Florida State’s depth at safety took a hit when Notre Dame transfer Karson Hobbs announced his season-ending ACL tear late Tuesday night.
Hobbs shared on Instagram that he’s leaning on his faith in God to help him through surgery and rehabilitation.
“I’m grateful for the countless memories and bonds I’ve been able to build since I’ve been at Florida State,” Hobbs posted. “I’m truly sorry things ended this way now without getting a chance, but I will be back better then ever knowing that all the pain, the late nights and tears shed were worth it because with God anything is possible and this too shall pass.”
Hobbs was in the mix for playing time at FSU in camp. He played in 16 games (one start) in two seasons at Notre Dame, contributing seven tackles, an interception and a pass breakup.
“I thought this last week was some of the biggest steps that we’ve seen,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said of Hobbs. “Unfortunately, went down, had an injury yesterday (Tuesday) that’s going to keep him out for the rest of the year. Fully expect him to make a great recovery and to grow through an adverse situation.”
FSU starts three safeties in Tony White’s nickel alignment. Ashlynd Barker is FSU’s rover, with Duke transfer Ma’Khi Jones another likely starter. FSU also has redshirt junior K.J. Kirkland, senior Donny Hiebert and Illinois State transfer CJ Richard.
Norvell also mentioned the option of shifting corner Ricky Knight III to safety. Knight is blocked from significant playing time behind Ja’Bril Rawls, Quindarrius Jones, Nehemiah Chandler and Charles Lester III at corner.
“We have some guys that have some great versatility,” Norvell said. “A guy that I’ve really been pleased with and I think we’ll give a little bit of a look is Ricky Knight. Really coming along. He’s been emerging there at the cornerback position. Ricky is a guy that is pushing.”
Move week thoughts
Norvell commented after FSU’s second scrimmage Sunday night that this would be “move week,” a time where coaches solidify depth charts and rotations with the team under three weeks until the season opener against New Mexico State on Aug. 29.
“This is a week that guys are seeing progression, opportunities,” Norvell said on Wednesday after practice. “Guys that have earned more are getting more. Guys that need to be more consistent, they're fighting for reps. We'll have a compete day on Saturday. I want some of the younger guys to have a couple of live periods that we'll let them go.”
While the NCAA allows just two scrimmages in preseason camp, coaches can use live 11-on-11 periods within a padded practice to evaluate players. After watching the scrimmage film, Norvell said freshman defensive back Jordan Crutchfield as among those who caught his eye.
“I got done watching the scrimmage, that guy looked different,” Norvell said. “He was here in the spring, made some plays in the spring. But really liked what I saw from him.”
Norvell again mentioned freshman linebacker Izayia Williams, who has missed time due to injury, as a player in camp that stood out. Two more freshmen we haven’t hear much about but Norvell mentioned were freshmen tight ends Xavier Tiller and Corbyn Fordham.
Quoting
Norvell and the coaches are often asked about quarterback Ashton Daniels and he’s said that Daniels has a firm command of the offense. On Wednesday, he mentioned not just how Daniels has played but the respect he has earned among teammates.
“He’s embraced the expectations,” Norvell said. “I think he’s definitely earned all of the respect of these guys. He’s a guy that’s played a lot of college football but is definitely playing at a high level right now.”
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