Despite a rocky record, Mike Norvell’s return to play-calling and Daniels’ seasoned leadership could finally unlock the high-powered offensive production Florida State fans have been waiting for.
Coming off a disastrous year with Tommy Castellanos under center, the Florida State fan base is treating new quarterback Ashton Daniels with extreme caution.
A 5-18 career record as a starter does not lead to optimism going into the new season.
For a fan base that expects to always be in the College Football Playoff conversation and dominating the ACC, looking at a quarterback who has lost more than triple the games he’s won is a massive pill to swallow.
Fans see the 24 touchdowns to 22 interceptions and don’t see "untapped potential"—they see a turnover liability who is going to put a brand-new offensive line in terrible positions.
However, the point they're missing is that Daniels comes in with the experience of playing under two different head coaches, two different offensive coordinators, and two entirely different systems.
His time at Stanford saw him deliver decent numbers, but he played only about 5 games at Auburn, against SEC foes like Alabama, whom they almost beat.
ACC Analyst Doubles Down on Ashton Daniels Hype
That's why ACC analyst Taylor Tannebaum believes the hype among insiders that Daniels is severely underrated right now is real.
“But when it comes to Ashton Daniels, what I do like is the type of offense Mike Norvell calls and runs, which he is doing this year. He is the playcaller
He is back at the helm, which does bode well for a guy like Ashton Daniels,” Tannenbaum said, emphasizing why Norvell taking over the offensive play-calling and Daniels' experience might just turn out to be the code the Seminoles have been trying to crack for the past few seasons.
“And we saw the potential in him when he was at Stanford and just a young pup. And then he comes to Auburn. And what I’ve liked about him is that he’s willing to compete,” she said.
https://x.com/EricMacLain/status/2064682002419261639
“So I would like to see in a place where he chose to go to Florida State, like when that happened, I talked to him a little bit, and he was genuinely, really excited to be in Tallahassee as a Florida State Seminole, despite what has gone on in the last few years. I think that matters. I think that he’s been around, has had to lead from a young age, and I think that can apply in Tallahassee. They need leadership. And I think Ashton Daniels can provide that with Mike Norvell calling the plays.”
There would be no one happier than the Florida State fanbase if things work out the way Tannenbaum is predicting.
However, it will only take some blockbuster snaps played by Daniels for Florida State in the early games that will make the fandom buy into his short-term hype.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
