Billy Napier gives impressions of Tate Rodemaker
was not the only program within the state to lose their starting quarterback for the season in Week 12. The Florida State Seminoles lost their star quarterback, Jordan Travis , to a gruesome leg injury against North Alabama. Now, backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker will lead the Seminoles the rest of the way in 2023. And as Florida gears up for their clash with their heated and stayed rival, their head coach Billy Napier shared a few thoughts on facing the Seminoles’ junior quarterback.
“ I’ve got a long-standing history with Rodemaker,” said Napier . “His dad is a longtime friend of my dad. And when I was growing up, Coach Rodemaker was always around at different events and camps and things that we went to. I think we even started the recruiting process with him at Louisiana.
“He’s a coach’s son, very bright; this is his fourth year in the system. He’s required reps throughout his time there. He’ll have a good grasp of what they do. Little bit different type of player, but certainly he’s got his strengths, and they’ve got terrific skill around him. There’ll be an element of experience... there’s a pretty good sample size of him playing.”
On Saturday, there will be a noticeable difference in Florida State’s style of play, with Rodemaker leading the offense in comparison to Travis. Still, the Seminoles’ backup quarterback is talented enough to be a starter on multiple programs rosters throughout the country. This season, Rodemaker has quietly thrown with 376 yards, completing 64.5 percent of his pass attempts while leading the Florida State offense. But arguably, his most impressive stat is his five touchdown passes to zero interceptions.
