The Seminoles haven't had a two-sport star for football and basketball since the famed Ward. Jasen Lopez looks ready to follow suit.
Florida State football hasn't seen an athlete head to two practices, but for different sports, since 1993.
Charlie Ward holds that title in Tallahassee. FSU fans recall Ward becoming the '93 season Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback...who delivered similar flair on the basketball court.
Fast forward 33 years later and Jasen Lopez is pulling a "Ward."
Lopez arrives as a prized four-star wide receiver addition to FSU football and head coach Mike Norvell. He'll soon lace up the cleats and run out to the field for spring football practices.
But he's wearing another set of kicks -- for Luke Loucks and Seminoles basketball.
"It’s been something I’m definitely getting adjusted to,” Lopez said to reporters.
He's had quite the adjustment on the floor compared to what he got used to at Chaminade-Madonna High.
“Obviously, these guys are way bigger, lengthier, smarter, so the game is definitely quicker. But I’d say I’ve definitely grown as a player mentally and physically. Each and every day going against these guys that play in the ACC [Atlantic Coast Conference], it’s only getting me better," Lopez said. “And I’m grateful for the opportunity that I was able to get up here early and get in the gym with these guys.”
But soon he'll need to deliver a different type of "blow bys:" The ones where he beats man coverage on the football field.
Lopez believes he's already ready for that challenge against older football teammates.
"You’re trying to get by your defender constantly with the positions that I play,” Lopez said. “So, the quickness, the footwork, the balance, it all goes hand in hand.”
Lopez's rapid fire feet helped win over Tim Harris Jr., who'll soon assume offensive coordinator duties but will continue working with wide receivers.
"When they were recruiting me, they were constantly in contact even before I got up here,” Lopez said. “They consistently showed how good they would be with each other when I was here. That played a big factor in my recruiting process.”
He has his plan in place the moment roundball season slows down.
"The plan is to get in right after basketball season,” Lopez said.
And is Lopez already becoming the next football/basketball athlete like Ward before him?
“I do plan on doing this for the rest of my college career, but we’ll just see what the future holds," Lopez said.
Maybe he wins a Heisman Trophy like Ward -- since it happened the last time FSU had a football/basketball athlete.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our NOLES ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely 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.