Florida State freshmen dominate spring game in front of top recruits

The annual FSU spring game is the first chance for the fans and media to get a true look at the newest Seminoles. Not only is it important that they do well for a spot at playing time, but it also an opportunity to show recruits who are visiting what FSU football is really made of. For most of those recruits, it's an early impression they get of what a game-day experience is like at Doak, and where they could possibly be a year from now.

And importantly, those recruits were shown that they'll have opportunities to play early and show out, like four FSU star freshmen early enrollees did.

Five-star safety Derwin James stole the show from the very second play from scrimmage, where he took an interception back for a touchdown thrown by likely starter Sean Maguire. His coverage all day was tight, not allowing a single completion thrown his way. He was in stride with the receivers each play, and showed hustle when running towards the ball carriers. A backfield of Derwin James, Nate Andrews, and Jalen Ramsey is something that the Noles wont have to worry about this year.

Ramsey spoke about the newest safety after the game.

"I already knew that Derwin was good, it really wasn't surprising to me that he was going to make a play, I didn't know it was going to come that quick, but it came and it was nice," Ramsey said. "It really sparked the scrimmage off and I was really happy for him but he has got some improvements to make."

Wide receiver George Campbell showed that he will be a valuable asset to the young, yet experienced receiving core at FSU. He showed his speed and route running ability, and caught a pass before proceeding to break two tackles for a 65-yard touchdown.

Another speedy star who made his debut was RB Jacques Patrick who had a 55 yard run which was called back for no other reason than it was the spring game. He ended the day with 100 all-purpose yards. His ability to change directions so quickly and break tackles is something that the Seminoles can use to their advantage. However, ball security is something he will need to work on.

Quarterback De'Andre Johnson started off his performance by showing his arm strength, throwing two passes that went 40 yards, unfortunately neither was a completion. He completed his next two passes and ended the day going 8-11 with 155 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson's struggles came in the pocket where he was not moving much outside the pocket, which got crowded quickly and resulted in him getting sacked three times. He looked very rushed and very uncomfortable throwing from the pocket all game.

After the game, Jimbo said on the young guys.

"I thought the early entry guys took advantages of some situations. George jumped out there, made a big play early. Jacques Patrick at times had some nice runs" Fisher said. "JJ and De'Andre took advantages of some nice opportunities and grew, that's probably the best they've played all spring. Consistent, but they still need to know what to do."

The Noles had a big audience recruiting wise Saturday, hosting a number of commits including five-stars Isaac Nauta, Malik Henry, and Baveon Johnson. On the target side five-star DE Shavar Manuel, five-star DE Marlon Davidson, and Malik Herring, a four-star pass rusher highlighted the visitors.

The Seminoles begin the 2015 season on Saturday, September 5th at Doak Campbell Stadium versus the Texas State Bobcats.