FSU football practice report: 'Noles hold first fall scrimmage

For the first time since their open practice on Sunday, the Seminoles took to Doak Campbell Stadium Friday, holding their first scrimmage of the fall. Now clad in full pads, this is an occasion the players look forward to every year: when they get to strap on their helmets and actually do some hitting after a summer full of unofficial workouts and conditioning.

Jimbo Fisher said after the scrimmage that it was about what he expected for a first scrimmage-- some good and some bad; he also mentioned that this team performs much better on the practice field than in Doak, joking that he needs to find a way to fit 84,000 people in the indoor practice facility.

Offense

As he has all spring, redshirt-freshman Derrick Kelly again got the first-team right tackle reps, and cohort Corey Martinez played center with the ones. But this time, Chad Mavety took the first-team right guard reps instead of Wilson Bell, who nevertheless practiced. Redshirt-sophomore center Ryan Hoefeld continues to work in individual drills. Freshman QB Deondre Francois, who's been in and out of practices this fall, dressed out, but did not participate.

If this is to be an on-again, off-again year for the young wide receiver corps, today began as an off day, characterized by numerous drops.

Defense

Transfer linebacker Lorenzo Phillips, who practiced for the first time on Wednesday in a non-contact jersey and shorts, today skipped the non-contact jersey, but stayed in shorts. Fellow backer Sh'Mar Kilby-Lane is still in a non-contact jersey, too. Reggie Northrup did practice again, as did new defensive back Marcus Lewis.

Special Teams

Jalen Ramsey and Kermit Whitfield continue to return kicks and are backed up by Bobo Wilson and Travis Rudolph. Whitfield, Wilson, Rudolph, and Nyqwan Murray fielded punts.

Injuries/Absent

Running back Mario Pender did not workout today and was walking rather gingerly after practice, although Fisher said afterward that he'll be "fine." Remaining out with head injuries are freshman receiver George Campbell and freshman offensive linemen David Robbins and Ethan Frith. Fellow frosh offensive lineman Cole Minshew remains in a walking boot with an ankle injury. Defenders Justin Shanks (leg) and Tarvarus McFadden (hamstring) remain out, as does DB Calvin Brewton (hamstring).

Second-year defensive end Lorenzo Featherston remains out and is waiting to get his knee scoped; he's expected to miss around a week and a half. Fellow DE Chris Casher was also nowhere to be seen-- he, too, is getting a knee scoped and should miss a few weeks.

Next Practice

The 'Noles will return to the practice fields for a normal practice Saturday, although the session will be closed to the media. We'll next have a practice report for you on Sunday afternoon.