The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MANY elite NCAA Division I powerhouse programmes have begun their preparation for the upcoming season, and the FSU Seminoles faithful had an opportunity to get a first look at the team in the Garnet and Gold Spring Game.

Bahamian tight end Mavin Saunders is expected to be a major contributor this season and, according to Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher, his group at that position performed up to standard all spring leading up to the game.

Just two offensive touchdowns were scored in the game as team Gold won 17-7 over team Garnet. “I liked scrimmage from the standpoint it was very physical. Guys tackled well and played well,” Fisher said. “We’ve always been able to throw the ball, we’ll throw and we’ll throw it well.

I think they [tight ends] performed well, Izzo caught a couple balls, Mavin caught a couple. Those guys will be a factor in the game and they’re doing some nice things.”

Saunders was effective with the second unit; with his biggest play of the game a 13-yard reception from freshman quarterback Bailey Hockman.

“We’re far from a finished product - we got a lot of things to do - but there’s a lot to work with there,” Fisher said. “The attitude is going in the right direction, so I’m pleased.”

The Seminoles finished 10-3 last season, capped by a win over the Michigan Wolverines in the Orange Bowl.

Saunders finished his sophomore season with 10 receptions for 182 yards, both career highs.

The 6’6”, 258-pound Bimini native was a standout last spring in the Garnet and Gold Game when he  finished with six receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown.

Brendan Sonnone, who has covered the Seminoles for the Orlando Sentinel, Noles247 and CBSsports.com, said the progression should continue next season in Saunders’ junior season.

“Saunders’ improvement from 2015 to 2016 was clearly visible to the eye and is reflected in his metrics. The former basketball recruit led all FSU players with 18.2 yards-per-catch and 13.0 yards-per-target after averaging just 4.7 yards-per-target in 2015. His jump in catch rate (54.6 per cent to 71.4 per cent) and success rate (27.3 per cent to 64.3 per cent) was equally impressive,” he said.

Saunders is expected to be listed as  second on the depth chart behind Izzo.

“After having all those playmakers leave last year, we knew we were going to have to step up,” Izzo said. “We’re going to get those opportunities, so I think me and Mavin teaching Tre’ [McKitty] the process of what we’re doing right now so he can get used to that role. I think it’s definitely a more experienced group.

“We’ve been through this a lot. Overall, we’ve been making more plays. Jimbo’s trying to implement more formations, just to get us out wide and do stuff like that.”