Florida State has wrapped up week 1 of spring practice, putting on pads in the third practice. With 50 new players and new assistants on each side of the ball, FSU’s coaches made a push with what they wanted to accomplish before spring break.
“We were aggressive in our installations, just trying to force guys with their study and with their process and application,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. “All in all I thought it was a good day.”
Linebackers standing out
Norvell praised the linebacker group, mentioning a large group of players, including veterans Chris Jones, Blake Michelson, Omar Graham Jr. and Mikai Gbayor.
“That group, they're taking a positive step,” Norvell said. “We need it. They're answering the call.”
He also seemed pleased with freshman linebacker Noah LaVallee: “He's been good in three days. Forced fumble the first day. Today, he had a couple of open-field tackles.”
Young receivers emerging
Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy are known quantities in the receiver room. But when it comes to finding a No. 3 receiver as well as building depth, Norvell has consistently mentioned freshman Devin Carter.
“We're repping a lot of those young guys,” Norvell said. “Devin Carter has transitioned very well. He's showed that he belongs. There's still a lot of work that he has to do but it hasn't seemed too big for him.”
Norvell also mentioned Darryon Williams and EJ White as freshmen who earned a considerable number of reps.
Quick thoughts on quarterbacks
Norvell gave his early, favorable impressions of Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels through three practices.
“For a guy that has a lot of recognition for his movement skills, he's been able to sit there, locate the ball, put the ball in good places,” Norvell said. “Every day he's had a vertical explosive that's shown up.”
Norvell also commented that he sees freshman Kevin Sperry’s “confidence and understanding of all things playing the position. He's cutting it loose.”
Up next
The Seminoles will now take a week off for spring break, although transfer linebacker Chris Jones noted that he planned to spend time watching practice film on the iPad and doesn’t consider the days off to be downtime because of what he wants to learn and the competition in the room.
FSU returns to the practice field on Tuesday, March 24.
