FSU practice report: Hoefeld gets first-team reps

Update: Jimbo Fisher maintained after practice that "[Corey] Martinez is our center," even though Ryan Hoefeld practiced with the ones. Hoefeld, he said, was just getting some time there in case he would ever have to play with the starters. Fisher also said that Keith Bryant, who was on a stationary bike for the second straight day, is battling a knee injury.

Scouts from the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Detroit Lions assembled in Tallahassee today to take in FSU's practice as the 'Noles continue to prepare for their home showdown with the University of South Florida Bulls on Saturday.

Offense

More drama at the center spot today, as Ryan Hoefeld snapped with the first team, and Saturday night's starter, Corey Martinez was with the twos. Alec Eberle is practicing as a reserve guard. The rest of the o-line starters remain Rod Johnson, Kareem Are, Wilson Bell, and Brock Ruble.

Tight end Jalen Wilkerson returned to practice, as did Mavin Saunders, who required some extra stretching yesterday for what appeared to be a back issue. Freshman wide receiver Nyqwan Murray continues to catch balls with a cast on his hand after breaking a knuckle.

Defense

Overall, the defense is incredibly healthy right now. Other than the few players listed below, this unit is pretty well intact. And those aforementioned NFL scouts? Defensive ends coach Brad Lawing was not at all shy about pointing them out to motivate Chris Casher and Giorgio Newberry. Newberry was asked a couple of times to model technique for Casher. DB Keelin Smith wore a non-contact jersey today.

Special Teams

Jimbo Fisher was really happy with the sound of the ball off Roberto Aguayo's foot on kickoffs. After a few boots, Fisher made it a point of offering Aguayo a fist bump for his efforts.

Injured/Absent

Cole Minshew is still not participating due to an ankle injury, and his line mate Chad Mavety remains out after suffering a concussion. Defensive back Marcus Lewis is now off his crutches after sustaining a deep bone bruise, and end Lorenzo Featherston continues to work out lightly on the sideline after having his knee scoped. For the second straight practice, he rode the stationary bike. Abdul Bello missed today's session after practicing yesterday.

Next Practice

Wednesday's practice will be closed to media, but we'll be back out on Thursday for the final open practice prior to the USF game.