Ashlynd Barker was a surprise choice to break the rock when Florida State wrapped up summer workouts last week. But the decision to pick the senior rover was all about his work ethic and leadership, while putting some of his offseason comments on social media in the rearview mirror.
“I think Ash is due for a big year. He's been great in the offseason,” FSU defensive coordinator Tony White said. “He set himself up to be an all-conference, all-American type. Especially in that position where a guy can have four, five, six interceptions and have 100 tackles. He's a guy who very well could be that kind of guy.
“He's in a good spot mentally. Been developing his leadership skills and not being afraid of confrontation, like leaders should be. I think he's done all of those things.”
Barker was a big part of FSU’s secondary in 2025, starting nine of 11 games while recording a career-high 48 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a pair of pass breakups. He made his first career start against Alabama and was a consistent contributor with at least four tackles in seven of his last eight games.
In the offseason, Barker went on his social media and was critical of the transfer portal departures (Earl Little Jr. and Edwin Joseph, among others) from FSU and the program in a now-deleted post. On Monday, FSU coach Mike Norvell said he chalked up some of Barker’s venting to learning lessons of an 18-22 year old. Norvell said he observed Barker putting in the extra work throughout the offseason.
“I don't know of a time this summer, I get there pretty early, he's out there doing extra things,” Norvell said. “Whether it's a jugs machine, whether it's film study, whether he's prepping his body to be the best he can be. During the workouts you felt him. His willingness to challenge everybody. Starting with himself.”
Norvell called it an "opportunity and responsibility” that Barker embraced.
“But if there was something that wasn't to the standard, he wasn't waiting for a coach to correct it,” Norvell said. “He was helping call up guys to what that desired expectation was. That's leadership that's necessary.”
Injury update
Norvell gave a few positive injury updates on Monday. Defensive lineman Jordan Sanders, a Texas State transfer, is “ready to go” with camp opening. Sanders missed the spring due to injury.
Linebacker Izayia Williams is “fully cleared” after having knee surgery in his senior year of high school. Williams had 125 tackles as a junior and was viewed as the No. 1 linebacker in Florida by Rivals.
Norvell was less specific on receiver Jayvan Boggs and linebacker Mikai Gbayor, who missed chunks of spring practice due to injury. He said both are “progressing really well.”
Freshman defensive end Cam Brooks, who missed the spring due to injury, will be “limited in the first part of the season,” Norvell said, but is doing well in his rehabilitation.
Norvell announced in the spring that true freshman quarterback Jaden O’Neal was out for 2026 with an injury.
“I've challenged him to look at this as a positive,” quarterbacks coach Austin Tucker said. “When we're able to get you back on the field and get you back going through reps, you should be in a much better situation as far as the knowledge of the game and the offense.“
Coming up
FSU opens preseason camp on Wednesday morning. Norvell and a few players will speak after the first practice.
The Seminoles will also practice on Thursday and Friday mornings. Friday’s practice will have an open window for the media to view.
The Osceola will have more coverage from Monday’s interviews with FSU’s coaches later in the day as well as this week. Read all of our position previews in the Osceola’s football archives.
