Nuggets from FSU’s scrimmage on Saturday

Florida State held its second scrimmage of the spring yesterday and it was likely the final one before next Saturday’s Garnet & Gold game. By all accounts from a source, there were a lot of plays made on both sides of the ball on Saturday and it sounds like a few young guys are starting to separate themselves amongst the roster.

Hopefully, these nuggets can be a little appetizer before we see the Seminoles in ‘game-like’ action at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 6.

Offense

– The difference in pace in the offense is noticeable and has been successful in practice so far.

– Offensive players need to continue to get in better shape so they move at the pace Kendal Briles wants to go.

– They’ve struggled a little bit running the ball with the new tempo but that was expected early anyway after the way the offensive line performed in 2018. Notes Briles and Randy Clements want the OL to have more stamina.

– James Blackman was sharp as always in the scrimmage but the wide receivers dealt with some drops.

– Anthony Grant looked like the best running back on the day, he’s improving nicely heading into a season where he’ll likely be a contributor.

– Jordan Travis was up and down throughout the day. He threw a couple of touchdown passes but also tossed some interceptions to true freshman linebacker Jaleel McRae.

– Cam McDonald look better than earlier in the spring but he also threw a few interceptions during the scrimmage.

– Doesn’t want to throw too much hype around but mentions Dontae Lucas has been looking good along the offensive line. Could be a rare true freshman contributor on the OL in 2019.

– Also adds that Jauan Williams has completely changed his body and looks better than a traffic cone this spring, whatever that means.

Defense

– Defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett used both 3-4 and 4-3 looks on defense throughout the day.

– The defensive line was stunting a lot to try and confuse the offensive line on the incoming rush.

– Akeem Dent spent time with the starting unit and continues to look like a day one contributor on defense.

– Marvin Wilson has been a force in the interior and is in arguably the best shape of his life right now.

– Jaleel McRae has stood out at linebacker, points back to the interceptions he had in the scrimmage.

– Levonta Taylor is back to looking like one of the top players on the defense, expects him to rebound in 2019 following a year of not being fully healthy.

Special Teams

– Special teams started off slow but improved throughout the day.

– Seemed like things were a lot more organized and together under Mark Snyder than last season.

– Akeem Dent blocked a kick.

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