Freshman QB Blackman shakes things up, now battling for No. 2 spot

The only drama surrounding Florida State’s quarterback position this preseason was supposed to be whether sophomore Deondre Francois would get better protection from the Seminoles’ offensive line.

Everything else seemed to be laid out cleanly.

As a returning starter coming off of an impressive redshirt freshman campaign, Francois entered camp as the Seminoles’ unquestioned starter. Then, as a fourth-year junior, J.J. Cosentino was expected to be the clear-cut No. 2. And having enrolled early and with a six-month head start on his fellow freshman quarterback, Bailey Hockman was penciled in at No. 3.

That would leave true freshman James Blackman, a four-star recruit from Belle Glade, Fla., as the fourth-string quarterback and the most likely candidate to redshirt in 2017.

Well … hold that thought.

After three weeks of preseason practices, Blackman has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the Seminoles’ offense. He has impressed coaches and teammates with both his passing skills and his ability to learn the system, and his stock seems to be rising every day.

“I’m extremely pleased with Blackman,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said after practice Tuesday. “He’s doing a real good job. … Very intelligent guy. Lot of poise, lot of presence, lot of command. And can throw the football. Moves around well, too. Doing a really nice job.”

Blackman, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, has been impressive since the start of camp. He spins a beautiful ball and seems to have the hand talent to make all different types of throws with accuracy.