Free Video Interview of Jimbo Fisher

• FSU was in full pads today and got after it.  They are definitely hitting.
• The defense is focusing on invidual assignments and then working on the mesh when they all come together as a unit.

Fisher specifically cited a handful of players as standing out to this point, including free safety Terrance Parks, defensive tackles Amp McCloud and Everette Dawkins and a host of linebackers, including veterans Nigel Bradham and Kendall Smith.

"Nigel Carr has come far," Fisher said of the rising junior strongside backer, who is challenging to replace graduated standout Dekoda Watson. "His demeanor and attitude - he's jumping around, making plays - has really changed."

And it goes without saying that continued improvement is expected from that side of the football.  "The more you know the road, the faster you go on it," Fisher added. ...

"It's been a little bit tougher," said Ochuko Jenije. "I was under Coach [Mickey] Andrews for four years, so I got to the point where you knew pretty much what he was going to call. It's been a transition. ... It's definitely more difficult because of the scheme.

"I like the challenge (of learning a new scheme), but I'd like to see me succeed a little more. I'm confident that I'm coming along."

Jenije has been amazed by the level of energy and omnipresence of Stoops, his new position coach.

"He's everywhere," he said. "He'll be with the D-line, the linebackers, the secondary. He's a great teacher, but you've got to focus and learn. He's got all kinds of terminology. You've just got to know football to play in this defense and I'm learning."  --Seminoles Press Release

And having playbooks that enterprising players will take home and study helps.  I'm told that Dawkins has really been performing quite well and that is great news with Moses McCray out (elbow).  The Parks praise is extremely encouraging as FSU looks to control the middle of the field.

Look to TomahawkNation for more on the new defense in the coming months.  We'll be pooling the resources of the entire SBN network to explain what FSU will run and why running certain schemes is smart for Florida State.