’Noles face challenges as spring camp commences
TALLAHASSEE — Florida State was able to retain most of its top talent for 2023, which built a foundation of a team that enjoyed a perfect regular season and ACC title before injuries compromised the Seminoles in a 63-3 loss to two-time defending national champion Georgia in the Orange Bowl. Watching the success of a dozen Seminoles at the NFL Scouting Combine a few weeks ago, it’s evident how much talent is now moving on.
Coach Mike Norvell and the staff have again used the portal to reload, welcoming in 14 transfers who they hope will bring production and leadership to ease the transition.
Here are five things to watch as FSU opens spring football camp on Tuesday:
Fresh faces at quarterback
The Seminoles knew Jordan Travis would be moving on after five seasons as well as 8,715 passing yards and 1,950 rushing yards. But few could have anticipated a quarterback room that would lose Tate Rodemaker (Southern Miss) and AJ Duffy (San Diego State) while adding former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Uiagalelei has a strong arm who can push the ball down the field as well as pick up first downs on short-yardage plays. He is a “bridge” quarterback, buying FSU time to develop redshirt freshman Brock Glenn as well as true freshmen Luke Kromenhoek and Trever Jackson, an Orlando native, for 2025 and beyond.
Who emerges at receiver?
Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson departed early for the NFL, which was not a surprise. But gone is 62% of FSU’s receiving yardage.
The top returning pass catchers are tailback Lawrance Toafili (21 for 186 yards) and tight end Kyle Morlock (19 for 255 yards).
Ja’Khi Douglas, who has 45 receptions for 737 yards and 5 TDs in his career, is FSU’s returning leader at receiver.
There’s no shortage of candidates vying for increased roles, from redshirt junior Kentron Poitier to sophomores Hykeem Williams, Destyn Hill and Vandrevius Jacobs. Transfers Jalen Brown (LSU) and Malik Benson (Alabama) add to a deep yet unproven (at least at FSU) group.
Is FSU’s biggest question mark at tight end?
Morlock played in 551 snaps last fall following his transfer from Division II. But with Jaheim Bell off to the NFL as well as the losses of transfers Markeston Douglas (Arizona State) and Preston Daniel (Buffalo), developing Morlock and capable blockers is critical.
One to watch: Jackson West, who doesn’t have a catch in three years but at 244 pounds is tough and could be used in two-TE sets.
Did FSU hit (again) with transfers on defensive front?
DE Jared Verse is projected to be selected in the first round and DT Braden Fiske could be a top-50 pick. FSU’s coaches restocked with Sione Lolohea (Oregon State), Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia) and Tomiwa Durojaiye (West Virginia). They also grabbed Grady Kelly (Colorado State), who projects as a second-team defensive tackle. Coupled with the return of redshirt junior DE Patrick Payton, FSU’s pass rush should be formidable although it will be tough to hold up to the standard of past years.
Developing depth at linebacker is critical
DJ Lundy was a rare boomerang transfer, departing FSU in mid-December before committing to Colorado and returning in January. Lundy’s return and the arrival of Shawn Murphy, a top-50 national prospect who saw the field sparingly at Alabama the last two years, softens the losses of Kalen DeLoach and Tatum Bethune, a UCF transfer. But the spring is pivotal as coaches must develop second-year linebackers Blake Nichelson and Justin Cryer as well as redshirt sophomore Omar Graham Jr.