Florida State is looking ahead to a bowl game after missing out on post-season play in back-to-back seasons.
This bowl invitation is the result of a program-changing season under third-year head coach Mike Norvell.
Both the offense and the defense took massive leaps this season as the ‘Noles achieved their first winning record since 2017.
Let’s take a look at Pro Football Focus’ top five offensive performers for the 2022 regular season. PFF enacts a 15-snap minimum per-game for grades, so this list excludes players with less than 180 snaps.
In what will be a 2-part series, let’s begin with the offense:
5. Kentron Poitier, WR (77.1)
Redshirt-sophomore Kentron Poitier has had a very promising year. The former three-star wide out from Miami, FL saw limited action, but flashed in key situations throughout the year. His 78.3 receiving grade represents a 25.5 point increase from his 2021 grade.
Poitier hauled in 14 catches for 283 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 20.2 yards per reception. He was targeted 15 times this season and only dropped one ball.
4. Johnny Wilson, WR (79.6)
The ‘Noles knew they needed to upgrade the receiving room this year. A bevy of transfers were brought in, among which was Arizona State transfer Johnny Wilson. Wilson has immediately made an impact in his first season, quickly becoming the “go-to” guy in the air.
The 6’7″ wideout was a monster for the Seminoles, tallying 35 receptions for 695 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 19.9 yards per reception and posted career-long receptions of 69 and 78 yards. He was also FSU’s highest-graded run-blocking receiver.
3. Treshaun Ward, RB (82.6)
The walk-on wonder Treshaun Ward continued to be a solid rusher for the Seminoles in the 2022 season. Although he was only a full participant in four games due to injury, he found limited capacity in another four.
The sophomore back rushed 85 times for 547 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He continues to be efficient in the passing game as a blocker, earning a grade of 82.6.
2. Jordan Travis, QB (90.6)
Starting quarterback Jordan Travis entered the 2022 season with a lot of questions to answer. Could he truly be an elite quarterback? Could he improve his ball placement and accuracy enough in one offseason?
The redshirt junior answered these questions and then some, firmly planting himself in the national conversation.
He completed 63.2% of his passes to the tune of 2,796 yards and 22 touchdowns on 199 completions, throwing only four interceptions. The electric athlete also added 367 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
If he continues this type of improvement, Heisman candidacy is already a very real possibility for 2023.
1. Trey Benson, RB (91.0)
Head coach Mike Norvell continues to find gems in the transfer market, and running back Trey Benson is a shining example. Benson missed the 2020 season with an injury and only had six rushing attempts during in 2021 at Oregon.
After feeling underutilized, Benson transferred to FSU. He started hot, rushing for 105 yards and a touchdown in his very first game with the ‘Noles.
After Treshaun Ward’s injury, Benson showed he could handle the starting job. The redshirt sophomore rushed for 100-plus yards in four of his five starts.
Altogether Benson gained 965 yards on 141 attempts with nine touchdowns, adding another 111 yards through the air. His ability to bounce off defenders and gain yards after contact earned him the highest elusiveness rating among running backs who meet the minimum snap count. He also tallied the sixth-highest rushing grade among NCAA running backs.
