Update: After hearing from Jimbo Fisher after practice, we've some news to pass along. First, the injury report: missing Saturday's action will be freshmen Cole Minshew (ankle), Abdul Bello (knee), Nyqwan Murray (hand), and Marcus Lewis (knee), as well as Chad Mavety (concussion), Lorenzo Featherston (knee), and, of course, Ryan Green (shoulder), who's out for the season. Fisher said Brock Ruble would get the start at right tackle, Corey Martinez at center, and Trey Marshall at star. Fisher also mentioned that Nate Andrews would be good to go.
The 'Noles took to the practice field today in their final session open to the media prior to starting off the 2015 season against the Texas State Bobcats. Practice took place in a light rain, which is fitting, given the current forecast for Saturday night. You can really tell that the season is rapidly approaching, as the electricity at practice is building steadily.
Offense
Nyqwan Murray again participated in a soft cast (broken knuckle), and fellow receivers George Campbell and Ja'Vonn Harrison worked out as well. Pigg still has a brace on his right knee, but each is moving well. Johnathan Vickers shed the non-contact jersey he'd been wearing.
The offensive line, left to right, featured Roderick Johnson, Kareem Are, Corey Martinez, Wilson Bell, and Brock Ruble, for a second straight day. Alec Eberle worked with the twos.
Defense
Freshman defensive back Tarvarus McFadden was again active today, as were Nate Andrews and Chris Casher-- the latter is going without any kind of brace on his knee. Andrews is still practicing with a sizable club on his right arm.
Special Teams
We know that Jalen Ramsey will be returning kicks with Kermit Whitfield, and we know that he'll have to change his number to do so, as each player wears the No. 8. Today, he took a step in that direction, donning a blank garnet jersey on kick returns. Looks like the big reveal will come Saturday night. Fisher was asked what number Ramsey would wear after practice, and promptly responded "I don't know, and I don't care." Bobo Wilson and Travis Rudolph are the second-team returners, and Dalvin Cook and Mario Pender worked as threes.
The kick coverage team, in addition to Roberto Aguayo, consisted of Reggie Northrup, Ramsey, Jacob Pugh, Vickers, Trey Marshall, Lorenzo Phillips, Keelin Smith, Tyrell Lyons, Derwin James, and Andrews.
Injured/Absent
Injuries continue to hamper offensive line depth, as freshmen Abdul Bello (knee) and Cole Minshew (foot) once again sat out. Redshirt-junior Chad Mavety (concussion) also did not participate. On the defensive side of the ball, frosh DB Marcus Lewis is still on crutches as he works on returning from a serious bone bruise, and second-year defensive end Lorenzo Featherston continues to rehab his scoped knee. And, of course, junior cornerback Ryan Green was lost for the season the other day with a separated shoulder that will require surgery.
Next Practice
As noted above, Friday's walk through will be closed to the public this week, and, if previous seasons are any indication, throughout the year. We'll publish our next practice report on Monday evening, following the Seminoles' first day of preparation for next Saturday's home game against South Florida.