While sitting in the Swamp on Saturday afternoon watching the Gators destroy the Seminoles for the sixth year in a row wasn’t easy, but the future does look bright. I know it’s hard to find any good out of losing to your rival by 27 points, but Florida State’s youth showed plenty of promise at several points during the game.

EJ Manuel:

I know he was shook up early on and for good reason. The first snap Manuel took in the most hostile environment in the nation was from his own two yard line. He made a few bad passes and let it float too much at times, but he also showed a lot of heart as he continued to bounce back after taking several hits and led the Seminoles on a few good drives.

He threw two perfect passes back to back to sophomore Jarmon Fortson setting up and scoring Florida State’s only touchdown of the game. He also showed the ability to scramble a little against one of the fastest defenses in the nation. With another year to sit behind Christian Ponder and learn, he should come out in 2011 more than ready to take over the Florida State offense.

Jarmon Fortson:

Fortson has struggled at times this season but as stated above, he did make two remarkable catches and found the endzone allowing Florida State to score their first touchdown in three games against the Gators. The sophomore showed outstanding athletic ability on both catches and will be a force for Florida State for two more seasons.

Nigel Bradham:

Probably the most improved player on Florida State’s defense from the start to finish of the season. Bradham had 12 tackles against the Gators and showed remarkable speed for a linebacker as he ran down UF speedster Jeff Demps from behind. Bradham is only a sophomore and will only get better with time. He very well could be Florida State’s next great linebacker.

Greg Reid:

Reid was used sparingly for some reason which I do not understand at all. He did once again show how dynamic he is though as he returned a kickoff for 37 yards following Florida’s first touchdown. Of all the freshmen, he has definitely been the best one of the group.

The list goes on and on as Florida State could very well have the most talent that has contributed as either freshmen or sophomores this season. Once all of the coaching staff changes take place and there is ONE man in charge, this team could be very, very good.