Tony Tokarz updates growth of Tate Rodemaker, Brock Glenn, AJ Duffy as backup quarterback

Jordan Travis is expected to be one of the ACC’s premier quarterbacks in 2023. But what if anything were to happen to him during the season; who’d replace him under center?

Aside from Travis, Florida State’s quarterback room is comprised of four players — redshirt junior Tate Rodemaker, redshirt freshmen AJ Duffy and true freshman Brock Glenn. 

Quarterback coach Tony Tokarz revealed where all of his backups are at heading into fall camp, noting that Rodemaker is working on consistency in his decision-making, while Duffy has been embracing the “other” parts of being a quarterback such as vocal leadership and pushing himself in the weight room.

For Glenn, he has been a sponge for the Seminoles since arriving on campus earlier this offseason. His work ethic is “always going to give him a chance to be successful,” according to Tokarz. However, for the mean time, Glenn will be waiting in the wings for his turn as the Florida State’s No. 1 option for the next couple years unless he opts to transfer.

Heading into summer workouts in May, it looked like Rodemaker was set to be competing with Duffy for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Rodemaker was the odds-on favorite out of the two, and it seems as though he’ll occupy that second slot.

Entering his fourth year in Norvell’s offense, he has the most experience out of all the backup quarterbacks. Last season, the highlight of Rodemaker’s season came during a 35-31 victory over Louisville, which saw Rodemaker pass for 109 yards and two second-half touchdowns. He finished 2022 with 254 total passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

According to Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell’s analysis throughout this offseason, Rodemaker’s ability to sense pressure and to read and react is something that has set him apart from the rest of the field of backups.

“We just want to push [Rodemaker’s] consistency. He has obviously seen his ups and down,” Tokarz said. “He had a huge moment for our program against Louisville and in his career. It’s just about pushing consistency on a day to day basis. When he goes out, just go operate and play quarterback because he has all the ability with his arm talent. He just needs to be more consistent with his decision-making.”

While none of the trio is expected to see any real time for FSU this season — barring any unfortunate and unforeseen setbacks — it’ll be their job to lift up Jordan Travis when he’s in a rut. And to hold the snap for the place kicker, probably.