Florida State football returned to practice Thursday morning for the seventh practice of fall camp.
After a midweek off day, FSU returned to the Albert J. Dunlap Center to begin preparations for the team's first scrimmage of the fall season on Saturday evening.
Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell wanted more from his offense after a slow day from that side of the football. FSU's defense swarmed to the ball Thursday, grabbing three interceptions and creating a lot of pass breakups, slowing any chance the offense had of getting any momentum.
"I thought today there was some good and bad today, at times offensively we were sloppy and had some missed opportunities," Norvell said. "It was good to see the defense make plays on the ball, that's been something we've been emphasizing."
Here are five things we saw from day seven of FSU football's fall camp.
Inconsistency, sloppy play on offense
After starting the week with two impressive days of practice, FSU's offense slowed down Thursday as the wide receivers and quarterbacks looked a step slow on some connections.
Norvell said there was some "sloppy" play from the offense and with three interceptions thrown and a couple of missed passes on plays that were working just a few days prior, the Seminoles have some work to do heading into Saturday's scrimmage.
Drops and miscommunication on routes were one of the biggest challenges Thursday, with a few plays breaking down because of it. While it was a slow day, there were some bright moments from freshman Lawayne McCoy and Malik Benson, who both made some big catches in drills and during 7 vs. 7 and 11 vs. 11 team competition.
There is room for improvement for the offense as it seeks consistency, but there are flashes of what could be a potent threat if it's put all together.
Patrick Payton's dynamic ability on display
Patrick Payton has been an ever-present force in the preseason, coming up with field goal blocks, sacks, tackles and pass breakups.
The versatility of the defensive end was on display again Thursday, flashing his speed off the line, blowing up a run play by Jaylin Lucas before it even had the chance to get out of the backfield. Payton did well in drills against the offensive line, utilizing his quickness to blow by pass blockers and win reps, even forcing a fumble in 11 vs. 11 work.
As expected, he has been one of the top performers of the spring and he could follow the path of Jared Verse and Jermaine Johnson in dominating on the defensive front before heading to the NFL.
Ricky Knight, young defensive backs continue to impress
The story of fall camp so far has been the play of the defensive backs, and on Thursday freshman Ricky Knight took his step into the limelight.
Knight was strong in coverage drills, breaking up a couple of passes and forcing tough throws from the quarterbacks. In 11 vs. 11 work at the end of practice, Knight recorded a pick-six, sticking in coverage well and jumping the route to secure the ball and head the other way with Norvell and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller running right behind him in celebration.
Norvell mentioned he was impressed with the freshman's development since arriving in the summer, saying he is part of a strong core of young defensive backs who have impressed early in the fall. Charles Lester III has had some big moments, as well as Cai Bates, with the young core of the Seminoles' defensive back room showing promise early in their careers.
Defense forces multiple turnovers, continues to shine
Turnovers were the story of the day, with the defense securing three interceptions and one forced fumble. The first came in the early portion of practice, with linebacker Cam Riely jumping all over a looping pass from quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, taking the interception to the endzone.
In 11 vs. 11 work, red-shirt sophom*ore defensive back Christian White hawked quarterback Luke Kromenhoek, grabbing his pass and taking it the other way for a 110-yard pick-six. Knight came up with his interception a few plays later, capping off his impressive day.
The defensive line was getting into the backfield with ease, with Joshua Farmer, Darell Jackson and Payton all collapsing on the quarterback and creating pressure, including forcing one fumble that Payton swiped out of Uiagalelei's hands.
Trio of freshmen the bright spot for a slow offensive day
While inconsistency forced a slow day at the office for the offense, three freshmen took the opportunity to flash their potential.
Running backs Micahi Danzy and Kam Davis both went on long runs during 11 vs. 11 work, with Davis going on two mazy runs through the defensive line and into the secondary. Danzy's speed continued to be an issue for the defense, as the running back blazed away from would-be tacklers on a few occasions.
Both running backs drew praise from Norvell after practice, with the Seminoles head coach saying he hopes the pair can compete to get on the field this season, with Norvell feeling they are developing well.
McCoy was arguably the best wide receiver on the field alongside Benson, with the freshman making some really impressive catches while working through different sets. He's flashed the potential to be a key member of the Seminoles team in the future, and Norvell said he feels McCoy could be a player that makes an impact this season.
Florida State football schedule 2024
- Aug. 24 vs.Georgia Tech*Dublin, Ireland at noon., ESPN
- Sept. 2 vs.Boston Collegeat 7:30 p.m., ESPN
- Sept. 14 vs.Memphis
- Sept. 21 vs.California
- Sept. 28 atSMU
- Oct. 5 vs.Clemson
- Oct. 18 at Duke
- Oct. 26 at (U) Miami
- Nov. 2 vs. North Carolina
- Nov. 9 at Notre Dame
- Nov. 23 vs. Charleston Southern
- Nov. 30: Florida
- Dec. 7: ACC Championship
BOLD= ACC
* = Neutral Site
Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
