Updated Wed, 7 ET (scroll down)
Florida State has completely banned media from viewing any practice for the fourth consecutive week. In previous years, media were allowed to view the first 15 minutes, consisting mostly of stretching. It provided an opportunity to shoot some b-roll footage and see who was at practice, who was in a non-contact jersey, etc., but not to see anything to do with scheme.
Because of this, practice reports for Tomahawk Nation are seriously curtailed, having to rely entirely on sources as opposed to observations. Here is what we’ve learned so far this week:
Monday
Malik Henry returned to practice Monday
Tomahawk Nation broke this news Monday. The five-star QB signee/freshman was suspended for a month. While it’s good news that he is healthy enough to no longer be suspended, Henry still looks emaciated and we do not expect him to figure in the QB competition this year.
Brock Ruble took reps with the first team
Right tackle Rick Leonard does not look to be improving much after three weeks following his move from defensive end to offensive tackle. We’ve heard whispers that some on staff wanted to play backup Brock Ruble for a couple weeks now, and Monday Ruble did take reps with the first team.
Cole Minshew consistently participating
For two years now we’ve heard about the elite potential of guard Cole Minshew. But concussions and ankle injuries have never enabled Minshew to consistently play. He missed time with concussion-like symptoms earlier in the year and has had to get in shape, but Minshew appears to be doing that and took second-team reps in practice this week. If Minshew can stay healthy and get in shape, he could be a factor later in the season.
Tuesday
Nnadi in a boot
We saw Derrick Nnadi in a boot after Monday’s practice and plan to ask Jimbo Fisher Tuesday about Nnadi’s status.
Update: Following practice on Tuesday, Jimbo Fisher said Nnadi was just “nicked up.”
Trey Marshall returned Tuesday
Trey Marshall was seen being helped off the field after the Louisville game with an undisclosed injury, and did not practice Monday. While we do not know the nature of the injury, we do know he returned to practice Tuesday. Whether he is close to 100 percent is unknown.
Getting the defense some confidence
FSU showed Saturday that its back seven was undisciplined and had not mastered the coverage schemes and responsibilities being called by the coaching staff. We’re told that the staff really is concentrated on making sure everyone is on the same page and has confidence in the system before moving on to other installations. This seems like coach speak and something that would be done normally, but perhaps extra time will be spent on mastery of fewer concepts. This is a shaken group that needs to gain confidence and play as a team.
Keith Gavin in a boot
Florida State’s physical specimen of a receiver must have turned his ankle or done something to his foot because he was in a walking boot Tuesday after practice.
Wednesday
Ermon Lane at safety
Perhaps this is in response to Derwin James being out, Nate Andrews still hobbled a bit with his calf injury Trey Marshall not being 100 percent, and A.J. Westbrook playing poorly in place of James, but we are told that receiver Ermon Lane, yes, Ermon Lane took reps at safety Wednesday. Florida State also has Calvin Brewton at safety, and Lane was not getting playing time at receiver, so perhaps this is a permanent move. It’s too early to say.