FSU Football Spring Camp Observations: Offense Responds After Second Scrimmage

DJ Uiagalelei turned in another good day of work with Florida State coming off its second scrimmage.

FSU football players participate in the Seminoles first spring practice of the 2024 season / Liam Rooney/Tallahassee Democrat / USA

Spring practice in Tallahassee continued on a Tuesday afternoon where there was plenty of activity outside of the football field. Florida State stayed diligent in its preparation with the team coming off its second scrimmage and just over ten days remaining until the Garnet and Gold Spring Showcase.

The offense got the better of the defense throughout the day as the unit was able to create big plays on the ground and through the air. The defense kept things interesting with splash plays and turnovers, particularly in the second half of practice.

READ MORE: Who Has Forced The Most Turnovers For FSU Football Through Two Spring Scrimmages?

NoleGameday was in attendance for the entire practice and down below are some observations from the ninth day of the spring.

— Michael Alford, Braden Fiske, and D'Mitri Emmanuel were all hanging around on the sidelines.

— This wasn't the sharpest practice from Ryan Fitzgerald. He made kicks from 23, 25, 39 and 47 yards. However, he also missed from 25, 39, and 47 yards.

OFFENSE:

— Mike Norvell thought DJ Uiagalelei had his best day during FSU's second scrimmage over the weekend. His upward trajectory continued on Tuesday as he made a handful of high-level throws that really showed the arm talent that the graduate transfer brings to the table. Uiagalelei delivered a perfect pass to Landen Thomas that led his target to the sideline into a spot where only his receiver could get it. Norvell came by to dap Uiagalelei up after the play. He hit Ja'Khi Douglas for another big play later in practice and generally was making the right decisions while looking comfortable going through his progressions.

— Brock Glenn also had a pretty good practice. He found a wide-open Hykeem Williams on the sidelines in team drills for a big play. Glenn created a big play of his own in the second half of practice. On a mock fourth and short play, Glenn pulled the ball and fooled the defense, getting loose up the sideline on a run that Norvell said crossed the 20 MPH mark. A testament to his improving athleticism.

— There are a couple of plays each practice where Luke Kromenhoek puts a zip on the ball that makes you realize this kid is going to be a problem in the future. Kromenhoek tossed a pass out to Jaylin Lucas on the sideline that won the offense a rep.

— There have been spurts during spring practice but true freshman Lawayne McCoy showed up consistently on Tuesday. He caught a pass in team drills and held onto the ball while taking a shot from Azareye'h Thomas. On the next play, McCoy got downfield to throw a block for Lawrance Toafili to set up a big play as Norvell came sprinting in while yelling "great freaking job." His production continued into 1-on-1's as McCoy hauled in a pass while working off tight coverage from a defensive back. McCoy ended off his run with an athletic extension in the end zone to finish off a rep. Positive, tangible signs of growth for the young receiver.

— Roydell Williams was the most active among the running backs. He made a nice move in the hole to set up an explosive run in team drills before relying on his patience and vision to create another one a few plays later. Norvell was happy with the way that Williams was running.

— Lawrance Toafili, Samuel Singleton, and Kam Davis also had their fair share of plays. Singleton put a nasty move on linebacker Shawn Murphy to get free after the defender was initially in good position. Davis found space up the sideline late in the day to get the offense into scoring territory.

— Ja'Khi Douglas was all over the place, making play after play. We mentioned the big catch he had in team drills, snagging a ball with a defender in the area before cutting across the field for a touchdown. Douglas also made a contested catch on the sidelines in 1-on-1's where he went up and over a defender - that's not easy with his 5-foot-9 frame.

— Deuce Spann showed up, using his speed and shiftiness to create space on a couple of routes. Spann dropped a few passes as the day progressed so there are still areas of improvement.

— Landen Thomas continues to throw his face into the fire as a blocker and is taking steps forward in that department. He made a tough catch in 1-on-1's on a play where he fought off a defender before adjusting his body to reel one in.

DEFENSE:

— Conrad Hussey and Greedy Vance are jockeying for the top spot on the turnover leaderboard. They each pulled off interceptions on Tuesday to move into a tie for first as both players have forced four turnovers this spring. Vance picked off a deep ball in 1-on-1's while Hussey made another massive play in the end zone.

— Blake Nichelson created a turnover of his own after punching out a ball following a catch over the middle by Kentron Poitier. Azareye'h Thomas was in the front spot to instantly pick it up and start running the other way.

— Quindarrius Jones nearly picked off a pass but settled for a pass deflection in 1-on-1's. He stuck with Camdon Frier on the sideline and positioned himself infront of the wide receiver.

— Shyheim Brown struggled to stick with Jaylin Lucas on a rep in 1-on-1's. He responded on his net chance by staying close to the shifty running back and nearly reeling in an interception.

— Juice Cryer did a good job of staying with Lawrance Toafili out of the backfield, preventing a completed pass from going anywhere. I noticed Jeremiah Byers made a nice effort of picking up a unique blitz from the defense to give the quarterback time to throw.

— Solid practice for Patrick Payton, who was constantly around the quarterback. He netted at least one sack and forced DJ Uiagalelei to get rid of two passes or risk being stopped for a loss.

— Earl Little Jr. deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage to shut down a drive.

— Tomiwa Durojaiye continues to have promising moments as he moves between the outside and inside of the defensive line. He created a tackle for loss before blowing up a run with KJ Sampson a few plays later.

— Sione Lolohea impressed with his power in drills against the offensive line.

— I liked the effort I saw from KJ Sampson. He pursued Brock Glenn all the way downfield on a scramble, earning a nod from Mike Norvell. Sampson was credited with a safety late in practice.

READ MORE: FSU Football Brings Back 1999 National Champions As Spring Showcase Guest Coaches

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