CHARLOTTE — Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos is not backing down from feedback he made this summer season suggesting Alabama did not have Nick Saban to “save them” within the Week 1 matchup between the 2 groups.
Castellanos, a switch from Boston Faculty, has been a spark of confidence for a Florida State workforce reeling following a 2-10 marketing campaign in 2024, however the commentary concerning Alabama definitely turned heads. Throughout his look at ACC Kickoff on Wednesday, nevertheless, Castellanos mentioned he does not remorse any of it.
“We stand on what I mentioned,” Castellanos mentioned Wednesday. “I mentioned what I mentioned and we stand on that. I do not imply no disrespect to none of these guys at Alabama or something like that. I’ve confidence in my guys and the work we have been placing in and getting ready and the preparation we have been placing collectively. That is all that was. No disrespect to these guys however we stand on what I mentioned.”
Castellanos initially made the feedback concerning Saban’s affect on Alabama in June, after which adopted up by trash speaking Alabama receiver Isaiah Horton final week, suggesting “Y’all boys gonna see” what occurs when the Tide journey to Tallahassee for his or her opener.
Castellanos informed media final week that his feedback had been fully about boosting the arrogance for a Florida State workforce coming off arguably the worst season in program historical past.
“Them boys are coming off 2-10 – I simply wished to instill some confidence,” Castellanos mentioned. “I am tryna get my boys able to go. I am attempting to make it the most important stage.”
Whereas FSU is recovering from a disastrous 2024, Castellanos, too, endured his share of setbacks final 12 months. After opening the season 4-1, together with a Week 1 win over FSU, Boston Faculty misplaced three straight and Castellanos was ultimately benched in favor of Grayson James. Castellanos then left the workforce somewhat than embrace the position of backup earlier than in the end transferring for Florida State.
Head coach Mike Norvell mentioned he is been impressed by Castellanos’ management in Florida State’s locker room this offseason, nevertheless, suggesting a powerful voice and confidence is one thing the Seminoles wanted.
“Individuals which might be prepared — whatever the circumstance, no matter what you end up in, that you just’re prepared to take the step to go be your finest, to place the whole lot that you’ve got in,” Norvell mentioned, “I do not need a workforce filled with sidekicks. I would like guys which might be prepared to know it, to carry it, to push it, to step for it and to go be it, and that is what’s wanted, and that is what I imagine I am seeing inside this soccer workforce.”