If the plan goes according to script, Florida State builds a big lead and the coaches have a chance to evaluate reserves in the second half. That’s didn’t happen as early as the Seminoles hoped in the 34-7 win on Saturday, in large part due to penalties that helped Central Arkansas build some long drives and control possession for 39 minutes.
But the coaches were able to get a long look at about a dozen freshmen and sophomores, players who either hadn’t seen the field yet this year or had only played on special teams. And as a result of injuries, there’s a good opportunity for a few linebackers, for example, to earn playing time beginning on Saturday against Virginia (3:30 p.m. on ACC Network).
Linebacker Karon Maycock earned 21 snaps, recording a tackle for loss and three tackles. He graded at 71.2 against the run by Pro Football Focus. Blake Nichelson is out indefinitely and Caleb LaVallee missed the Central Arkansas game (it’s not certain yet when he could return to the field). Maycock could be working his way into the linebacker rotation.
“He’s made a ton of highlight plays ever since he’s been here,” defensive coordinator Tony White said. “Interceptions for touchdowns, tackles for loss, sacks. He’s made those plays in practice. Him going out there and actually doing it on the grass it reaffirmed his ability, his instincts. I know we’re going to need those guys.”
Safety Jordan Crutchfield earned the most snaps of any freshman with 28. Crutchfield, who is 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, had a tackle but has drawn consistent praise from coach Mike Norvell as well as White.
“The guy who’s out there that we need to bring him along is Jordan Crutchfield,” White said. “He is big-bodied. He can cover. He is a really instinctive football player. He’s physical as heck. He was out there running around.”
Said Norvell: “You see the flashes. He’s done some good things on special teams.”
Sophomore safety Antonio Cromartie Jr. had three tackles and a pass breakup on 18 snaps. He earned FSU’s highest coverage grade (76.6) and defense grade (74.8) by Pro Football Focus.
A group of sophomores already have established roles — Ousmane Kromah, Jayvan Boggs and Mandrell Desir — but Saturday was a day where other first- and second-year Seminoles earned snaps.
Among the other freshmen and sophomores who saw considerable playing time were defensive lineman Franklin Whitley (25 snaps), linebacker Noah LaVallee (21 snaps), defensive back Tre Bell III (17 snaps), defensive back Max Redmon (16 snaps), defensive tackle Kevin Wynn (14 snaps) and defensive back Jamari Howard (12 snaps). Noah LaVallee, Wihtlley Cadeau and Jaemin Pinckney made their FSU debut against the Bears.
On offense, Jasen Lopez had a pair of catches for 18 yards. He played 17 snaps and earned his first extensive snaps on offense (Lopez is also FSU’s punt returner).
Freshman Amari Thomas also made his FSU debut, earning playing time in the fourth quarter. He had 11 yards on three carries.
“You see the burst that he has,” offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. said. “Even on some plays where he may not have had a lot of space. But you just see his ability to make the first guy miss. we’ve seen that from him in practice with the opportunities that he’s gotten. I’m looking forward to him continuing to get opportunities and showing more.”
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