The day after Jimbo Fisher officially announced that Everett Golson will be the starting QB for the season opening game against Texas State, the Florida State football team returned to practice as they continued their preparations for Saturday's game.
Offense:
In his first practice after being named starting quarterback, Everett Golson continued to lead the offense in practice, running handoffs with the running backs as well as medium and deep routes with the tight ends. Golson worked primarily with Mario Pender while Sean Maguire worked with Dalvin Cook. Ryan Izzo continues to get reps as the first-string tight end with Mavin Saunders working as the #2 and Jeremy Kerr as the #3 but it is quite possible that all 3 will get playing time. After Jimbo Fisher announced that there was no sure timetable for Alec Eberle's return after practice on Monday, he fully participated today and immediately took reps with the 1s at center, pushing Corey Martinez back to working with the 2s. With regard to who will be the starting center for this Satruday, Jimbo Fisher said after practice that he was unsure how quick Eberle would return but that he is now in consideration for the starting center spot. Derrick Kelly once again practiced but Brock Ruble was with the 1s at right tackle while Kelly was with the second team. Nyqwan Murray returned to practice today and focused on one-handed catches due to the soft cast that remains across his whole left hand. Wide receiver George Campbell was a full participant for the second day in a row as was Ja'Vonn Harrison who remains in his right knee brace.
After practice, Fisher praised multiple offensive players including Rod Johnson for his ability as well as his maturity, Jesus "Bobo" Wilson, who Fisher said has been very consistent in the preparatory practices for the season-opening game and George Campbell, who has some things to improve on according to Fisher but could definitely see the field this year.
Defense:
Fisher said after practice that cornerback Tarvarus McFadden was limited in practice today but has shown promise in his recent return from injury. Nate Andrews was a full participant with a smaller cast than we have seen at the past few practices. Chris Casher continues to come off of the knee scope remarkably well, practicing fully and Sh'Mar Kilby-Lane seems to be in the clear for now injury-wise as he was without his non-contact jersey for the third straight practice.
Special Teams:
Starting punt returner Marquez White put in extra work today as he stayed behind after the players were dismissed from practice to work on fielding punts.
Injured/Absent:
Lorenzo Featherston continues to rehab from his knee scope and was not working out. Marcus Lewis was at practice but under the assistance of crutches and not dressed as he still is suffering from a severe bone bruise. Multiple offensive linemen who have been missing remained out as Cole Minshew (foot), Abdul Bello (knee), and Chad Mavety (concussion) were all not practicing. After practice, Fisher announced that Ryan Green, who moved from running back to defensive back this offseason, has a separated shoulder that he is having surgically repaired in the next few days but that is likely done for the season.
Next Practice:
Fisher will talk to the media after practice today, currently scheduled for 6 PM with some players available afterwards as well. The Seminoles next practice tomorrow but it is closed to the media.