FSU Finds Its Spark: Castellanos Brings New Energy at QB

Scheme Fit

• RPO and Zone-read: This is the bread and butter, used to create explosive plays from the line of scrimmage.
• Designed QB runs: Will be very critical for efficiency, used to establish the run game early.
• Roll-out and sprint-out concepts: Doing this will maximize the impact of his mobility.
• Quick game: Get the ball in the hands of his teammates as often as possible.

Concerns

This won’t be an easy task, as the Seminoles are trying to get back on track. Castellanos needs to take a big jump in the passing game for his guys to have a chance. Here are some things that stuck out to me:

• Turnovers: Although improved from a year ago, he will have to be more under control in high-pressure situations.
• Performance under pressure: Big time games require big time performances. What will he do when his first two progressions aren’t open right away?
• Durability: I admire his grit and fire. Does his play style invite too much contact? If so, does he protect himself at all times? And, can he do this for an entire season

Part of the game

Players talking junk to each other has been a thing ever since the inception of this beautiful game of football. I love it because football is supposed to be fun and it comes with the craft. If you’ve never experienced that kind of atmosphere, it will be difficult to understand. There were some comments made that rubbed people the wrong way.

In June, Castellanos told On3 that “They don’t have Nick Saban to save them,” in regard to Alabama. He would also state, “I just don’t see them stopping me.” Simply put, he accepts the the challenge, and wants to give his team that juice that’s been missing. I don’t see an issue here—I love it. People want to say that his numbers don’t match his trash talk. Until they lace up the cleats in August, numbers don’t matter. I will say that every year, not one team remains the same going into the next year. At 3:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30 you might be in for a surprise.

Final Remarks

For Florida State, they have a guy in Castellanos who isn’t a plug-and-play type of player. He is a young, competitive, crafty and confident QB that has yet to scratch the surface of his potential. Most teams have issues finding their starter but the Seminoles have answered that.

To those that like to judge someone without having all of the facts, or judge at all for that matter, take a look in the mirror. I can guarantee that most people wouldn’t be able to manage what Castellanos has to manage. Celebrate and support the young man because college football is hard enough.