Florida State practice updates: September 16

Update, 11:57 PM

Mike Norvell addressed the media today after another day of situational and technique work for the ‘Noles. Norvell mentioned that today was a shorter day, before an off day tomorrow, and the beginning of Miami prep on Friday. On today’s practice, he said, “Had a good work day today. Little bit shorter practice, continuing to work situational drills.”

On Saturday, FSU’s defense seemed to play quite soft coverage and allow many short throws to be easy completion. Norvell said today that the zone coverage is something they’re working to improve on. He said, “Some of our zone coverages, we have to tighten up the underneath things. Definitely something we’re continuing to work and improve on.”

FSU will face a dynamic quarterback in D’Eriq King next week. On King, Norvell said, “D’Eriq King is a special player. I think he’s one of the most dynamic players in college football. He’s very, very talented in all aspects.”

Norvell also gave some short updates on multiple injuries. He mentioned that freshman wide receiver Bryan Robinson is back to a full-go at practice. Offensive linemen Robert Scott and Thomas Shrader are also working their way back. On the freshmen OL, Norvell said, “I feel that they will be. I’m excited to get those guys back. Fully expect those guys to be back and ready.”

He also expects cornerbacks Jarvis Brownlee and Meiko Dotson to be back soon. “Jarvis is coming along, good to see him back in action today. Meiko is continuing his way back.”

Update, 12:05 PM

We heard from defensive coordinator Adam Fuller for the first time since Saturday’s loss to Georgia Tech today. FSU shut out Georgia Tech for the entire first half, but Fuller didn’t feel that the defense was playing great. On the first half, he said, “We got some red zone stops and were doing some things that were positive, but we weren’t playing great.”

The defensive line was expected to be one of the best units in the nation, but was quiet on Saturday. Fuller contributed that to many things. On generating more pressure, Fuller said, “Pressure is when coverage and rush work together. There are sacks that happen five seconds after the snap, you tip your hat to the coverage. There were plays that got extended Saturday that fell on the rush.”

FSU had some poor tackling on Saturday, as many teams did on opening week. But Fuller isn’t making any excuses for the tackling. “That doesn’t mean its acceptable. It’s our job as coaches to prevent that. Pursuit and tackling are two pillars that you need to be able to do.”

Fuller mentioned three guys that will likely see their play time increased after Saturday’s performance. He said we will see a “more of him going forward” about freshman LB Stephen Dix Jr. He also said that Amari Gainer was a presence on the field and that his role will continue to increase. On freshman DL Josh Griffis, Fuller said, “Josh is going to be a really good player for us. He was fairly productive in the plays he was in there.”

Update, 12:10 PM

After being praised by both coaches early in the day, we heard from linebacker Amari Gainer today. Gainer put up a big stat line on Saturday, but isn’t worried about his stats. He said, “It’s not about individual stats, but what we do as a team. We’ve just got to keep working.”

On the loss, Gainer said the team just have to move on and look forward to the next one. Gainer said, “You have to more forward. Our goal was to allow 14 points on defense. We have a lot to improve on.”

One thing that Gainer is working on improving on is his open field tackling. He also said that has been a big emphasis in practice for the whole team this week. “I have to work on open field tackling myself, that’s what I have been emphasizing in practice all week.”

Update, 12:15 p.m.

Redshirt freshman defensive back Travis Jay also spoke with the media Wednesday, detailing a bit on his confidence returning kicks as well as what the team is emphasizing moving forward.

“It felt great, a lot of energy,” Jay said. “Just happy to be back on the field and playing.”

He said he felt like he could’v scored on any of his returns, and also that he’s excited for Hamsah Nasilrideen’s eventual return for the veteran edge he brings to the secondary.

Florida State Seminoles football is in the middle of its bye week, prepping before switching to game mode in the leadup to a primetime showdown against the Miami-Florida Hurricanes.

Yesterday, we spoke with head coach Mike Norvell, as well as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kenny Dillingham, offensive line coach Alex Atkins, offensive lineman Darius Washington and punter Alex Mastromanno.

“This week is all about us,” Norvell said. “Cleaning up the details, the fundamentals. Thought our guys came out and competed with a purpose.”

We got some small updates on the status of two injured Seminoles — quarterback Chubba Purdy and defensive end Joshua Kaindoh. Purdy “should be back soon,” according to Norvell, as he heals up from a broken collarbone, while a “positive prognosis” was given on Kaindoh (hurt on a chop block in Saturday’s game.)

Today, we’re speaking with the defense — likely meaning defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, as well as a few others.

We’ll be hearing from Norvell, as well as offensive players and coaches, starting around 11:15 a.m. today. You can follow along both in the comment sections and on our Twitter, and in the meantime, drop any questions you have in the comments and we’ll try to get to them.