With 9 days remaining until their 2015 season opener against Texas State, the Florida State football team returned to their training facility on a scorching Thursday afternoon for a practice that saw them in pads from the waist up only as the team received a break from full pads practices. The Atlanta Falcons were the sole professional team with a scout in attendance.
Offense
Just like the past few days in practice, all roster quarterbacks received equal reps in the portion of practice that we were able to see, working today on curl and slant routes with the wide receivers. QB coach and co-offensive coordinator Randy Sanders spent time analyzing Everett Golson's throws and giving him feedback when he was throwing to another quarterback to warm his arm up. Auden Tate seems to have recovered fully from his staph infection as he practiced fully for the third straight day and fellow wide receiver Ja'Vonn "Pigg" Harrison was participating for the second straight day while wearing a brace after missing time with a mildly sprained MCL. Brock Ruble worked with the 1s on the offensive line once again as Derrick Kelly was not participating for the second consecutive day. Alec Eberle seems to have taken over the starting center position as he was working the 1s at center again today and Corey Martinez was the second-team center.
Defense
The injury picture for the defense remains the same as it has in the past few days as Reggie Northrup and Calvin Brewton continue to participate while freshmen Tarvarus McFadden and Marcus Lewis remain out and Sh'mar Kilby-Lane was once again practicing with a non-contact jersey.
Special Teams
It would seem that Jimbo Fisher and staff value the onside kick recovery unit as they placed many starters on both sides of the ball on that unit when they took reps today including Jesus "Bobo" Wilson, Lamarcus Brutus, Tyler Hunter, Travis Rudolph, and Ja'Vonn Harrison. After practice, Fisher said that Marquez White would be the starting punt returner if the season started today, citing his good ball skills.
Injured/Absent
Freshmen George Campbell and Sh'mar Kilby Lane remained in the blue non-contact jerseys that they have regularly worn during the past few weeks. Nyqwan Murray was still out with the broken knuckle but he may have made his first step towards recovery as he traded out his hard cast for a new soft cast that gives his non-broken knuckled fingers more freedom. Offensive lineman Derrick Kelly was out with a brace on his ankle and Chad Mavety was present at practice but not participating as he recovers from a concussion that he suffered a few days ago. Cole Minshew seems to still be struggling with an injured foot as he was using the aid of crutches again today after using just the boot for the past few days. Abdul Bello was also not participating once again with a wrap on his right knee but he did run some sprints by himself on the sideline. Lorenzo Featherston and Chris Casher remained out while recovering from knee injuries. Fisher said after practice that Casher is recovering at an incredible pace and could be back for the season opener while Featherston is taking a bit longer to recover.
Next Practice
Florida State next practices on Friday but it is closed to the media.
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