Rick Stockstill said his message to Florida State’s players was direct.

"I told them that I gave my heart and soul to this program a long time ago, and I'm going to give my heart and soul to them for these next two months,” said Stockstill, who was an FSU quarterback from 1977-81. “And that's what I ask from you, from them, in return."

Stockstill delivered that message on Tuesday morning, following a scheduled off day for the players on Monday. He said he’s happy with how FSU’s players responded and the work ethic that they have shown in practices on Tuesday and Wednesday as the Seminoles (3-5) prepare for Saturday’s game at Boston College (4-4) at noon on the ACC Network.

He began the press conference by commenting on star receiver Duce Robinson, who suffered a knee injury in the loss to Clemson and will have season-ending knee surgery.

“A phenomenal player, a phenomenal man, a phenomenal person,” Stockstill said. “My heart, my prayers go out to him. But he'll be back. He'll recover from this, and he'll be as good as ever.”

He said Robinson’s injury is an opportunity for freshmen like Jasen Lopez and Devin Carter to play.

Stockstill didn’t have any further updates on running back Tre Wisner or Deante McCray, who left the Clemson game due to injuries.

The Osceola will update this story later in the afternoon with more thoughts from Stockstill. No players have been made available to the media this week following the dismissal of Mike Norvell.

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