday were the greatest Seminoles since 1967, the top ten Seminoles this year, is FSU back?, team predictions as far as awards, and greatest Seminole moments. Those great articles will be shared over the next couple of days again. Here is the team preview.

FSU is predicted to be #9 in the ACC and #1 in the ACC Atlantic. They have very similar predictions to last year, but it is because they have most starters and backups coming back. The preview starts talking about EJ Manuel and how fans expectations aren't as high of him after last season. Many of us do believe that he has what it takes to lead us to an undefeated season though. Big positive factors for the FSU passing game include Willie Haulstead returning from a concussion after missing 2011. Rashard Greene returning after being the leading receiver and big play threat Rodney Smith also returning.

Chris Thompson returns at runningback after missing most of last season with a back injury. His presence should help the Seminoles. The return of freshman phenom Devonta Freeman will also help the Seminole backfield. This duo should give the Noles a great 1-2 punch. Freeman is 5'8, can you think of another 5'8 Seminole who became a legend at runningback?

As Athlon points out, the biggest question surrounds the offensive line. The Noles lose Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders and must replace them. Datko missed most of last year already so that one isn't as big of a loss, but what about Sanders. Zebrie broke an ACC record for most starts so that will be difficult to overcome. The Noles look prepared to replace them, but you can never be too sure. This is the key to the season in my opinion. How the offense line plays will be crucial in the Noles success.


The FSU defensive line is as good as anybody. Led by senior Brandon Jenkins, who dominated spring practice, this unit is as good as any in the country. Jenkins decided to return for his senior year and the Noles will benefit from it. The Noles also return Bjoern Werner who was an animal last season. It will be incredibly difficult for opposing teams to block Jenkins and Werner. Not only that, but the Seminoles had the top defensive line recruiting class. These guys are loaded up front. They pulled the #1 recruit in the nation off and he will likely play tackle for the Noles. Sophomore Tim Jernigan was named pre-season All-ACC along with the two ends and will likely lead the Noles on the inside. Absolutely loaded at defensive line.

The Seminole secondary also looks very strong with the returns of Xavier Rhodes and LaMarcus Joyner. Although I am not as big of a Greg Reid fan as most Seminoles, his return is also huge. The secondary looks good and so do the linebackers. Nigel Bradham is gone at linebacker, but that could be a good thing for the Noles. Christian Jones slides over to Bradham's spot and Athlon says that he appears to be more of a playmaker. This could be great news for the Noles.

Shawn Powell is gone to the Buffalo Bills as a punter and the Noles will have to replace him. You may not think much of a punter, but Seminole fans have seen how much the team has benefited from Powell and Gano in recent years. Who will take over for Powell? Luckily, we don't have the same problem at kicker, as Dustin Hopkins returns. Hopkins may be the best in the nation at his spot. I actually feel somewhat comfortable when Hopkins comes out to kick, which as we all know is rare for FSU kickers.



After all the injuries and devastation of 2011, the Noles should be able to win the ACC Title in 2012 with everyone back. We will see shortly. Football season is 120 days away.

-Noland