FSU football practice report: ’Noles enter the second week of fall camp

The Florida State Seminoles adjusted to a scorching hot afternoon practice on Friday following a one-day hiatus. The blazing Florida sun beat down on the practice field turf as the heat index peaked into the 105s. Despite the change in time, FSU started practice off as usual with ’Nole Drills, the Seminoles’ version of Oklahoma Drills, with the offense winning a majority of the reps today.

Offense

The starting offensive line consisted of: LT Jauan Williams, LG Brady Scott, C Baveon Johnson, RG Mike Arnold, and RT Ryan Roberts. This was a bit different from the previous seven days of fall camp as Arnold replaced true freshman Lucas at first-team right guard. Moving forward, it is expected that changes like this will continue as new offensive lineman coach Randy Clements figures out the best combination of five players to put on the field come game day. The second-team unit was: LT Jalen Goss, LG Christian Armstrong, C Andrew Boselli, RG Dontae Lucas, and RT Chaz Neal.

Quarterback James Blackman continues to be the front runner of the QB group largely due to his consistency and leadership. Blackman even flashed the depths of his athleticism in between drills today:

Tight ends Tre’ McKitty and Camren McDonald consistently appear to be on the Seminoles’ first and second-team respectively. Both received well-deserved praise from their teammates and coaches throughout the open-portion of practice.

Injured/Not observed

Offensive lineman Abdul Bello was dressed, but not participating as he deals with an injury from earlier on this week. His right ankle is taped. Fellow OL Christian Meadows and OL Cole Minshew were not observed. Minshew is still recovering from a neck injury.

Wide receivers Keith Gavin and Warren Thompson were not observed. WR D’Marcus Adams returned to practice, but still seemed to be limited due to an ankle injury. WR Tamorrion Terry is still sidelined as well as he reportedly recovers from a minor surgery.

Defense

Defensive tackle Marvin Wilson appeared to suffer from somewhat of an injury during ’Nole Drills and was seen lying on the ground before leaving the field with the help from a trainer. He was not seen during the rest of the media viewing period, but the Seminoles will have another practice on Saturday afternoon and we will provide any update as soon as it is known. With Wilson down, the first team defensive line was DL Cory Durden, NT Robert Cooper, and Dennis Briggs. Durden made his returne to the practice field after previously missing some of fall ball.

Tallahassee-native Amari Gainer continues to set himself apart as he settles into his semi-new role at EDGE/linebacker since the Seminoles transitioned to a 3-4 defense this off-season. After moving to the Star position last year and ultimately red shirting, Gainer is seeing success from moving back to his former high school position. In addition to packing on seven pounds, the redshirt freshman appears to be in prime football shape and moves much more fluidly than his fellow teammates. He looks like a natural out there. Leonard Warner continues to perform well at the position as well. While EDGE Joshua Kaindoh moved awkwardly at times, he made his return to the field today after dealing with a hamstring injury and flashed some positive growth:

Linebacker Dontavious Jackson appears to be your starting Mike and DeCalon Brooks seems to be the front-runner at Money, but Jaiden Lars-Woodbey continues to be a leader on and off the field and it is showing up in practice. It is quite challenging to imagine Florida State not utilizing his skillset and leadership skills in the Seminoles’ defense at some caliber.

Injured/Not observed

DB Isaiah Bolden was not observed.

Check back tomorrow for more updates from Saturday’s practice and media availability.