5 stories to watch in spring practice

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Three months after advancing to the inaugural College Football Playoff, Florida State opens spring practice this afternoon in Tallahassee. The Jameis Winston show might have moved on, but there still are many eyes on the Seminoles as they try to win a fourth straight conference championship in 2015.

FSU will have 15 practices leading up to the Garnet & Gold Game on Saturday, April 11. Before they get started, let's take a quick look at the biggest stories surrounding the team in 2015.

5. Fresh Starts

Florida State's group of early enrollees may be the most talented in school history. The eight new players in for spring practice include four of the Seminoles' five-star signees. Wide receiver George Campbell, safety Derwin James and running back Jacques Patrick should all be able to make a dent in the depth chart right away. Defensive end Josh Sweat, the final five-star signee of the early group, will continue to rehab his injured knee but likely won't be ready to compete until preseason camp. Wide receiver Da'Vante Phillips isn't a five-star signee, but he has the physical tools to help at a position looking to replace valuable veterans. Four-star defensive back Calvin Brewton, quarterback De'Andre Johnson and greyshirt offensive lineman Ethan Frith should also have opportunities to provide depth at the very least. Every extra rep that's available to the freshmen should be valuable, particularly the ones who will be counted on as contributors this fall.

4. Secondary Spots

While P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby wait and watch their stock rise for next month's NFL draft, Florida State will have to figure out how to replace them. The duo has been one of the most talented cornerback combos in the nation for the last two years, and the Seminoles lost each of them a year early. Players like Marquez White and converted running back Ryan Green are intriguing options, but Jalen Ramsey might be a candidate as well. If Ramsey moves back to corner, that opens up the "Star" position and could begin a domino effect throughout the defensive backfield.

Whatever happens with Ramsey, James is definitely worth keeping an eye on. If the coaching staff wants to put the young playmaker on the field, it would likely require shuffling the back end of the secondary. That could mean a new role for a returning starter, or an outright demotion.

3. Offensive Line Reboot

There might have been times early last year when Florida State fans wanted to blow up the offensive line and start over. That group eventually turned it around late in the season, but FSU has to start over now anyway.

Put sophomore Roderick Johnson at left tackle, where he finished last season, and you have a solid start. Junior college products Chad Mavety and Kareem Are spent last year with the second team and should have the inside track on starting roles. But the final two spots are anyone's guess, and that still leaves questions about depth and the development of the group as it tries to come together. This storyline should start in spring and extend into fall camp at least.

2. Defensive Doubts

Even during a 13-1 season that included a berth in the College Football Playoff, first-year defensive coordinator Charles Kelly didn't seem to make any new fans. In his second year, he'll have to adjust to life without four underclassmen who passed on their senior seasons for the NFL. That's a challenge few coaches anywhere will have to face this year.

If there are going to be changes, Kelly hopes they'll come from the pass rush. The outside linebackers and defensive ends have all the depth any coach could want, but no one showed a consistent ability to disrupt the passing game from that group last year. If a young player like Lorenzo Featherston takes a big step forward or a light comes on for a veteran, such as Chris Casher, the complexion of the whole defense could change.

1. All Eyes Under Center

Jameis Winston is gone, but FSU's quarterback position will still be a major story. Junior Sean Maguire is the only quarterback returning with any experience to speak of, and he enters as the favorite. But J.J. Cosentino should make sure there's competition for the job.

Many also will be eager to track the progress of John Franklin, who moved to receiver in fall camp last year before going back to quarterback when Maguire was injured and FSU needed depth at the position. Franklin made it clear late last year that he wants to play quarterback. If he can't win the job, that brings questions about whether he'll accept another move back to receiver or possibly defensive back.