QB Clint Trickett transfers from Florida State opening the door for the Jameis Winston Era
Florida State’s quarterbacking situation just got a little clearer.
Quarterback Clint Trickett has opted to transfer just days after Jameis Winston received rave reviews for his efforts in the Seminoles’ spring game.
Trickett, who had been E.J. Manuel’s backup for what seemed like an eternity, started two games and was vying for the coveted job of replacing Manuel who's off to the NFL. Even though Trickett was the most experienced in the quarterbacking group, he wasn’t the most talented. That honor belonged to five-star prospect Winston, who has taken hold of the starting quarterback position. Jacob Coker, who is also competing for the starting spot, is close, but it will be tough for him to overtake Winston unless something drastically changes in the fall.
There is a silver lining for Trickett. He graduates in May and can transfer for grad school and play with an FBS program immediately. Even though he wasn’t the right fit at Florida State, it doesn’t mean he couldn’t be a gem for another program. Trickett started two games, played in 17, and threw for 675 yards and seven touchdowns in 2011 while Manuel was dealing with injuries. He threw for another 272 yards in spot time last season.
Hey, if Danny O’Brien and Jordan Webb can attempt to revive their careers with new teams (notice I said attempt) then there’s no reason some team with an uncertain quarterback situation wouldn’t take a chance on a veteran. Bret Bielema should be calling Trickett any time now.
As far as Winston goes, many are comparing him to former Florida State quarterbacking great Charlie Ward because of his dual-threat abilities and the fact that he’s a two-sport athlete (Winston is a star baseball player as well). The Seminoles haven’t had a true dual-threat since Ward and the prospect of one — especially after Winston completed 12 of 15 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns on his first two possessions — has folks in Tallahassee salivating.
Coach Jimbo Fisher said he isn’t quite ready to name a starter, but his decision just got a heck of a lot easier.
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