The best from Florida State lineman camp: Day 1

Florida State had a good turnout Friday for Day 1 of the Florida State big man camp. The group featured commits, offered players, and those who are still hoping for an offer. Offensive line coach Grey Frey, defensive tackle coach Odell Haggins, and defensive ends coach Mark Snyder got to work out potential future prospects.

Here is a rundown of some of those who caught my eye.

Commit Tru Thompson looked the best I’ve ever seen him look

Thompson, of Loganville (Ga.) Grayson has been a FSU commit since March of 2017. He’s camped at FSU for years, and loves working with coach Odell Haggins, who has put countless protégées into the NFL.

When I saw Thompson in the summer of 2016, I couldn’t help but think of what he could be if he grew. That didn’t happen to the extent I thought it would, and Thompson remains on the shorter end of defensive tackles FSU recruits (generously listed at 6’0).

But now Thompson is in better shape. And now I am more convinced Thompson can be a good player at FSU even with his height. Thompson has always played with great leverage. Few prospects can get under his pads. But this time, he was more explosive. He won almost every rep he took. It was a good day for him.

Florida State is looking for length and quickness at offensive tackle

It’s not that bulk is unimportant, but in speaking with program sources, it’s apparent that FSU values length and quickness the most when scouting offensive tackles. If a player needs to add bulk, FSU is confident it can do it.

Mississippi visitor

Brandon Cunningham, of Ocean Springs (MS) visited Saturday. He spent time with coach Greg Frey, Willie Taggart, and others. Cunningham was joking around with current players and enjoying himself. He is a former Miami commitment who is currently committed to Mississippi State. Cunningham looks to be a legit 6’5 and 300 pounds.

A Georgia OT

Cumming (Ga.) North Forsyth offensive tackle Jeremy James showed up early to work with coach Greg Frey. He’s at FSU as part of a multi-school tour which includes FSU and Florida on Friday, and Miami on Saturday.

Though it was a camp without pads, James looked good. He moves well and said that he enjoyed his time working with Frey. James is a legitimate 6’5 prospect. In an article later on Tomahawk Nation, I’ll have additional quotes from him. He and his parents spent time with coach Taggart following the session.

South of Cincinnati

Anthony Booker, if Cincinnati (OH) Winton Woods is an intriguing 6’5, 280-pound defensive lineman who had a strong day. He won reps at both defensive end and defensive tackle, and might have the frame to grow into a defensive tackle. Kentucky and Maryland have offered, and he’ll be a name FSU will continue to watch. Defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett is from Cincinnati and knows Booker.

Young Guns

• Agelu Nunu, of Lake Butler (Fla.) Union County has a heck of a day playing defense. He is on the shorter side, but is probably 6’1, 280ish entering is junior season.
• Josh Fryar, of Beech Grove (IN) looked very good for an underclassman tackle. He is probably 6’4, 270, and has the quickness and balance I look for in a tackle prospect. At just 16, he has time to grow. FSU has a connection via Frey’s time at Indiana.
• Remember the name Tellek Lockette. The 2022 prospect is the son of FSU tight ends coach Telly Lockette. Tellek had a solid day considering how young he is.

On the current squad

Marvin Wilson looks good having recovered from the knee injury which kept him out of spring. With a player as big as Wilson, there is always worry that he might put on bad weight as he recovers, but he didn’t baloon. FSU needs him to be an impact player this year.

Saturday

I’ll be looking to see Mississippi tackle Charles Cross, Georgia guard Kamaar Bell, and St. Pete lineman Keenan Hester. I think Cross has a strong chance to earn an offer.