FSU Football Practice Report: The O-line goes back to the basics

Today, Florida State opened their first limited viewing portion of practice of this week to the media. It was a beautiful, hot morning here in Tallahassee and the day started off once again with a few reps of Nole drills before the team broke off into each unit. HC Willie Taggart spent the majority of the twenty-five minutes directly working with the O-line and watching their reps intensively. NFL scouts from the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams were in attendance as well.

Offense

The offensive line continued to struggle with technique during Nole drills. At times their pad levels were too high, there was no initial movement off the start, their stance was off, or their footwork was incorrect. After the Noles drills, the units split off and the coaches continued to attempt to rectify the fundamental problems even further.

The first team OL unit appeared to be: LT Abdul Bello, LG Arthur Williams, C Alex Eberle, RG Mike Arnold and RT Brady Scott.

The second team unit appeared to consist of three true freshmen LT Jalen Goss, LG Chaz Neal, RG Christian Armstrong, and a pair of redshirt sophomores, C Baveon Johnson and RT Jauan Williams. Cole Minshew appeared to work with the second-team today as both of his ankles are still heavily taped.

Coach Taggart and Coach Frey worked together cohesively when addressing and correcting players in the unit this morning.

The wide receivers appeared to be heavily emphasizing blocking and were partaking in a variety of different drills with Coach Kelly. The tight ends appeared to get physical with their blocking today as well.

Injured/Reserved

OL Landon Dickerson was once again absent from practice. He was last seen sporting an ankle brace on his left ankle during the game against Samford. Taggart said that Dickerson’s rehab is coming along really well, but he is unsure when Dickerson will be able to return to the field.

OL Derrick Kelly was also absent from Tuesday’s practice. During Monday’s press conference, Taggart was asked about Kelly’s status and he said “He’ll be out this week. He won’t play this week.” Taggart did not specify what injury Kelly was dealing with.

OL, Christian Meadows made his way into practice sporting a sling.

ICYMI, RB Khalan Laborn suffered a knee injury returning a kickoff in the game against Samford. While Taggart was previously optimistic, but he announced last night that a surgery on Friday uncovered more damage and the injury is season-ending.

Defense

The defense for the most part won all of the Nole drills during this slow Tuesday morning.

DE Janarius Robinson was named the starter over DE Walvenski Aime for the first time this season. In Nole Drills, he does a nice job getting the stalemate, but has trouble shedding the block.

ZaQuandre White showed us once again why he has made his way onto the Seminoles’ depth chart as the Star reserve.

Injured/Reserved

DT Cedric Wood was at practice, but was not participating in any drills.

DE Joshua Kaindoh was not seen at practice. He went down in the game against Syracuse, but is still listed on the depth chart behind Brian Burns

DT Demarcus Christmas was seen walking into practice, but he was not observed practicing with the other tackles.

DB Isaiah Bolden was not seen at practice. He went down with an apparent shoulder injury during the game against Samford.

FS Hamsah Nasrildeen was sporting a non-contact jersey during today’s practice. He left the game against Syracuse for a period of time, but is still listed as an OR on the depth chart.

Tomorrow, the media will have an opportunity to hear from DC Harlon Barnett and select defensive players. A portion of practice will also be opened to the media for the second day in a row.