The 3-2-1: Looking back at camp, ahead to season opener

1 - Matthew Thomas might end up being the happy, feel-good story of the year

While I know that we’ve all had fun with his story at times – calling him the unicorn, etc. – it’s really quite remarkable that Matthew Thomas is still with the Florida State program and will be in the starting lineup on Monday against Ole Miss.

While some of his problems were self-induced, the guy really has gone through a great deal of adversity over the last few years. An injury kept him off the field as a freshman. Then there was the half-season suspension in 2014. His mother died in early 2015, and then he ended up being ineligible for that season too. Thomas wasn’t even allowed to practice with the team last season, which often can be the end of the road for players who are struggling. Guys who are “at-risk” typically need the normalcy of team functions to keep them on the right path; Thomas didn’t have that, but here he is.

A lot of times before practice, I’ll watch Thomas interact with his teammates to try to get an idea of how he’s doing. He’s not a very vocal guy in those settings, but you can tell his teammates like being around him. He’s never alone. Whether it’s his fellow starting linebacker Ro’Derrick Hoskins or running back Dalvin Cook or someone else, players seem to gravitate to him.

There’s no denying Thomas’ athletic ability. It’s why he was a five-star prospect coming out of high school in Miami. Now combine that talent with the motivation that comes with overcoming so many obstacles to finally get back on the field – and the guy could be primed for big things this season.

Finally.

2 - Jimbo Fisher sounds very comfortable with Deondre Francois

There’s a certain calmness you can sense from Jimbo Fisher when he’s on the same page with his quarterback. That obviously wasn’t there with Everett Golson last season, and it’s been hit and miss with different quarterbacks throughout Fisher’s time at Florida State. But it definitely seems to be there with Francois.

That’s not to say Fisher won’t get upset with things Francois does in the game Monday night in Orlando. Or that he doesn’t get upset with him in practice. Josh Sweat told us a funny story the other day about how Fisher got so frustrated with Francois in one scrimmage that he told the defense that the quarterback was “live” for one play – meaning the defense could hit him if they had the chance. (Fortunately, they didn’t.)

But I think what brings Fisher comfort is when his quarterback understands why he is upset, and then works to correct the mistake. That seems to be the relationship he and Francois have. As I’ve said before, Francois will make mistakes in the season opener. He’ll be playing his first college football game. But the fact that he welcomes coaching – and is dedicated to improving – are very positive signs for his future.