Danny Kanell critical of Tommy Castellanos calling out Alabama: ‘He kicked the hornet’s nest’

Tommy Castellanos didn’t do himself any favors when he called out Alabama in the middle of the summer and Danny Kanell was the latest to criticize the quarterback. Castellanos transferred from Boston College to Florida State this offseason and now he’s making headlines before even stepping foot onto the field.

Speaking with On3’s Pete Nakos, Castellanos said Alabama wasn’t the same without Nick Saban. Those comments come as Florida State and the Crimson Tide are set to face off on August 30th in Tallahassee.

But as Kanell pointed out, being a former FSU QB himself, it wasn’t the best idea to “kick the hornet’s nest.” Alabama won’t forget it even two months from now.

“Coach Bowden used to always tell us specifically around Miami and Florida week, he’d be like, ‘All right, there’s going to be a bunch of media attention. Let’s make sure we’re only saying nice things about the opponent. Don’t give them anything to fuel their fire. Don’t give them any bullets, more material,’” Kanell said on Sirius XM. “You know, I guess it’s so early in the offseason you don’t think it could happen, and the week of the game, you’re a little bit more careful. 

“But I would take the same approach that you did and that your coach did and my coach did. Why give them any added motivation? If anything you want, like, a sneak attack, like, you want them to, like, overlook you and think you’re not good, as opposed to, ‘uh oh,’ you know, which waked them up a little bit. (He) kicked the hornet’s nest, if you will. That’s what Tommy Castellanos just did. He kicked the hornet’s nest. And he’s about to find out if he can run away from them or not.”

For his career, Castellanos has a 58.6 completion percentage and 3,689 passing yards in 26 games. He also has 33 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions for his career. A dual-threat quarterback, he also has 1,427 career rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. In Gus Malzahn’s offense, Florida State will likely look to take advantage of his legs.

“I’m excited, man,” Castellanos told On3’s Pete Nakos in an exclusive interview. “People, I don’t know if they know, but you go back and watch every first game that I played in, we always start fast. I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of playing against Alabama. They don’t have Nick Saban to save them. I just don’t see them stopping me.”

Safe to say the bulletin board material is real and if Castellanos is indeed stopped by Alabama’s defense, the Crimson Tide will let him hear it. After a disastrous 2-10 season, FSU needs something positive. But if they can’t get off on the right foot, especially with Castellanos already calling his shot, it could be another long season.