Florida State University Athletics
What To Watch For: Florida State Spring Football Practice
3/5/2020 3:31:25 PM | Football
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The time for hype, wonder and speculation is over. In just a few days, Mike Norvell will lead the Florida State football team into its first spring practices and the world will get its first taste of what to expect from the new-look Seminoles.
Given that FSU is on its third coach in four years – the result of a combined 18-20 record dating back to the 2017 season – there’s no shortage of storylines surrounding the program. Here are a few to keep an eye on between now and the Garnet and Gold Spring Game on April 18.
Quarterback carousel spins again: For the third consecutive season, FSU will begin spring with a quarterback competition. But the Seminoles actually seem to be in a better position under center than this time a year ago, when they had only one eligible scholarship quarterback available for the spring.
That said, there are still questions surrounding the position.
By all rights, James Blackman’s overwhelming edge in experience over his fellow quarterbacks should give him a bit of a head start. A redshirt junior who started for the Seminoles in 2017 and 2019, Blackman has thrown for more than 5,000 yards and 41 touchdowns.
The next most experienced quarterback on the roster, redshirt sophomore Jordan Travis, has thrown a grand total of 11 passes in an FSU uniform. And the other quarterback this spring, Tate Rodemaker, is an early-enrollee freshman who would otherwise be in his last semester as a high school senior right now.
Having a new coach, though, could mitigate Blackman’s edge. Norvell’s offense is different from that of either of the previous coaches that Blackman played for. And Norvell has indicated that his new players can expect a “clean slate” as he evaluates their strengths and weaknesses.
Norvell is likely to spend the next few weeks determining which quarterback has the best skillset to match his offensive system, regardless of age or experience. His answer will set the tone for the Seminoles far beyond this spring.
Next man up at RB: Anyone in need of a reminder of the challenges that FSU faces at running back got one at last week’s NFL combine. Cam Akers, the departed Florida State running back, took the NFL’s prospect showcase by storm and was included in virtually every list of the weekend’s “winners.”
Any team in the country would have to account for those types of shoes to fill.
Fortunately for FSU, and for new running backs coach David Johnson, there are some promising options in the mix. Khalan Laborn is, like Akers, a former five-star prospect, and he’s been held out only due to injury or to a crowded depth chart (crowded mostly by Akers).
But Laborn has looked good when given opportunities. He averaged more than 4.7 yards per carry a year ago, and also proved to be a capable receiver (10 catches for 66 yards), which is something that both Norvell and Johnson value.
Beyond Laborn, FSU has some intriguing depth in Anthony Grant and Deonté Sheffield. Grant was off to a nice start before missing much of last season, and Sheffield is coming off a nice performance (18 carries, 87 yards) at the Sun Bowl.
Another fresh start up front: Changes at the top of the FSU football program have coincided with changes in the offensive line meeting room, where the Seminoles’ linemen are set to learn under their fourth position coach in four years.
While the line has been a touchy subject for FSU fans in recent years, there’s a chance that this year’s group could develop into the best line the Seminoles have had in years. And maybe even become a strength of the offense.
Brady Scott and Andrew Boselli have both improved throughout their FSU careers and should provide some stability in the interior of the line. And sophomore Dontae Lucas had the makings of a future star before suffering a late-season injury. Lucas will miss the spring while recovering, but redshirt freshman Maurice Smith, a pleasant surprise in a few games late last season, should benefit from increased practice reps.
The Seminoles will have two new tackles, with Florida International transfer Devontay Love-Taylor a good bet to compete for one of those spots. That leaves the likes of Darius Washington, Jalen Goss, Jay Williams and freshman Zane Herring to compete for the other.
Back to 4-3 on defense: The Seminoles’ experiment with a 3-4 defensive front last year had varying degrees of success. While it might have improved with continued commitment to it, coordinator Adam Fuller isn’t bothering to find out. While FSU will likely employ a handful of different defenses throughout the year, Fuller has said that the Seminoles will typically operate with four linemen and three linebackers, then broaden their horizons from there.
This, of course, has major implications for everyone on the defense. For one thing, many players who spent last season adjusting to new roles and responsibilities should feel a little more at home in the more traditional front..
Anyone on the move? Spotting familiar faces in new places a rite of passage every spring, and even more so when a new staff takes over and takes inventory of the personnel in place. There are already rumors flying about some Seminoles trying their hand at a new position, and there’s at least one freshman – Ja’Khi Douglas – who projects as either a running back or receiver. Norvell could announce any changes at his pre-spring press conference on Friday, or he could wait to see how things shake out over the next few weeks.
Meet the new boss: Position battles and play calls might dominate headlines, but it will be worth paying attention to how Norvell organizes and runs his practices. FSU fans have seen a full gamut of styles in recent years, from the intense, military-style sessions under Jimbo Fisher to the more laid-back style of Willie Taggart.
While Norvell’s approach remains to be seen, his “Tour of Duty” offseason conditioning program seemed to offer something of a preview.
During a session that was open to reporters, seemingly everyone involved was doing something at all times and hardly ever stopped moving. That included Norvell, who bounced from station to station, shouting orders and giving plenty of animated instruction.
If that was any indication, then the Seminoles can expect more of the same from their practices: Energetic and efficient, with the presumed goal of maximizing every available minute.
Players play their part: The veterans on Florida State’s roster have been through an awful lot. All but the newest members of the team signed to play for a head coach other than the one that will be leading them in 2020. Some will be on their fourth position coach in as many years. And they’ve all been a part of more losses than they likely envisioned when they signed at Florida State.
But a new coach and spring practice brings promise of a new beginning, and it will be incumbent on both Norvell and his players to work together toward their goal. That means a clear, concise and realistic vision from the coach, but it also requires positive attitudes and a willingness to “buy in” from the team.
The sooner everyone can get on the same page in that regard, the sooner the Seminoles will start competing for championships again.