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Spring football has come to an end for Florida State.
The countdown to Week 1 against Alabama has officially started. Now, where do we stand with the Seminoles?
Coach Mike Norvell got a glimpse of what his new group of players can look like in the new style of offense and defense led by his new coordinators, Gus Malzahn on offense and Tony White on defense.
This was also an early look at the transfer portal players, who are expected to be key contributors on both sides of the field, including quarterback Tommy Castellanos.
While the final week of practice was canceled due to the tragic on-campus shooting at FSU last week, here's what we learned during spring drills.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The freshman class was displayed for the first time in an FSU uniform. Some had more reps than expected and held their own.
From quarterback to the secondary, each freshman made their mark as they got an early taste of the regular season. Quarterback Kevin Sperry seems to adjust the most.
While he is expecting to play behind Castellanos and Brock Glenn, the Denton, Texas native turned heads with his accuracy and his running ability. Wide receiver Jayvan Boggs looked like he could be an immediate starter.
While FSU was limited at wide receivers due to injuries, Boggs stepped up and showed some of his playmaking abilities.
Defensively, cornerback Shamar Arnoux was thrown to the fire against top-end receivers and was able to win one-on-one battles, especially during red-zone plays. Mandrell and Darryll Desir also performed well at the edge spot.
While it's still unclear whether any of these freshmen will see playing time this season, each has made a case and will have another opportunity to compete for playing time heading into fall camp.
More: FSU football wide receiver Jalen Brown dismissed from program, will enter transfer portal
Norvell and Malzahn were pleased with the tight end group. Both pointed out that each tight end made big plays in the passing and running game.
That includes Randy Pittman, who comes as no surprise, knowing that he comes from Malzahn's system due to his time at UCF. And true freshman Chase Loftin, who has shown promise for the Seminoles because of his length and the way he can stretch the field.
More: What is Lee Corso's headgear record picking Florida State, his alma mater?
Like last year, FSU expects a crowded running back room with Roydell Williams and Jaylin Lucas fully healthy. Kam Davis, Caziah Holmes and Samuel Singleton Jr. also return as feature backs.
Then there is Castellanos, who could likely be the leading rusher for the Seminoles at quarterback. So far, there have not been a ton of flashes in the backfield.
While the backfield can potentially be a running back-by-committee, the offensive line must still be up to par. We've yet to see their full potential, with some of their transfer portal players missing the majority of practice.
More: NFL mock draft: Where Florida State football players are expected to land in 2025 draft
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Here are takeaways from FSU football's spring practice
Continue reading...
The countdown to Week 1 against Alabama has officially started. Now, where do we stand with the Seminoles?
Coach Mike Norvell got a glimpse of what his new group of players can look like in the new style of offense and defense led by his new coordinators, Gus Malzahn on offense and Tony White on defense.
This was also an early look at the transfer portal players, who are expected to be key contributors on both sides of the field, including quarterback Tommy Castellanos.
While the final week of practice was canceled due to the tragic on-campus shooting at FSU last week, here's what we learned during spring drills.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The freshmen showed out in spring practices
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The freshman class was displayed for the first time in an FSU uniform. Some had more reps than expected and held their own.
From quarterback to the secondary, each freshman made their mark as they got an early taste of the regular season. Quarterback Kevin Sperry seems to adjust the most.
While he is expecting to play behind Castellanos and Brock Glenn, the Denton, Texas native turned heads with his accuracy and his running ability. Wide receiver Jayvan Boggs looked like he could be an immediate starter.
While FSU was limited at wide receivers due to injuries, Boggs stepped up and showed some of his playmaking abilities.
Defensively, cornerback Shamar Arnoux was thrown to the fire against top-end receivers and was able to win one-on-one battles, especially during red-zone plays. Mandrell and Darryll Desir also performed well at the edge spot.
While it's still unclear whether any of these freshmen will see playing time this season, each has made a case and will have another opportunity to compete for playing time heading into fall camp.
More: FSU football wide receiver Jalen Brown dismissed from program, will enter transfer portal
Tight ends could be the strength on offense
Norvell and Malzahn were pleased with the tight end group. Both pointed out that each tight end made big plays in the passing and running game.
That includes Randy Pittman, who comes as no surprise, knowing that he comes from Malzahn's system due to his time at UCF. And true freshman Chase Loftin, who has shown promise for the Seminoles because of his length and the way he can stretch the field.
More: What is Lee Corso's headgear record picking Florida State, his alma mater?
FSU football's running game remains a question mark
You must be registered for see images attach
Like last year, FSU expects a crowded running back room with Roydell Williams and Jaylin Lucas fully healthy. Kam Davis, Caziah Holmes and Samuel Singleton Jr. also return as feature backs.
Then there is Castellanos, who could likely be the leading rusher for the Seminoles at quarterback. So far, there have not been a ton of flashes in the backfield.
While the backfield can potentially be a running back-by-committee, the offensive line must still be up to par. We've yet to see their full potential, with some of their transfer portal players missing the majority of practice.
More: NFL mock draft: Where Florida State football players are expected to land in 2025 draft
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Here are takeaways from FSU football's spring practice
Continue reading...
