Florida State football spring practice report: 3/18

The Florida State Seminoles took to the indoor practice facility Wednesday afternoon to kick off spring practice and a new year of football in the garnet and gold.

As spring begins, there are a numbers of questions to be answered - all of which were highlighted in Tomahawk Nation's spring position previews - and we'll work hard to answer those questions as spring progresses.

Scratches

Reggie Northrup, Chris Casher, Delvin Purifoy, Mavin Saunder, Adam Torres, Josh Sweat and Keith Weeks were not dressed out or participating.

Linebackers

Terrance Smith, who Fisher said was battling turf toe during his press conference, was fully dressed and participating. However, due to Northrup's absence and recent transfers, the linebacking corps is a bit thin, as highlighted in the position preview. Tyrell Lyons spent time at linebacker during the first day of practice, as did Ro'Derrick Hoskins and Jacob Pugh. Matthew Thomas, while dressed and fully participating, never worked with Smith, Lyons or Hoskins, but rather with the walk-ons. I wouldn't think too much of this because Thomas is obviously one of the best talents at the position, but I'll continue to watch for trends.

Secondary

As Fisher said during his press conference, Jalen Ramsey played cornerback today - and spent ALL of his time there. After watching him for several reps, I don't think he ever separated from a receiver's hips, locked it down. Marquez White played opposite of Ramsey at the other corner position. With Ramsey's move, Trey Marshall stepped in at star, and Tyler Hunter and Nate Andrews took on the roles at the safety positions.

Derwin James and Calvin Brewton both spent time with the second team, James at safety and Brewton at corner, but I'll be interested to see how this plays out throughout the spring. The defense also worked on "ball swarming" or "pursuit" drills.

Offensive line

On the offensive line, mostly everything is as expected. Roderick Johnson found his home at left tackle during the second half of last season and remains at that position. Kareem Are steps in at left guard; Ryan Hoefeld, for now, is back at center; and Chad Mavety is a right tackle. But, instead of Wilson Bell, who is playing second team right guard, Derrick Kelly repped as the first team right guard all day on Wednesday and looked fairly confident.

Receivers

Wide receivers, this early on, was as expected. Ermon Lane, Travis Rudolph and Bobo Wilson. I do believe that George Campbell has a good chance of working his way into the rotation, and even Da'Vante Phillips when he returns, but only time will tell. Ryan Izzo seems to be the guy at tight end.

Special teams

Special teams basically remain the same, from what we saw. Roberto Aguayo nailed all of his kick (as usual), and Kermit Whitfield and Bobo Wilson looked to be the first team duo returning kicks. And their backups look to be Travis Rudolph and George Campbell.

Etc.

Jimbo Fisher and a couple players are supposedly speaking after practice. The media usually doesn't get to talk to Fisher twice in one day, and since we had him this afternoon for his press conference, I was surprised to hear he'd be speaking again. But we'll bring you any updates.