It's a question making its way around Twitter: who will replace Jameis Winston at quarterback for Florida State, now that he's off to the NFL?
The answer? Nobody.
Oh, Florida State will field someone at the QB position. Someone will throw the ball and hand it off. But it's pretty certain that no one will be Jameis Winston between the lines for Florida State. He's arguably the best player in FSU history. With that in mind, let's have a look at the candidates.
QB's Currently on FSU's Roster
Sean Maguire (6'2, 225) came in the same year as Winston and redshirted. He'll be a fourth-year junior in 2015. The New Jersey product did some promising work in 2013, but struggled in limited reps in 2014 (25-49, 339, 1 TD/2 INT). In fairness, 39 of Maguire's 49 passes came against Clemson, which arguably had the nation's best defense. However, Maguire is a clear step down from Winston, as any 2015 FSU quarterback will be. He has a strong arm, but is not very mobile and will need plenty of work with his receivers over the summer.
J.J. Cosentino was part of FSU's 2014 class. He'll be a redshirt freshman in 2015. The Pennsylvania product has a big build (6'4, 235), but played in a wing-t attack in high school and is perhaps more raw than the average freshman. If he is to earn the job, he'll need to make big strides in spring football and the off-season.
John Franklin III will be a redshirt sophomore. He's much smaller (6'0, 180) than Maguire or Cosentino, but he has great mobility. Franklin possesses so much mobility, in fact, that he took reps at wide receiver for much of the year. Whether he's still part of the QB competition remains to be seen.
Incoming Freshmen
Florida State currently has three freshmen quarterbacks committed.
De'Andre Johnson is already enrolled, which could give him a leg up on the competition. Johnson is somewhat limited physically, so it's imperative he grasps the offense quickly.
Deondre Francois is considered the best of the QB recruits, but is not enrolling early. If FSU is able to hang on to his commitment (Florida is hard charging), it'll be interesting to see how quickly he can learn the offense.
Kai Locksley is considered a better wide receiver prospect long-term, but plans to come in as a QB initially, assuming he sticks with his commitment.
Transfer Possibility
Florida State has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Braxton Miller, the Ohio State quarterback who injured his shoulder for the second season in a row. Miller has a lot of talent, but there are questions about when his arm will be fully healthy and how quickly he could pick up a pro-style system, having played in Urban Meyer's offense his entire college career. The reason he'd want to come to FSU is obvious: Jimbo Fisher gets quarterbacks to the NFL.