6 Emerging Players From Tribe '13

Before the season, I recognized the Seminoles' 2013 recruiting class as a group that needed to rise up and lead this team in 2015. Now that we are halfway through the season, let's take a look at how they have done (hint: they're doing well). Here are six players in order of how great of a 2015 season they've had through six games.

*Nate Andrews and Jalen Ramsey are excluded from this list.

1) #8 Kermit Whitfield (Junior, Wide Receiver)
In past two games Kermit has caught 18 passes. Last season he caught a total of 11. Against Louisville alone, Whitfield surpasses his 2014 yardage total by nearly 30 yards. After his performance against Louisville, he was named ACC receiver of the week. The 5'7" track star has been the most sensational player to emerge from this group and has become an extremely dangerous weapon for Everrett Golson and this offense. Whitfield has accounted for 29 passes for 397 yards and 2 touchdowns.


2) #44 DeMarcus Walker (Junior, Defensive End)
This junior already has 4.5 sacks this season - he had just one in 2014. Walker has been a new player in 2015, flying all around the field with a certain swagger that we have not seen from him before. He has swapped snaps with another player who has come on extremely strong in senior Giorgio Newberry. The two have lead an emerging pass rush that has accounted for two less sacks through six games than it did all of last season. Walker has accounted for 16 tackles, 5.5 of which have been for loss.

3) #18 Ro'Derrick Hoskins (Junior, Linebacker)
Hoskins is currently second on the team in total tackles (33) and in tackles for loss (4.5). He has played in every game this season and started for the past four. He has been forced into the lineup due to a lack of depth at the linebacker position and has done his job up to this point. This week will present a huge test for him against Georgia Tech's triple-option. Hoskins has also recorded a pass breakup.

4) #3 Jesus Wilson (Junior, Wide Receiver)
Bobo was already expected to be a primary weapon in this years offense but he has stepped up on multiple occasions to make big plays. His best play of the season was likely the crucial 3rd and 18 catch in the fourth quarter against Miami. Wilson's hands have failed him a few times this season but he has played big when the team has needed him to. He'll likely continue to be Golson's top target in the future as the most experienced of the receivers. Wilson is just over halfway to his 2014 totals with 24 catches, 306 yards, and 2 touchdowns through the first six games.

5) #78 Wilson Bell (RS Sophomore, Guard)
I'm not going to lie and tell you that I know much of anything about offensive lineman, but I can tell you that Bell has started every game this season and has played well enough to retain his starting spot on the line.

6) #27 Marquez White (Junior, Defensive Back)
White has been an excellent complement opposite of All-American Jalen Ramsey this season. The six foot speedster has been a lockdown corner for much of the season. He has started every game this season, recorded 14 tackles, 2 for loss, and is responsible for one of FSU's four interceptions this season.

Other players from the class contributing: Freddie Stevenson (Fullback, started every game) and Ryan Hoefeld (Center, started last three games)

While the class has had certain players like Kermit and Walker turn into game-changers for the 'Noles, we still need more out of this group to get our team to the next level. The receiver and pass rusher have both filled huge needs for FSU where there was a lack of production, we will see if they can keep it up for the rest of the season the way the Seminoles need them to.

With season-ending injuries to Ryan Green and Tyrell Lyons and off-the-field issues keeping Isaiah Jones and Matthew Thomas on the sidelines, this class still has some potential next year as well.

Statistics courtesy of Seminoles.com

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