TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) - Florida State picked up a much needed win on Saturday over Louisville, but it took down two Florida State players. Head coach Willie Taggart confirmed Monday that linebacker Jaiden Lars-Woodbey is out for the season, while quarterback James Blackman is day to day. Both suffered "lower body injuries," and coach wouldn't get more specific than that.
Coach said now is the time for guys waiting in the wings to step up. At quarterback, if it comes to it, that guy is Alex Hornibrook, who came in after Blackman left the game in the third quarter. He led the Seminoles to the 35 to 24 victory, a game where he showed his experience, and if he has to start this weekend, Taggart's confident Hornibrook can lead the way.
"He comes to practice, he comes to meetings like the pro, like a vet, like he's done it before," he said. "Even at practice, whenever he's in a quarterback making sure everyone knows what they're doing. He's very confident, but he's put the work in to be confident in what he's doing. Putting him out on the field, I don't think anyone on our staff or our players felt like they needed to worry about anything."
Taggart added it's too early in the week to game plan for Saturday, as Blackman has not been ruled out to play as of Monday. Taggart said the quarterback has been getting treatment for his injury, and he's confident Blackman will do everything he can to play on Saturday.
"Saw him earlier in there getting treatment. He got treatment about three times yesterday. I'm sure he'll be in there about four times today," he said. "One thing about James is it's hard to keep him back. He's going to try to find a way to get out there so, James is one of those ones that's hard to tell. He's going to work hard to get back. When he's back and healthy and ready to roll, we'll know."
Hornibrook threw for two touchdowns in Saturday's win.
