Jordan Travis details leadership style, learning from past teammates

Jordan Travis is looking to take a big leap as Florida State‘s starting quarterback this season. Last year, Travis split time with McKenzie Milton as the leader of the Seminoles offense, but now the keys are his and he hopes to make major strides as the team’s full-time starter.

Even though Travis and Milton split time last season, it didn’t hinder their relationship inside Florida State’s locker room. Travis recently spoke about his relationship with his former teammate, saying that he has played a big role in where he is today. Travis went on to praise his former teammate James Blackman, too.

“I would say I’ve been through a lot, so I’ve had a lot of ups and downs throughout my career,” Travis said at ACC Media Day. “I’ve learned a lot, I’ve been around a lot of different coaches. I’ve been around a lot of different leaders. James Blackman, McKenzie Milton they showed me the way.

“At the end of the day I look up to them. I still call them every single day just to get that feedback that I need whenever I have a question about leading the guys. Just trying to be more vocal. I’m a reserved guy, so I’m just trying to speak a little bit more and get the guys behind me.”

Travis learned a lot from Milton at Florida State last year

During the 2021 campaign, Travis played in ten games and completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 1,539 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also had 530 yards and seven touchdowns rushing. Milton threw for 775 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions.

Prior to coming to Florida State, Milton was a successful starter at UCF before be suffered a gruesome leg injury. When he came to the Seminoles, he surely had a great impact on Travis, who said he watched Milton prior to arriving as a college football player.

“McKenzie is my guy,” added Travis. “It’s like one of my best friends. I used to watch him and look up to him when I was in high school and he was at UCF. McKenzie taught me a lot. He has had a rough journey, but it made him who he is today.

“I learned a lot. The way he led as soon as he got into the room, he is a really respectable guy. Never stepped on anybody’s toes. He just is a really special person. Moving forward now I can just bring all that stuff together and try to just keep picking his mind, picking his mind. I was on the phone with him last night. Just trying to grow every day.”