FSU Football Spring Camp Observations: Defense Brings Energy As Multiple Newcomers Flash

Notes on DJ Uiagalelei, Malik Benson, Azareye'h Thomas, Quindarrius Jones, and more from FSU's opening practice of the spring.

Spring is in the air and with it comes a new influx of optimism, hope, and energy. This is an opportunity for the Seminoles to right the wrongs and start afresh as they begin a period where there will be a ton of competition and where they'll learn a lot of things about themselves in the process. 

Football is back in Tallahassee after head coach Mike Norvell and Florida State kicked off spring camp on Tuesday evening. There were no clouds in the sky as the sun shined down on the Seminoles throughout the course of the two-and-a-half-hour session, providing the returning players and newcomers with a taste of what to expect over the next few weeks.

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While there weren't any pads on just yet, Florida State hit the field with a clear wave of energy. NoleGameday was in attendance for the entire practice and down below are the observations taken from day one of camp.

— A ton of former Seminoles are back in town with Pro Day being held later this week. Jared Verse, Jordan Travis, Trey Benson, Johnny Wilson, Jaheim Bell, D'Mitri Emmanuel, Jarrian Jones, Renardo Green, Akeem Dent, Kalen DeLoach, and James Rosenberry viewed practice from the sideline. Pro Bowler and New York Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson was also hanging out.

— It looks like there could be a coaching addition coming to Florida State in the near future. Former FSU star Ernie Sims observing from the sidelines during practice. Mike Norvell wasn't able to confirm that Sims is officially joining the program but it seems things are moving in that direction.

OFFENSE:

— I'm sure fans are clamoring to hear first impressions of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei so that's where we'll start. It was clear from his first throw that his arm is as advertised. He was unleashing the ball deep downfield at the flick of the wrist and that led to some big plays during practice. There was a stretch in 7-on-7 where Uiagalelei connected with Malik Benson in the middle of the field, Brian Courtney down the sideline, and Jerrale Powers on the opposite sideline in a span of three plays.

If there's anything thing I learned from our first opportunity to watch Uiagalelei in garnet and gold, it's that his arm strength is legit and he's accurate as well. There was a rep that didn't count in 7-on-7 where he moved to his left in the pocket and hit Ja'Khi Douglas with a perfectly placed throw near the sideline while on the run. Good start for the transfer signal caller.

— Brock Glenn, Luke Kromenhoek, and Trever Jackson all had flashes as well. Glenn got into a rhythm at a few points. Kromenhoek had some strong moments and also some overthrows or miscommunications with receivers that reminded you he's going through his first practice at the college level. Jackson was similar but his arm strength surprised me.

— Mike Norvell could barely hide his excitement when discussing Malik Benson after Tour of Duty and now we know why. The Alabama wide receiver asserted himself with his speed and shiftiness while going through his first session with the Seminoles. Benson had the catch of the day while diving for a catch in the middle of the field on a pass that was thrown too low. He easily won a rep in 1-on-1's with a swift cut over the middle and hauled in a deep ball later in the drill.

— Speaking of speed, Caziah Holmes and Jaylin Lucas threw their hats into the rings with a couple of explosive plays in team drills. Holmes got free down the sideline on a screen pass and Lucas joined him later in the period.

— Roydell Williams earned praise from Norvell for his footwork and track on a run in team drills.

— Brian Courtney had one of the plays of the day after a route where he beat linebacker Shawn Murphy down the sideline. Uiagalelei hit him with a dart and Courtney did the rest by taking it the distance. He was probably the most consistent tight end during the practice.

— Jerrale Powers had a big play of his own where he laid out to reel in a Uiagalelei throw that was a little too far outside. He did have a drop later in the day and it's all about consistency if he's going to take the next step.

— It felt like Landen Thomas was pretty active throughout the practice. Thomas got the best of linebacker DJ Lundy in 1-on-1's before pulling down a throw from Luke Kromenhoek in 7-on-7.

— Hykeem Williams has certainly added size entering the spring. It feels like he's getting closer to realizing his potential and he was a receiver who the quarterbacks were targeting a ton. 

— Vandrevius Jacobs found space in the middle of the defense and hauled in a pass from Glenn.

— Destyn Hill got free for a big play in 1-on-1's where he got behind the defender. 

— As Alex Atkins talked about on Monday, redshirt freshman Andre' Otto was one of the offensive linemen working at center. Otto and Lucas Simmons look to have made strides in developing their frames. Richie Leonard IV and Keiondre Jones are a massive pair of guards. Darius Washington looks as good as ever.

— Is that Kam Davis or Trey Benson? Seriously, the true freshman isn't lacking in size and took a few carries straight up the middle.

DEFENSE:

— Azareye'h Thomas is coming into the spring with a point to prove. He was all over the field during practice and I'm pretty sure he held Kentron Poitier without a catch on the day. Thomas took the matchup personally from the first time that the two faced off in 1-on-1's where he deflected a pass and brought out the seatbelt celebration. Whether it was 7-on-7, team drills, or anything else, he was absolutely dominant. Thomas also looks to have filled out and is taking on a leadership role. There were times when he helped some of the true freshmen line up and provided tips in between reps.

— Patrick Payton has put on 15 pounds during the spring and he's carrying it well. Payton is another player taking on a leadership role and he made sure to be at the front of every drill. He flew off the edge in team drills while matched up against Jeremiah Byers. Payton has a chip on his shoulder early in the spring.

— Darrell Jackson looks to be in terrific shape and he's moving exceptionally for weighing in at 330 pounds. He's someone you're going to hear a lot about when the pads come on.

— I thought Quindarrius Jones was fantastic for the majority of the day, popping up time and time again. He pulled down a leaping interception in 1-on-1's where he showed off his length and explosiveness. Jones followed that up with a strong performance in 7-on-7. Destyn Hill was chirping with the sophomore cornerback before a play and got stonewalled in press coverage, unable to even get off the line of scrimmage. Defensive Backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. is very high on his potential.

— Marvin Jones Jr.'s first step and explosiveness stood out while watching him in indy drills. He was working alongside Odell Haggins at one point which has to be pretty cool considering his ties to the program.

— All smiles walking onto the practice field, Sione Lolohea seemed comfortable while working throughout the day. After getting instructions on a bag drill from Haggins, he performed a smooth rep that put a wry smile on the veteran coach's face.

— Greedy Vance picked off a pass in 1-on-1's.

— Fentrell Cypress II benefitted off a throw that bounced off the hands of a wide receiver. He pulled it in for the pick and took it the other way.

— Cai Bates deflected a pass while matched up with Jalen Brown.

— Blake Nichelson had an athletic pass deflection on the sideline in 7-on-7.

— Shyheim Brown was making it a point to act as a leader on defense. He came away with an interception in 7-on-7.

— The defensive backs gave Edwin Joseph props after he pressed one of the true freshman wide receivers.

— Grady Kelly plugged up a hole and stopped Roydell Williams in teamwork.

— Walk-on linebacker AJ Cottrill stayed in pursuit of Glenn on a scramble, knocking out the ball and recovering the fumble. Norvell wasn't happy in the aftermath, to say the least.

— Daniels Lyons powered right through the offensive line for a sack late in the practice.

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READ MORE: FSU Football's Mike Norvell Talks Spring Camp, Looks Ahead to 2024 Season

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