Conrad Hussey looked like a freshman in 2023 who would be a big part of Florida State’s secondary for years to come. That never developed in 2024, and coach Mike Norvell didn’t elaborate on Wednesday when discussing Hussey’s departure.
“He’s been dismissed from the team,” Norvell said. “I’m obviously grateful for the time that we’ve had to be together. But at the end of the day it’s a decision that was made.”
FSU moves into the second half of preseason camp preparing to use three safeties in a nickel alignment. Even without Hussey, the Seminoles have plenty of options.
Earl Little Jr. has essentially locked up the starting job at rover, one of the three safety spots.
K.J. Kirkland and Edwin Joseph each gained experience in 2024, while Shyheim Brown has 27 career starts. Brown was FSU’s leading tackler in 2024, recording 70 and breaking up two passes. Kirkland had 46 tackles and two pass breakups. Joseph had 13 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception.
Ashlynd Barker is also in the mix, although his playing was limited last fall. Barker had 19 tackles and an interception in 2024.
“KJ got a lot of experience last year,” Norvell said. “Ash got some (playing time) but really feeling his growth throughout this offseason. Shy has a lot of experience here. And there’s big expectations for what that needs to look like, what that needs to be.”
Defensive coordinator Tony White said on Monday that Kirkland and Barker were in a good battle for one of the safety spots.
Norvell happy with specialists
Norvell said Wednesday was a shorter practice but one that emphasized special teams.
Kicker Jake Weinberg didn't perform well in FSU's first scrimmage. But Norvell praised the redshirt freshman for how he has kicked in camp and Weinberg left a positive impression in the second scrimmage.
"I thought the scrimmage was really good for him," Norvell said. "His first kick was a little challenging situation. Missed the first one and then I thought he had a great response. Six kicks, maybe seven."
Norvell also said Weinberg was "right on point" in Tuesday's practice. "You see his confidence emerging," Norvell said.
Punter Mac Chiumento has the advantage of being a redshirt sophomore. He's had time to refine his craft and work alongside Alex Mastromanno through the years.
"He’s had a great camp," Norvell said. "He has elite potential for what it can be."
Norvell also said true freshman Brunno Reus had been working on kickoffs along with Weinberg.
Injury updates
Norvell said offensive lineman Jacob Rizy has returned from an injury sustained in spring practice and “immediately jumped into the competition.” Rizy is likely in the mix as a backup guard or center, and he helps strengthen depth at both spots.
“He’s so smart,” Rizy said. “He’s going to absolutely be an impact on the football team this year. … When he went live, you didn’t feel like he missed a beat. Great competitor, great teammate, very smart. I’m very pleased with what I’ve seen this last week.”
Norvell also said defensive tackle Daniel Lyons’ conditioning is coming back as he recovers from injury. “These last few days you’re starting to see that flash,” Norvell said.
Coming up
Norvell said FSU would “ramp back up” on Thursday in practice. FSU will take Friday off and then return to the practice field on Saturday.
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