The Florida State coaches like to spend part of camp away from Tallahassee. There are far fewer distractions in Jacksonville as the Seminoles stay in dorm rooms on the University of North Florida campus, a time where teammates can bond and build relationships.
And, yes, the practices are hot. That’s a challenge for the more than 60 new players.
“Today is just a big mental day. It's hot out here,” FSU safety K.J. Kirkland said. “It doesn't even feel like I'm from Jacksonville. I had to get acclimated to the weather. I know if I'm tired everybody else is tired.”
Kirkland discussed how the heat impacted the players, a number of which he said battled the elements on Thursday morning. It’s a test of their conditioning but more than just a physical battle as a it can challenge the mental focus, too.
FSU’s players departed campus on charter buses after Wednesday’s practice. The Seminoles will also practice in Jacksonville on Friday and Saturday.
“Honestly, I just tell them be ready to work,” defensive lineman Deante McCray said. “It's always work. Nothing in life worth having comes easy. I just tell them what I tell them every day: be ready to work, work with technique, run to the ball, etc.”
FSU coach Mike Norvell has for years discussed his wish to see the Seminoles face the hottest weather of the year when the team camps in Jacksonville. The Seminoles practice outside on one of UNF’s intramural fields, which is modified to help the football team.
But the comforts of home are gone. There isn’t a 150,000-square foot facility for the team like there is on FSU’s campus, let alone an air conditioned indoor practice field.
As a small trade off, the thermostat inside the dorms are quite low and players sleep bundled up in blankets.
How Herman helping FSU’s defense
The initial reaction to Tom Herman’s hire at FSU was that he would help Norvell and the offensive staff. But Herman’s impact has been felt on defense, too.
On Tuesday, defensive coordinator Tony White said Herman has “been truly awesome.” Kirkland went into detail on Wednesday after FSU’s practice about an instance where Herman has shared his experiences in the meeting room and how some tips can help the defensive backs.
“He's back there all chill with his legs kicked up,” Kirkland said. “It's kind of cool to see how he can just sit back and pour into us. Just telling us from QB mannerisms what the offense is trying to do to us. That's a big plus in the safety room.
“A lot of our work and our eyes are involved with the QB and what the O-line is doing. With different checks that we may see that the offense is trying to give us, he gives us those gems to know just be cool, process, see what you see and just react to it.”
All-American recognition
Add another preseason honor for Duce Robinson, who returned to FSU for his senior season. Robinson was named a second-team All-American by the Sporting News on Thursday.
A 1,000-yard receiver in 2025, Robinson has been named to the Maxwell Award watch list, selected to the All-ACC team and recognized for his community service as part of the Good Works Team. Robinson’s pickleball event in Tallahassee in late July raised $10,000 for the Special Olympics.
Quote of the day
First-year cornerbacks coach Blue Adams was asked about Ja’Bril Rawls, who enjoyed a breakout 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury at Clemson.
“He’s a mamba. He’s the Black Mamba,” Adams said. “He’s sharp. He’s deadly. He works his tail off. He can do anything and everything you need him to do, change direction, great ball skills, can stop on a dime, he can accelerate. Great football IQ.”
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