Taggart sees 'tremendous improvement' in FSU
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Florida State's second-year coach Willie Taggart says he's impressed with how well quarterback Alex Hornibrook has meshed his new teammates after joining the Seminoles as a graduate transfer from Wisconsin.
The Seminoles are looking to bounce back from a disappointing, if not embarrassing, 5-7 first season under Taggart and will rely heavily on Hornibrook to begin the process of returning the program to notoriety. Last year was Florida State's first non-bowl season since 1981.
Last year's starting quarterback Deondre Francois transferred to Florida Atlantic, opening the door for Hornibrook to start.
Taggart pinned last year's issues offensively on players' struggles adapting to a spread offense, which differed from the pro-style offense they'd run in the past. He says he's already seen "tremendous improvement" in the execution of the team's offense in practice.
Taggart expects the Seminoles to "turn things around" this season behind Hornibrook, who has plenty of starting experience and was the MVP of the 2017 Orange Bowl. Hornibrook was 26-6 in three seasons at Wisconsin, throwing for 5,438 yards with 47 touchdowns and 33 interceptions.