Nate Andrews arrived on campus, took one look at the depth chart and thought he would be redshirted. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
Even though defensive back was perhaps the deepest position at Florida State in 2013, Andrews quickly found significant playing time as a true freshman. When Tyler Hunter suffered a season-ending neck injury in September, Andrews took over as a starter at safety.
“Last year, coming in, I thought I didn’t have a chance,” Andrews said. “I was like, ‘I’m going to get redshirted.’ Then T-Hunt got hurt and I had to step up.’’
A native of Fairhope, Ala., Andrews had 35 tackles and four interceptions, including two at Wake Forest on Nov. 9. He had six tackles the following week in a win over Syracuse and added four tackles against Auburn in the BCS championship game.
Andrews and another true freshman safety, Jalen Ramsey, made an immediate impact on a defense that allowed the fewest passing yards (156.6 per game) and points (12.1 per game) in the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2013.
Even though Florida State loses All-American corner Lamarcus Joyner and standout safety Terrence Brooks, the secondary is again loaded with young stars like Ramsey, Andrews, Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams.
“It feels like we can pick up where we left off,” Andrews said. “We have a lot of guys that can play.”
Andrews and Hunter, who is wearing a blue (non-contact) jersey this spring, are now competing for playing time again. But Andrews said he is grateful for Hunter’s willingness to teach him on the fly last season.
“He taught me everything,” Andrews said. “When I messed up he said, ‘Nate, come here.’ Every little thing. He was very helpful.”
Winston update: FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said quarterback Jameis Winston will stay in Tallahassee this weekend and practice with the football team. The Seminoles baseball team travels to play Boston College in Rhode Island on Friday-Sunday.
About the Author
