Florida State: True Freshmen To Watch in 2020

Every February (and now December) college football teams sign a new class of football players to join their program. It’s exciting to dream about what a prospect can become in the future but come September, some of those freshman will redshirt and wait for their opportunity to shine, while a few will be given the chance to make an immediate impact this season. In this series we will take a team by team look at the true freshman who could be given the opportunity to make a name for themselves in 2020. Today we will look at the Florida State Seminoles true freshmen to watch in 2020.

Demorie Tate – CB

The Seminoles have their two likely starters at cornerback in Asante Samuel and Akeem Dent (who we think will breakthrough in 2020). Some of the depth in the defensive backfield has departed via the transfer portal as AJ Lytton and Kyle Meyers have decided to continue their careers elsewhere. The portal did bring some depth back in safety Jarrion Jones and corner Meiko Dotson which will help. Returning for Florida State are Renardo Green and Isaiah Bolden who played sparingly in 2019. The Noles have a few players who could fit the bill at corner and provide the requisite depth, but Tate is a rare talent and has a chance to compete for playing time this fall.

Demorie Tate starred at Freedom High School in Orlando, Florida. He has excellent size and length for the position at 6’1″ 181 lbs. Tate has room to continue to get stronger while maintaining his excellent athleticism. He is a smooth athlete on the field showcasing his speed and short area quickness on both sides of the ball. Tate has excellent instincts and ball skills, showing the ability to make game changing plays. He needs to perfect his technique but the tools are there for Tate to become a top notch college corner. He will see playing time and provide depth in 2020, but once they see him out there it may be difficult for the coaches to take him off the field again.

Bryan Robinson – WR

Tamorrion Terry is the headliner at receiver for Florida State and is #9 in our receiver rankings. The transfer portal was a factor at receiver as well, Tre’Shaun Harrison, D’Marcus Adams and D’Anfernee McGriff have all decided to leave the program. Harrison was the Seminoles third leading receiver last year but Adams and McGriff were non factors. New Head Coach Mike Norvell brings his high flying offense from Memphis and will need receivers to step up in 2020. There are some talented players on the roster including DJ Matthews, Keyshawn Helton, Ontaria Wilson and Warren Thompson. Still, with the added emphasis on the passing game and the way Norvell uses multiple receivers, there will be playing time available at the position in 2020. A player like Robinson will see the field and could play a larger role if he impresses.

Bryan Robinson was a touchdown machine at Palm Beach Central High School in Florida. Robinson has good height, excellent ball skills and serious leaping ability. He makes contested catches regularly, high pointing the football and catching it with his hands. Robinson has some speed and really good burst, he is an explosive player and can gear down and get back up to speed in a hurry. While he needs to get stronger and improve his route running, Robinson can make plays immediately. He will provide good depth as an outside receiver or out of the slot and should see time in multiple receiver sets for the Seminoles. Given the opportunity, Robinson will make his share of big plays in 2020.

Carter Boatwright – TE

Last years leading receiver at tight end, Tre McKitty, transferred out of the program and the second leading receiver at tight end, Gabe Nabers, has exhausted his eligibility. Andrew Marshall hasn’t played much at Florida State but he too is in the transfer portal looking for a new team. Camren McDonald does return but he had only 6 catches in his limited playing time in 2019. The transfer portal did bring Jordan Wilson in from UCLA for some much needed depth. Beyond these two players there isn’t any proven depth on the roster. There is a need for tight ends come in and provide quality depth immediately. Carter Boatwright is the only tight end in the 2020 class but he did enroll early and should have a chance to push for some playing time in 2020.

Carter Boatwright played his high school ball at Colquitt County High School in Georgia. Boatwright is a good athlete at the tight end position, he can get up the seam and make defenses pay. He has good body control and does well in contested catch situations. He has a good frame but needs to get stronger at the college level. Boatwright is a willing blocker who competes even when matched up against bigger defenders. As he adds strength and mass he will become an even better blocker. Boatwright has the skill set to contribute at tight end in 2020. He will provide good depth and can be an asset in the passing game right away. His willingness to block will get him on the field early, we expect Boatwright to be a good depth guy at tight end in 2020 for Florida State.

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