Joel Klatt makes case for Jordan Travis as Heisman contender

Joel Klatt believes Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis deserves to be in the Heisamn conversation.

While Travis has received some attention in 2023, he’s not at the top of many Heisman boards at the moment. However, Klatt gave the Florida State quarterback his flowers, during his latest episode of The Joel Klatt Show.

“So Jordan is playing really well, and he’s got some wins. Those notches in the belt. What I love about watching him though, when I turn on the film of Florida State, I see a guy that’s in real command of what he has around him, and what he sees on the other side of the ball,” explained Klatt. “He’s a smart player.

“Now, aside from all the other things that he does, he’s experienced. He can run. He can threaten the defense. All these things. He’s accurate.”

Continuing, while Klatt loves a lot about Travis’ physical attributes, he believes the Florida State quarterback’s ability to simplify the game and find stud playmakers like Keon Coleman has been his best attribute.

“What I really love is that when I’m watching their tape, and I see the schematics, where I see Keon Coleman in a 1-on-1 situation, I’m like, ‘He’s getting the ball.’ Jordan does a great job of not overlooking his greatest asset, in particular down in the red-zone,” added Klatt. “I think you saw that against Clemson in overtime. You certainly saw that against LSU. In the biggest moments against the best teams, when he gets 1-on-1, he goes to Keon Coleman. But that’s not enough to just go to Keon Coleman. You’ve got to then throw a ball that I would say is a competent, catchable 50-50 ball. You don’t want to drive it on his back shoulder to make the adjustment too tough. You don’t want to bring him inside, towards the defender. You certainly don’t want to throw it too far, where they’ve got to stretch out and they may not catch it. The competent 50-50 throw is like a free throw on top of the helmet of the wide receiver.

“When you’ve got a guy that’s physically more gifted, and will win the battle in a 50-50 situation, you’re essentially shooting a free-throw on to the top of his helmet. That gives him the best chance to adjust and win, and that’s what he does, Jordan Travis. I think it’s one of his greatest strengths. He knows his personnel. He doesn’t pass it up. He doesn’t be like, ‘Oh, he’s 1-on-1, I’m going to go against the foundation and to the concept over here.’ No, he’s getting the ball. Because that guy is really good. And he gives him a competent, catchable 50-50 ball. Again, a free throw on to the top of his helmet. I really love it.”

Sometimes the simple throw is the best throw. That’s what Jordan Travis is taking in 2023, and it’s part of the reason why Joel Klatt believes he may end up in New York for the Heisman ceremony later this year.