Pair of talented youngsters suffer early spring setbacks

Spring has sprung, meaning Florida State opened its spring practice earlier this week. Much ado has been made entering the year of who would emerge as replacement options at defensive end and wide receiver after the Seminoles lost key players at each of the positions from last year’s team.

It may be early in spring camp, but both positions have suffered early injuries to players pegged as potential breakout stars in early enrollee defensive end Josh Kaindoh and sophomore wideout Keith Gavin.

“[Kaindoh] had a hamstring. He pulled it the first day,” Fisher said after practice. “He gets the rest of this week off, next week off (for spring break), hopefully he will get back into practice.”

Kaindoh was not dressed out at Thursday’s practice, but maintained a presence on the sideline. Meanwhile, Gavin was sporting a boot on his left foot.

“[Gavin] ran a route and he just rolled his ankle. No one hit him,” Fisher said. “For a day and a half, he was playing outstanding. I’m talking about fast, strong, running routes. It’s a shame he got hurt. We’ll have to wait and see how his ankle heals.”

Although both of the expected recovery times were not shared, it would seem that Gavin’s injury is a touch more severe.

Gavin’s loss is especially difficult on a Florida State receiving corps which entered spring with five scholarship receivers, none older than a third-year player. Gavin remains a breakout candidate for the 2017 season, but a lengthy absence in spring, when the team works hard on technique and implementation, would do him no favors in his pursuit of a starting spot.