With tackle Cameron Erving and tight end Nick O'Leary returning to school for their junior years, Florida State may have gotten off lightly with departing talent compared to ACC rivals Clemson.a number of high-profile players are leaving, but solid recruiting classes means the damage should be controlled.
WR, Kelvin Benjamin
At 6’6” Benjamin is a physical specimen. He consistently out-positioned and out-jumped defenders over his college career to make the big play. As a redshirt sophomore, Benjamin caught 54 passes for 1,011 yards and 15 touchdowns to become one of the best offensive playmakers in the country. Replacing Benjamin will be impossible but the ‘Noles can only try through schemes and good old prayer.
Replacement: WR, Christian Green. Green is a big drop off from Benjamin but with Kenny Shaw also leaving he is the next best thing. Rashad Greene is still there – 76 receptions, 1,128 yards, nine touchdowns – but he cannot do it all on his own. Green caught just 13 receptions as a junior after never living up to his potential out of high school. It is time for the senior to stand up and be counted or go home.
DT, Timmy Jernigan
Arguably the biggest drop-off in talent from the 2014 Draft class will come at defensive tackle. Timmy Jernigan is first-round material and a lot of scouts’ dark horse. At 6’2” and 292lbs. Jernigan is a big presence at the heart of the defensive line. He led the team with 11 tackles for a loss in 2013 and his 4.5 sacks were only second to defensive back Lamarcus Joyner.
Replacement: DT, Eddie Goldman. Goldman is a solid player and will be asked to replace the void left by Jernigan. However, with seniors Jacobbi McDaniel and Demonte McAllister leaving too, there is a serious depth problem at defensive tackle. Goldman will be junior in 2014 after tallying three tackles for a loss and two sacks this past season.
RB’s, Devonta Freeman & James Wilder Jr.
The little and large pair of Freeman and Wilder Jr. was worth 1,579 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2014. They both played an integral part in keeping Jameis Winston upright as well as Freeman catching balls out the backfield.
Replacements: RB’s, Karlos Williams & Ryan Green. Karlos Williams converted from safety in the spring of 2013 and what a decision it turned out to be. 91 carries resulted in 730 yards and 11 touchdowns. Williams will be a senior in 2014 and we can only expect more of the same with more experience under his belt. Green is an explosive running back who only saw 33 touches as a freshman. With his role likely to increase ten-fold we can expect his production to go through the roof.
DB, Lamarcus Joyner
Joyner has been one of the best defensive backs in Florida State history. Eight interceptions, eight sacks and 197 sacks amazingly only tell half the story. He is fast, dynamic, instinctive and forced offenses to adapt their game plans to him.
Replacement: P.J. Williams. Like Benjamin, replacing a cornerstone like Joyner is virtually impossible. Nevertheless, Florida State are deep at defensive back and have a host of playmakers. Williams will entering his junior season after registering three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), seven passes defended and 35 tackles in 2013.