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Thus, all the reasons why Blackman seemed to be the favorite from March – his relationship with his team-mates, his two years and more at Florida State and his relentless positivity – helped Taggart and Co. make the final decision.
Hornibrook, a fifth year senior, has been paying a lot of attention to the coaching staff.
"We have the feeling that we have two guys who can start a football match for us," Taggart said. "… Alex is a pro. It's a veterinarian. Disappointed like any other competitor, he understood our decision. "
Taggart said he and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles had met each quarterback individually to deliver the news.
Blackman, of course, was "excited", but he was not too surprised.
"It's something he's working for," Taggart said. "And he is delighted to lead this football team. And that's what we expected from him. "
Freshmen sprinkled on the depth map: Officially, there is a "or" in front of the name of Dontae Lucas on both depths – as in veteran Mike Arnold "or" Lucas will start at the right guard on Saturday.
Taggart, however, confirmed Monday to Jeff Cameron of ESPN Tallahassee that Lucas, a freshman from Miami, had earned first place.
Lucas is expected to be the first real FSU freshman to start the season on the offensive line since 2008.
"He did a good job throughout his training camp: he improved every day," Taggart said. "And it brings physicality into the position we want and seek."
Lucas may be the only freshman from Saturday, but he will probably not be the only one to see the field.
Four other rookies – defensive tackle Tru Thompson, safety Akeem Dent, cornerback Renardo Green and goaltender Travis Jay – are all ranked second in their respective positions.
Taggart said that Green, a native of Orlando, was probably the most improved defender in recent weeks, and that Thompson had enjoyed a heavier workload after veteran Marvin Wilson injured himself before the season.
"They showed us that they can compete with the older ones," Taggart said. "And they worked and earned their place in this position. We did not impose a limit on them. They have well deserved it. "
Many options to receiver / tight end: Speaking of "golds" on the depth map, we find a lot of it at the receiver and at the tight ends of the Seminoles.
In fact, the only newcomer to one of these positions is the second-year redshirt Tamorrion Terry. Otherwise, the likes of D.J. Matthews, Keyshawn Helton, Tre'Shaun Harrison, Keith Gavin and Ontaria Wilson – as well as the two tight ends, Tre 'McKitty, Camren McDonald and Gabe Nabers – are all grouped together.
This does not mean that none of these players stand out. Or that Taggart and his staff are just undecided. It just means that everyone will play. A lot.
"We are happy with these guys," Taggart said. "Regardless of one or the other, we do not have to deviate from our game plan. And it's great to be so deep and have young men you believe in and know they can go out and perform for you. "
Wilson, Terry and Kaindoh should be available: Asked about his two most prominent injured players, Taggart smiled and said, "I can tell you this: Marvin is ready."
That means Marvin Wilson, the junior defensive tackle who hurt his knee early in the fall camp. Taggart said that after observing the way Wilson ran and chased the ball during last Saturday's competition, he was happy with his recovery.
Things were not so clear for Terry, who had undergone a small knee surgery before the start of the fall camp. But Taggart remains optimistic that the main threat to the FSU will be on the ground.
"We're just trying to get him back into the process and not rush," he said. "And we're going to accelerate and move up a gear this week, week of play, with Tamorrion.
"But he seemed to run well, cut and catch the ball."
Taggart also said linebacker Joshua Kaindoh (hamstring) should train this week and be available for Saturday's game. Kaindoh, who had three sacks a year ago, was restricted for most of the fall camp and is currently ranked behind the junior Janarius Robinson redshirt on the depth map.
Taggart talks about Boise State: Taggart loves the Boise State football program. Or, this week, plenty of things to occupy FSU's coaching staff.
The Broncos are coming back with 14 starters from last year's 10-3 squad, including all their offensive line.
"I think we all understand Boise and what they are capable of doing," Taggart said. "It's a well-trained football team."
The Broncos announced this weekend that rookie Hank Bachmeier would start at quarterback. It's called for the first time since the first year of the Boise State program since the transfer of the program to the Bowl Subdivision in 1996.
This sounds like good news for the Seminoles, but Taggart said he's expecting Boise State coaches to adapt their game plan to Bachmeier's forces.
Bryan Harsin, coach of the Broncos, has been a head coach of the program for five years. He has a record of 52-15, three league titles and a win over Arizona at the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.
Historically, Boise State has made a habit of upsetting the university football landscape with victories over college football heavyweights like Oklahoma, Georgia and Virginia Tech.
"A hell of a football program," Taggart said. "Coach Harsin did a good job. He is a guy from Boise and understands this program thoroughly. "
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