As the offseason marches on, we'll continue examining each position on the Florida State football team -- evaluating what went right and wrong in 2017, and looking at what's in store for the Seminoles under a new coaching staff in 2018.
Next up is FSU's wide receiver position, which features quite a bit of talent but is searching for a true go-to leader.
Previous installments: Linebackers | Defensive backs | Defensive ends | Defensive tackles | Running backs |
State of the Program: Wide receivers
2017 SUMMARY
For a position group that was expected to be a team strength, Florida State's wide receiver corps got off on the wrong foot during the summer and never really became the type of group the Seminoles envisioned.
First, junior Da'Vante Phillips was suspended indefinitely following his offseason arrest, and then sophomore George Campbell missed two thirds of the season with the same "core muscle" injury that sidelined him one year earlier. The Seminoles also played without sophomore Keith Gavin and junior Auden Tate for stretches due to injuries.
Tate and Nyqwan Murray each finished the year with a respectable 40 catches, but neither averaged more than 50 yards per game. Tate recorded 10 touchdown receptions, while the rest of the Seminoles' receivers finished with just six combined.
Due partly to the receivers' inconsistency and injuries, and also due to the inexperience of freshman quarterback James Blackman, FSU ranked 89th nationally in passing offense at 196.2 yards per game.
HIGHLIGHT OF 2017
The N.C. State game. While that might seem strange considering Florida State lost the game, 27-21, the Seminoles' wide receivers enjoyed one of their most productive days of the season.
Auden Tate snared nine catches for 138 yards and a touchdown. And the quartet of Tate, Nyqwan Murray, George Campbell and Keith Gavin combined for 20 catches for 269 yards.
