Alex Atkins believes Jordan Travis’ mind makes him unique

A big part of Florida State’s success was the breakout fifth season for Jordan Travis. The Seminole’s QB put up numbers through the air and on the ground to help lead the program to their best season in six years.

Of everything he does well, though, FSU OC Alex Atkins says Travis’ thought process is his best ability. He is obviously an athlete and has everything in his skill set to make the plays that he needs to. However, Atkins believes it’s the way Travis thinks through things that separates him, specifically during his last season.

“Jordan is a quarterback. He’s especially talented to have the athletic ability that he has. But his mind is what makes him unique and different because of how he sees the game and his decision-making skills,” Atkins said. “He knows he’s an athlete. So when things break down and it’s not what it’s supposed to be or the timing is off? He can make a play. But he’s playing quarterback. And he’s been so locked in with it.”

Atkins continued on to explain how that mind of Travis’ also helps him in his development as well. He said it aids him when he’s preparing because it has allowed him to own every step of his growth.

“What I’ve loved about Jordan is his preparation,” Atkins continued. “His preparation remains the same. And that’s why he’s been able to perform how he performs.”

“He’s taken ownership in his own growth. As coaches, we want to push them far. But I believe he has an expectation for himself that’s so high that he’s trying to reach that expectation, which is keeping him focused and keeping him locked in,” said Atkins. “You watch his decision-making, his control of the offense, his ownership. He still has things he wants to work on…He has just taken that ownership into his own hands and really taken responsibility for the offense. And he knows it. He’s operating at a high level.”

Again, Travis’ breakout played a massive part in the success down in Tallahassee in ’22. After throwing for 2,745 yards and 22 touchdowns on a 50.3% completion rate in his first four seasons, he exploded across the board for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns on a 64% completion rate. He also dropped his interception rate with just five last season after throwing 12 in the previous two.

Travis rushed less overall but still added 417 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground as well. All that combined helped lead Florida State to their first 10-win season since 2016, their first bowl game appearance since 2019, and their first bowl win since 2017.

Now, Travis is back again to have an even better season in 2023. With his mind and how he uses it to his advantage too, Atkins fully expects him to build off of last year and post that improved campaign this fall.