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David Hale
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos is not backing down from feedback he made this summer season suggesting Alabama did not have Nick Saban to “save them” within the Week 1 matchup between the 2 groups.
Castellanos, a switch from Boston College, has been a spark of confidence for a Florida State workforce reeling following a 2-10 marketing campaign in 2024, however the commentary concerning Alabama definitely turned heads. Throughout his look at ACC Kickoff on Wednesday, nonetheless, Castellanos stated he does not remorse any of it.
“We stand on what I stated,” Castellanos stated Wednesday. “I stated what I stated and we stand on that. I do not imply no disrespect to none of these guys at Alabama or something like that. I’ve confidence in my guys and the work we have been placing in and making ready and the preparation we have been placing collectively. That is all that was. No disrespect to these guys however we stand on what I stated.”
Castellanos initially made the feedback concerning Saban’s impression on Alabama in June, after which adopted up by trash-talking Alabama receiver Isaiah Horton final week, suggesting “Y’all boys gonna see” what occurs when the Tide journey to Tallahassee for his or her opener.
Castellanos informed media final week that his feedback have been totally about boosting the boldness of a Florida State workforce coming off arguably the worst season in program historical past.
“Them boys are coming off 2-10 – I simply needed to instill some confidence,” Castellanos stated. “I am tryna get my boys able to go. I am making an attempt to make it the largest stage.”
Whereas FSU is recovering from a disastrous 2024, Castellanos, too, endured his share of setbacks final yr. After opening the season 4-1, together with a Week 1 win over FSU, Boston Faculty misplaced three straight and Castellanos was finally benched in favor of Grayson James. Castellanos then left the workforce slightly than embrace the function of backup earlier than finally transferring for Florida State.
Head coach Mike Norvell stated he is been impressed by Castellanos’ management in Florida State’s locker room this offseason, nonetheless, suggesting a powerful voice and confidence is one thing the Seminoles wanted.
“Folks which can be keen — whatever the circumstance, no matter what you end up in, that you just’re keen to take the step to go be your greatest, to place every little thing that you’ve got in,” Norvell stated, “I do not desire a workforce stuffed with sidekicks. I need guys which can be keen to understand it, to carry it, to push it, to step for it and to go be it, and that is what’s wanted, and that is what I imagine I am seeing inside this soccer workforce.”