Three (over)reactions from Florida State practice with CoachAB: Day 12

Coming off a lighter practice and team retreat, Florida State Seminoles football head coach Mike Norvell challenged his team with their most physical practice to date. Whether it was goal line work, intense individual drills, or one-on-ones, it sounds as though the Seminoles enjoyed a nice ol’ day of healthy competition.

From Norvell:

On the mentality of players: “I think our mentality has been better. Really competitive practice. Probably our most physical practice that we’ve had.”

On the level of intensity: “It was planned. There’s time we try to come off a lighter workload, we wanted to crank it up a little bit. I thought our guys responded well. The competitive juices were flying.”

Just as before, Florida State Sports Information released some footage from practice, and we have an opportunity to (over)react.

This time, we’re looking for nuances in system and lineups.

A Dog!

Let’s face it, Asante Samuel Jr. is the dog of the defensive backfield. His teammates know it, his coaches know it, and so does he.

Samuel may be small in stature but he brings big intensity and work ethic. There is no doubt that Samuel is cornerback number one and it is expected he will be lining up at the field CB position.

In years past, we have seen sloppy DB play in man and zone techniques. Watching Samuel in the clip above we see him working on re-route technique in what looks to be cover two.

Notice how he is emphasizing getting a piece of the DB turned WR and knocking him off of his route. This re-route changes the timing of the play for the WR and QB messing up any rhythm throws. There is no lunge or reaching by Samuel on this play. It is important that he not overreach and get off balance when in coverage or he will be out of position.

While the CBs are working against just one WR here, if this was a full play, Samuel would be anticipating a WR working into his zone.

Typically, if the number one WR is going deep then somebody else is working into the zone (#2 or #3). This is why you see Samuel open back up to the QB and where the threat would be coming from.

You may have heard the phrase, “if number 1 goes in then number 2 is going out.” This is what Samuel is practicing here with his technique and eyes.

Thomas Shrader

I’m going to be very honest here — there is nothing at all on this clip that should excite any normal human being. As an offensive line junkie, though it gets me all types of fired up (I wish I could see Shrader’s base but, alas.)

The upper half though is spot on. Look at the tight elbows, quick shot of the hands with his thumbs up, and shoulders back/big chest with a strong finish.

Shrader’s name has come up quite frequently between players and coaches but will he play this year? That is yet to be seen, but with technique like this there is a good chance, fundamentally speaking, that he’s ready to play. Offensive line coach Alex Atkins has to like seeing this from his freshman guard.

One on One with Scary Terry

I am going to keep the words to a minimum on this one.

Tamorrion Terry on a go route blows by anticipated boundary CB Meiko Dotson, Terry draws a pass interference penalty against Jarvis Brownlee, and Terry bodies Asante Samuel on a slant. Now, there was not actually a flag throw against Brownlee but he was awfully grabby on the play.

Terry is a monster and going to have a massive year. Some folks might say “he added too much weight,” but I say he looks explosive and physical. I would like to see Terry continue to improve as a hands catcher. I would also like Terry to be more physical with Brownlee and not allow him to get into his chest.

Okay, so I decided to say more words, but can we talk about Brownlee?

Brownlee has exploded on the scene and is in line to play a significant role this fall. This physical play is what the defensive staff is looking for and would probably live with the flag.

Can he push to be a starter? I’m not sure he is there yet, but, he is going to play and make an impact. Just watch and enjoy this competition.

So what makes it impressive? First, it is the quick, physical jam at the line of scrimmage. Second, the hips getting open so fluidly while he runs with Terry. Third and final, Brownlee’s ability to bang with Terry down the field and not get blown away by a bigger bodied WR.

This is the type of competition that creates a championship foundation.

These are my overreactions to Thursday’s action. Now, it’s time for yours — what stood out to you? And what are you looking for moving forward?