FSU Football Spring Camp Observations: Offense Stands Tall Ahead Of First Scrimmage

There were plenty of positive signs as the Seminoles prepare to clash inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

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

The Seminoles began their second week of spring camp on Tuesday evening. The practice also marked the second time that the team has donned full pads this spring. It was a physical and competitive session as Florida State works toward its first scrimmage on Thursday.

The offense came out and punched the defense in the mouth with the latter responding later in practice. There were plenty of positive signs as the Seminoles prepare to clash inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

NoleGameday was in attendance for the entire practice and we’ve provided our observations from the fourth session of the spring below.

- Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald has been sharp this spring. He connected from 35 yards and nearly 50 yards while coming away perfect on his live attempts. Fitzgerald concluded practice with a made kick that came with the crowd noise blaring and a timeout to ice him.

- Jaylin Lucas, Malik Benson, and Lawayne McCoy spent the most time returning punts.

- FSU legend Mickey Andrews along with Jarrian Jones and Keon Coleman observed the practice from the sidelines.

OFFENSE:

- Instead of the normal tempo drills, Florida State lined up on the goal line with 11-on-11 work to begin practice. The offense shined during the period, scoring multiple touchdowns in a variety of ways no matter who was at quarterback. 

- Darion Williamson got things started with a fantastic catch on the sideline in the end zone, snagging it with both hands on a throw from Brock Glenn. He also found Ja’Khi Douglas and Malik Benson during the period. DJ Uiagalelei responded with a powerful throw that went through Conrad Hussey’s hands to connect with Hykeem Williams. Uiagalelei ran for a score and threaded the needle to Deuce Spann in the corner of the end zone for one of the catches of the day. Spann reached out and reeled the pass in with one hand, earning some oohs and ahhs from the crowd.

- Luke Kromenhoek’s possession was less than ideal but still resulted in a score. He bobbled a bad snap and was forced to pick it up from the ground. Kromenhoek worked his way out of the pocket and hit Kyle Morlock in the back of the end zone, to the ire of defensive coordinator Adam Fuller.

- In general, Uiagalelei’s arm strength continues to stand out compared to the rest of the quarterbacks. There are probably a couple of throws he would like to have back but the sheer velocity and power are noticeable when the ball comes out of his hand. He also had a scramble up the middle where he displayed some of his athleticism, putting a move on Shyheim Brown in the middle of the field. 

- Luke Kromenhoek is growing with each practice and rep. It’s clear that he’s still working on understanding the offense and timing but his talent is evident. Kromenhoek tossed a deep ball to Jalen Brown in 1-on-1’s that traveled nearly 60 yards. He hit Camdon Frier on the sideline while on the run to convert on a third-down attempt.

- Samuel Singleton is displaying the type of promising signs that are important for a player entering his second season with the program. He’s recorded a number of big plays early in camp and that was no different on Tuesday. Singleton exploded up the sideline in third-down drills and put a juke move on a defender. He came back with another big gain on a run up the middle with Bryson Estes creating space for him to get loose.

- Jaylin Lucas continues to dazzle with his speed in the open field. He got free down the sideline in team drills and turned on the jets. Lucas ended up taking a big hit from Shyheim Brown at the end of the play but popped back up. It’s going to be fun to see how Mike Norvell utilizes his abilities.

- Destyn Hill has been arguably the most consistent wide receiver this spring along with Alabama transfer Malik Benson. He’s making a leap in the right direction and that’s a good thing for the Seminoles. Hill routinely brings down at least one deep ball every practice.

- Ja’Khi Douglas has been the calm and steady veteran that he’s expected to be so far. Despite his smaller stature, he recorded some tough catches on Tuesday.

- Hykeem Williams was constantly making plays throughout practice. Whether it was the touchdown early in the day or multiple catches in 1-on-1’s and 7-on-7, he’s starting to become more consistent. 

- The running back room is filled with talented players and it’s easy to be dazzled with the speed but you’ve also got to appreciate the power that true freshman Kam Davis runs with. He had a rep late in practice where he bounced off a defender and kept his legs churning to power into the end zone. 

- Lawayne McCoy went vertical on the sideline and ripped a pass away from a defensive back for a completion. He had a drop over the middle later in practice so there are still areas for him to continue improving.

- I’ve liked the early progress I’m seeing from redshirt freshmen offensive linemen Andre’ Otto and Lucas Simmons. 

DEFENSE:

- Darrell Jackson continues to impose his will early this spring. He was all over the place during 3-on-2’s, beating back Alabama transfer TJ Ferguson. Jackson had a sack in goal-line work late in practice and routinely shows up in the running game with his ability to plug gaps.

- DJ Lundy had arguably the biggest hit of camp so far when he absolutely drilled Jaylin Lucas in 1-on-1's. He read the route from the jump and didn't hold back on delivering some serious punishment as soon as the ball arrived. Ill-advised throw from DJ Uiagalelei.

- Ashlynd Barker added weight entering the spring and it has served him well. After nearly picking off a pass in 1-on-1's, Barker responded in team drills. He stuck with Landen Thomas in the end zone, jumping a throw from Luke Kromenhoek and taking it the other distance for a possible touchdown.

- Blake Nichelson had an interception of his own during the period off a deflected pass. Marvin Jones Jr. batted the ball into the air and Nichelson took advantage of it. Jones Jr. had a nice move for an easy win on a rep in 1-on-1's against the offensive line.

- Nichelson wasn't the only linebacker to come away with an interception. Uiagalelei tried to float a pass to Lawrance Toafili over the middle but Justin Cryer worked his way infront of the running back to pick it off. The sophomore returned the interception for a long gain as Norvell came running to celebrate.

- Azareye'h Thomas is taking the next step in his development, something that was confirmed by Norvell following practice. He nearly picked off two passes on Tuesday and continues to win his reps more often than not.

- It feels like Conrad Hussey, despite only entering his second year at Florida State, is already growing as a leader. He spent time talking and going over communication with at least one true freshmen defensive back.

- Shawn Murphy had a giant hit in team drills that drew reactions from players on both sides of the ball.

- KJ Sampson got through the line so quickly during team drills that he knocked down the running back before the ball was even handed off.

- Patrick Payton ragdolled Lawrance Toafili late in practice.

- Cai Bates stuck with Camdon Frier and knocked out a pass out in 1-on-1's.

- Dante Anderson recorded a tackle for loss, crashing down from his defensive end spot and taking out the running back.

- Tomiwa Durojaiye put Julian Armella on his back in 3-on-2's.

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