FSU practice report: Offensive lineman makes spring debut

The 'Noles were back at it on Monday after scrimmaging for the second time this spring on Saturday. Sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s greeted the garnet and gold, which practiced in shells.

Absent/Injured

Numerous Seminoles were already officially out for the spring, and more appear to be de facto additions to that list. Running back Mario Pender has yet to practice this spring, and wide receivers Pigg Harrison (turf toe) and Nyqwan Murray are out again-- however, the latter had a much smaller brace on his right knee and he warmed up with the wideouts. Running backs Ryan Green and Johnathan Vickers did not practice.

Defenders who remain out include end Lorenzo Featherston (knee), linebacker Jacob Pugh (ankle), and cornerback Marquez White, who's recovering from hand surgery. QB Sean Maguire is still in his boot and rode the bike today.

Offense

For over a week now, redshirt-freshman Deondre Francois has been taking the first snaps at quarterback, and that continued today. He was again followed by J.J. Cosentino and Malik Henry. Unsurprisingly, Dalvin Cook led running back reps again, this time being trailed by Jacques Patrick and then Freddie Stevenson. The units worked on the read option some.

The starting right tackle spot flipped from Rick Leonard back to Brock Ruble, and the rest of the line remained, left to right: Rod Johnson, Kareem Are, Alec Eberle, and Wilson Bell. The twos: Ethan Frith, David Robbins, Corey Martinez, Cole Minshew, and Leonard. Lineman Abdul Bello practiced in a somewhat limited capacity today for the first time this spring. And although he remains in a right knee brace and not participating, Derrick Kelly spent some reps standing in at right tackle.

Receiver Travis Rudolph was not wearing a non-contact jersey. Tight end reps went to Ryan Izzo, Mavin Saunders, and Chris Casher, who is progressing. All of the tight ends also ran routes after lining up at a slightly split position and from a two-point stance.

Defense

Matt Thomas continues to move well, and after missing some time, fellow linebacker Tyrell Lyons worked out individually today.

Special Teams

Kermit Whitfield and Bobo Wilson were the starting deep men on kick return; the unit was tested against the middle onside kick. The players targeted up front were Josh Brown and Patrick. The second-team deep men were Rudolph and Tarvarus McFadden. The ends on the field goal block unit were comprised of Marcus Lewis and Trey Marshall on one side and Derwin James and Tarvarus McFadden on the other.

Up Next

Like other Mondays this spring, there will be no coach or player availability today.