The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

HE spent his true freshman season as a medical redshirt, but with much turnover on the roster for the upcoming 2015 season, Mavin Saunders has an opportunity to claim a greater role in the offence for the Florida State Seminoles.

One of the ACC’s landmark powerhouse football programmes, the Seminoles began spring practice yesterday at the the campus in Tallahassee, Florida.

The redshirt freshman is one of the leading candidates to become a major contributor at tight end with the departure of senior standout Nick O’Leary.

Saunders appeared in just one game last season, an October contest against Wake Forest,  before he earned a medical redshirt. He is one of three tight ends on the roster along with fellow redshirt freshman Ryan Izzo and redshirt sophomore Jeremy Kerr.

Izzo played in just two games last season, recording one reception for seven yards while Kerr is used primarily as a blocking tight end.

The 6’6” Saunders came into spring practice up to 258 pounds after weighing in at 252 last season.

After 15 practices, spring football ends on April 11 with the Garnet and Gold Game, which will give the first glimpse at the 2015 edition of the Florida State football team.

The trio will look to fill the void of O’Leary, the Seminoles’ all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns among tight ends.

The 2014 Mackey award winner, awarded to the nation’s top tight end, was also the Seminoles second leading receiver and one of 11 combined starters lost from last year’s 13-1 squad, including former Heisman winner Jameis Winston.

Saunders was slowed by an injured hamstring throughout training camp in 2014, but was named to the scout team early in the year and spent much of his time on the field working with the second team offence.

Speaking with the Tribune last season, he expressed optimism at his adjustment to the collegiate game.

“I’m improving on everything everyday and that’s what matters is to stay healthy and continue to get better,” he said.

“I’m being patient and continuing to work.”

Saunders committed to Florida State during his junior season with the Kinkaid Falcons in Houston, Texans. He chose the Seminoles over Arkansas, Houston, Illinois, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas Tech and Utah.

“There were a lot of positives about it,” Saunders said. “It’s close to home, and that was a major factor in my decision-making process.”

Saunders joined the Frank Rutherford Foundation Programme in Houston in 2009 as a basketball recruit and played the sport until his junior season when he made the transition to football.

The decision to pursue a career on the gridiron full time has paid great dividends for Saunders as he joins an elite NCAA programme. He joins a list of Bahamian football players at FSU that includes Kamari Charlton, Devard Darling, the late Devaughn Darling and Myron Rolle.