Florida State wrapped up the first week of spring camp Friday with its first padded practice, with coach Mike Norvell pointing to several newcomers who have made early impressions on a roster still taking shape. “There were some good things that we did and there’s some ugly moments, and some really good responses throughout the course of practice,” Norvell said. “Some big plays showed up both sides of the ball.” We were aggressive in our installations, just trying to force guys with their study, their process, and the application of the things we put in,” he said. “I felt the winter program prepared them.” The linebacker room drew particular praise. Freshman Noah LaVallee forced a fumble in the opening practice Monday and followed with open-field tackles on Friday. Norvell also mentioned freshmen Karon Maycock and Daylen Green as contributors in the early going. Linebacker Izayia Williams remains sidelined working back from a knee injury but has been present in meetings. Veteran linebacker Chris Jones said the first day in pads brought a different kind of energy to the group. “I love to hit, so it was just good to be back in pads for sure,” Jones said. He also credited the group’s “gradership program” under position coach Coach Sims, where upperclassmen are tasked with pulling younger players aside and coaching them up throughout practice: “That one thing you tell him that one time, he can remember that and that’ll make him better.” On the defensive line, Norvell said Franklin Whitley has shown natural strength despite limited football experience, while Earnest Rankins drew praise Friday after being challenged heading into the padded session. “We’ve got big expectations for him,” Norvell said of Rankins. Norvell also singled out edge rusher Deamontae Diggs, who missed most of last season with an injury, as a standout Friday. “He’s not fully there, but if he keeps taking steps, he’s going to provide a real presence on the edge.” First-year edge coach Nick Williams also drew praise. “I love his energy,” Norvell said. “He’s going to push guys to an expectation of what it needs to be, and he does that for himself.” Legacy wide receiver Devin Carter has also caught Norvell’s eye. “He’s a good worker. He really loves the game. You could tell he’s a technician of the game,” Norvell said. “Not everything has gone well for him this week, but even in the moments where it wasn’t a great play, you can feel his urgency to go get better.” Wide receivers Darryon Williams and EJ White have also been seeing reps, with Norvell noting good moments alongside areas still to develop. In the backfield, Norvell called transfer Tre Wisner “about all the right things that you want,” pointing specifically to his leadership, football IQ and work in pass protection. “He’s smart, he studies, he’s got versatility — protections are something that’s important to him,” Norvell said. Sophomore Ousmane Kromah was quick to echo the praise, saying that “he really does take care of everybody.” Participating in his first spring camp after arriving last summer as true freshmen, Kromah said Wisner has helped him process the game faster. “My game has grown in majority vision,” Kromah said. Kromah also praised four-star freshman Amari Thomas, saying the room has barely scratched the surface with him. “Just wait till we actually groom him and teach him how to do certain things,” Kromah said. “It’s over.” At quarterback, Norvell said Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels has produced at least one explosive vertical play in each of the first three practices. “For a guy that has a lot of recognition for his movement skills, he’s been able to locate the ball and put it in good places,” Norvell said. Freshman Jaden O’Neal, out for the season due to injury, has remained active in the meeting room, something Norvell said he’s been pleased with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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