Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis is one of the potential 2024 NFL draft QBs with a lot of seeming upward mobility. He proved that in the Seminoles’ opening weekend win over LSU in Orlando.
It didn’t look so promising early on. Travis misfired on a couple of early throws and then threw one of the worst interceptions of the season. Delayed timing on a screen pass turned into an easy gift to the Tigers defense, with Travis never seeing CB Duce Chestnut waiting for his short pass.
He nearly repeated that gaffe on the very next drive too with a panicked heave over the middle under pressure that should have been picked off by LSU.
The inability to handle pressure from LSU, particularly interior pressure from impressive DT Mekhi Wingo, stood out for Travis in the first few drives. Then the 6-foot-1 senior settled in and showed why he’s a darkhorse Heisman candidate and potential Day 2 draft pick.
After starting the game 9-for-16 with the INT, Travis was dialed in the rest of the way. He showcased the pinpoint ball placement and touch that excites NFL scouts, layering in passes between defenders and over feebly outstretched arms. Travis also appeared to have a better feeling for his escape routes when the pass rush got near.
He’s got clean footwork and a release that can shorten if needed. Travis showed the read-option ability on his rushing touchdown, a masterful read and fake that left the LSU defense dejectedly pointing fingers at one another. He accelerated away from the rush nicely on a couple of occasions while keeping his eyes down the field, more scouting catnip.
The ability to shake off a slow start is an important trait for quarterbacks. Instead of getting down or changing his approach, Travis settled in and trusted in himself and in spectacular transfer WR Keon Coleman (9 catches, 122 yards, 3 TDs). He completed 14 of his final 15 passes and could easily have been mistaken for Jalen Hurts or Deshaun Watson in doing so.
It was an overall impressive start on the path to the draft for Travis, who now draws Southern Miss on Saturday.