The 'Noles were back at it again on Monday, taking to the practice field under sunny skies and cooler temperatures in the mid 60s. Lamarcus Brutus observed practice, as did FSU commit Bradley Jennings, Jr. and a scout from the Houston Texans, who had his eye on the defensive ends.
Injured/Absent:
By now, you're aware of the Seminoles out for the spring, so I'll dispense with re-listing them from here on out. Running back Mario Pender, whom Head Coach Jimbo Fisher said would be off-and-on this spring, remains out, but he was present today, and he and Bobo Wilson were jogging in the IPF. Linebacker Sh'Mar Kilby-Lane (hip flexor) was again out as well. Receiver Pigg Harrison remains out with turf toe-- his left foot is in a boot, and fellow sophomore pass catcher Ermon Lane was on the bike. Defensive end DeMarcus Walker did not practice, due to illness.
Offense:
Quarterback snaps, yet again, went in the order of J.J. Cosentino, Deondre Francois, and Malik Henry. Running back turned corner Ryan Green was once again working with the RBs, after doing the same on Saturday. The RB rotation went Dalvin Cook, Jacques Patrick, and then Green. Green also warmed up by catching some balls with the wideouts.
The first team offensive line remains steady in spring practice: Rod Johnson, Kareem Are, Alec Eberle, Wilson Bell, and Brock Ruble, left to right. The twos: Ethan Frith, David Robbins, Corey Martinez, Cole Minshew, and Rick Leonard. Mavin Saunders seems truly between the receiver and tight end role: he warmed up and began drills with the former, but then moved over to catch balls from QBs with the other TEs before the rest of the receivers did so. Chris Casher was back practicing after missing on Saturday, as was Auden Tate.
Defense:
Linebacker Matthew Thomas returned to practice after missing Saturday due to illness, and DB Marcus Lewis wore a non-contact jersey.
Special Teams:
We got our first look at the kick return unit today, and the first deep men were Kermit Whitfield and Travis Rudolph, with up backs consisting of Saunders, Fred Jones, and Freddie Stevenson. The second-string deep guys were Green and Tarvarus McFadden, while Marquez White and Nyqwan Murray took third-team reps. Ricky Aguayo once again drilled kicks from 45 yards out, while a vocal Cook shouted encouragement.
Up Next:
There's no coach or player availability today, but we'll speak with them following FSU's next practice, on Wednesday.