Florida State’s spring game had one question sure to be asked Saturday afternoon. Is Sean Maguire going to lock down the starting job for the Seminoles, three-time defending ACC champions, in 215 as Jameis Winston moves to the NFL? It is dangerous to put too much stock in a spring game, but Maguire showed two things regarding the answer to that question.
Maguire is Florida State’s best option at quarterback right now, but Jimbo Fisher may not have a particularly long leash in the fall.
Maguire completed half of his pass attempts (22-of-44) in Florida State’s spring game Saturday afternoon in rainy Tallahassee. He was picked off twice, including on his first pass of the game. Early enrollee Derwin James intercepted the pass and returned it for a touchdown in the opening minute. Maguire moved past a sluggish start to play better in the first half and ended his day with a team-high 289 yards. But he was without a touchdown pass and was sacked twice. He also had a habit of overthrowing some targets and missing opportunities for some big plays.
For now, Maguire is Florida States best option but there is room for improvement. The work done between now and the start of the season may be critical for Florida State’s chances to hold off Clemson in the ACC this season.
Redshirt freshman J.J. Cosentino and freshman De’Andre Johnson split most fo the reps for the Gold team and ended the afternoon with similar numbers. Neither is likely to get the nod over Maguire for the starting job, but the competition can be good for all.