Spring has arrived, bringing with it a new influx of optimism, hope, and energy. This is an opportunity for the Seminoles to right their wrongs and start fresh as they begin a period where they will have a lot of competition and learn a lot about themselves in the process.
Football is back in Tallahassee after head coach Mike Norvell and Florida State opened spring training Tuesday night. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the sun shone down on the Seminoles throughout the 2 1/2-hour session, giving returning players and newcomers a taste of what's to come in the coming weeks.
Although the pads weren't on yet, Florida State hit the field with a palpable wave of energy. NoleGameday attended the entire practice and below are his observations from the first day of camp.
— A number of former Seminoles are back in town for Pro Day later this week. Jared Verse, Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson, Jaheim Bell, Dmitri Emmanuel, Jarrian Jones, Renaldo Green, Hakeem Dent, Karen DeLoach and James Rosenberry practice from the sideline. I looked. Pro Bowler and New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson was also in attendance.
—It appears Florida State University may be adding coaching staff in the near future. Former FSU star Ernie Sims observes from the sideline during practice. Mike Norvell could not confirm that Sims will officially join the program, but things appear to be moving in that direction.
attack:
— I think fans want to hear their first impressions of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, so we'll start there. It was clear from his first pitch that his arm was as advertised. He launched the ball deep down the field with his wrist movements, which led to some big plays during practice. In a 7-on-7, Uiagalelei connected with Malik Benson in the middle of the field, Brian Courtney on the sideline, and Gerard Powers on the opposite sideline in the space of three plays.
If there's anything I learned from seeing Uiagalelei in Garnet and Gold for the first time, it's that his arm strength is legitimate and accurate. There was a rep that didn't count on 7-on-7, and he moved to the left in the pocket, hitting Ja'Ki Douglas, who hit a perfectly placed throw near the sideline on the run. That's a good start for transfer signalers.
— Brock Glenn, Luke Kromenhoek and Trevor Jackson had flashes as well. Glenn got into a rhythm at several points. Kromenhook had some strong moments, but there were also some knockdowns and miscommunications with his receivers that suggested he was experiencing his first practice at the collegiate level. Jackson was similar, but I was surprised by his arm strength.
— Mike Norvell was excited when he was talking about Malik Benson after Tour of Duty, and now we know why. The University of Alabama wide receiver asserted himself with his speed and agility while experiencing his first session with the Seminoles. Benson made the biggest catch of the day, diving down the middle of the field to catch a pass that was too low. He got easy reps with quick cuts over the middle in one-on-one situations and brought in deep balls late in practice.
— Speaking of speed, Kazaiah Holmes and Jaylin Lucas threw some explosive plays into the rim during team practice. Holmes got free on the sideline on a screen pass, and Lucas joined him in the second half.
— Roydell Williams received praise from Norvell for his footwork and running track in team practice.
— Brian Courtney had one of the plays of the day after a route that beat linebacker Sean Murphy on the sideline. Uiagalelei hit him with a dart and Courtney took the remaining distance. He was probably the most consistent tight end in practice.
— Gerare Powers made a big play of his own, laying out and reeling in Uiagalelei's throw a little too far. He had a drop later in the day, but it's all about consistency for him to take the next step.
— I felt like Landen Thomas was pretty aggressive throughout practice. Thomas did a great job of defeating linebacker DJ Lundy on a one-on-one, and sank a throw from Luke Kromenhook on a seven-on-seven.
— Hykeem Williams certainly added size in the spring. He felt like he was close to realizing his potential and was a receiver that quarterbacks were highly targeting.
—Vandrevious Jacobs found space in the middle of the defense and drew a pass from Glenn.
— Destin Hill was free on a big play when he got behind a defender in a one-on-one.
— As Alex Atkins said Monday, redshirt freshman Andre Otto was one of the offensive linemen working at center. Otto and Lukas Simons appear to have made progress in developing the frame. Richie Leonard IV and Keiondre Jones are a pair of huge guards. Darius Washington looks as healthy as ever.
— Is it Cam Davis or Trey Benson? Seriously, the true freshman didn't lack size and took some carries straight up the middle.
defense:
— Azaleai Thomas enters spring with a point to prove. He was all over the field during practice, but I'm sure he held Kentron Poitier without a catch that day. Thomas took this matchup personally from the first time the two played one-on-one, deflecting a pass that sparked a seatbelt-fastening celebration. Whether it was 7-on-7, team practice or anything else, he was absolutely dominant. Thomas also seems to be playing that role and taking on a leadership role. He helped some true freshmen line up and even offered tips between reps.
— Patrick Payton gained 15 pounds during the spring but is maintaining his weight well. Peyton was also a player who took on the role of a leader, and tried to be at the forefront of all drills. He jumped off the edge in team practice against Jeremiah Byers. Peyton suffered a shoulder injury in early spring.
— Darrell Jackson appears to be in great shape and has unusual movement for his 330-pound weight. He's someone you're going to hear about a lot when Pad comes out.
— I thought Quindarius Jones was great for most of the day and showed up multiple times. He made a leaping interception on a one-on-one, showing off his length and explosiveness. Jones followed with a strong 7-for-7 performance. Destin Hill cheered with the sophomore cornerback before the play, but was blocked by the press and couldn't even get past the line of scrimmage. Defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has high praise for his potential.
— Watching Marvin Jones Jr.'s Indy drills, his first step and explosiveness stood out. He worked alongside Odell Huggins at one point, which must be pretty cool considering his ties to the program.
— Sione Lolohea stepped onto the practice field with a smile on her face, looking comfortable working all day. After he was coached through bag drills by Huggins, he performed the reps smoothly, bringing a wry smile to the veteran coach's face.
— Greedy Vance picked off a pass on a one-on-one.
— Fentrell Cypress II benefited from a throw that bounced off a wide receiver's hand. He pulled it in and held it to the other side for the pick.
— Kai Bates deflected a pass during a matchup with Jaylen Brown.
— Blake Nichelson showed off some athletic pass deflections on the 7-on-7 sideline.
— Shyheim Brown tried to act as a leader on defense. He went 7-for-7 with interceptions.
— After Edwin Joseph pressed one of the true freshman wide receivers, the defensive backs gave him props.
— Grady Kelly used teamwork to fill in the blanks and stop Roydell Williams.
— Walk-on linebacker AJ Cottrill continued to chase Glenn in a scramble, knocking the ball out and recovering the fumble. Nobel was not happy with the aftermath, to say the least.
— Daniels Lions broke through the offensive line late in practice for a sack.
Read more: FSU football's Mike Norvell talks about spring training and looks ahead to the 2024 season
continue nord game day We'll have more coverage of Florida State football throughout the spring.
