And then there were two.
Entering spring practice, Florida State’s battle to replace E.J. Manuel at the quarterback position consisted of Clint Trickett, Jameis Winston and Jacob Coker, with the former listed as the starter on the depth chart. Exiting spring, the initial “leader” is now on the outside looking in.
In a statement, head coach Jimbo Fisher confirmed that Trickett has asked for and been granted a release from his FSU scholarship. Trickett, whose father is FSU assistant Rick Trickett, will remain in school until he graduates next month.
“After a long meeting with Clint, he expressed he’d like to explore another playing opportunity, and I’ve signed off on his wish,” Fisher said. “Clint has not only been a great player for our program, but a great young man and ambassador for Florida State who will graduate in a few weeks. He’s been a part of this program for a long time and we wish nothing but the best for him in his future endeavors.”
Because Trickett will graduate in short order, he will be eligible to transfer to an FBS program and play immediately without sitting out the 2013 season. He will be a redshirt junior in 2013 and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
At least based on last weekend’s spring game, and Fisher’s quotes coming out of it, it appeared that Winston had pulled ahead of the others in the competition for the starting job. The starter likely won’t officially be named until sometime during summer camp, but it’s heading toward an upset if anyone but Winston is named tabbed as Manuel’s replacement.