James proves his health with stellar outing; offense sloppy in execution

TALLAHASSEE — Derwin James left no doubt he is 100 percent healthy and ready to lead Florida State’s defense in 2017.

James showed no mercy, landing a punishing hit on walk-on receiver Gilbert Henric, blowing up a pass attempt from Deondre Francois early in the first quarter.

On his next defensive series, James stormed in swiftly and tapped Francois on the shoulder for a sack.

Shortly after, a quick sound clip of Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack” fittingly blared over the loudspeakers for a modest announced crowd of 26,649 fans in Doak Campbell Stadium before the next offensive series.

James’ return, the debut of true freshman running back Cam Akers and sloppy offensive execution were among the few highlights for Florida State during its lackluster Garnet and Gold spring game.

With a developing offensive line, only one scholarship receiver playing on both units and two backup quarterbacks sharing playing time on one team, the Seminoles offense was scarce with only two offensive touchdowns throughout the 17-7 exhibition.

Despite the shortcomings, Jimbo Fisher insists he was pleased with his team’s approach to its month of spring practice. Now the Seminoles turn their attention to the summer ahead with the 2017 opener against Alabama in Atlanta looming on Sept. 2.

Francois took some time to adjust to form, playing alongside teammates he is not usually accustomed to playing with in games. He did not complete his first pass until the second quarter but put together four completions of at least 10 yards during a 15-play drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Jacques Patrick.

Francois finished the game by adding another touchdown in the final seconds with a 1-yard reception to tight end Ryan Izzo.

He completed 13 of 28 passes for 133 yards and an interception after wide receiver Da’Vante Phillips had a completion ripped away by defensive back Kyle Meyers and returned for a 28-yard touchdown.

Akers finished with 10 carries for 87 yards while Patrick had 12 carries for 64 yards.

But after Akers helped the Gold offense reach the 7-yard line in the third quarter, a holding penalty by tight end Ryan Izzo on James and a James’ sack of Francois halted another scoring opportunity.

James led all players with seven tackles and two sacks.

FSU’s defensive players made the most of their opportunities, with defensive end Brian Burns (three sacks with four tackles) and linebacker Jacob Pugh (three tackles, a tackle for loss) wreaking havoc. The defense’s superb play spoiled the outing for backup quarterbacks J.J. Cosentino (10 for 22 for 110 yards) and freshman Bailey Hockman (3 for 11, 31 yards).

The Seminoles were missing receivers Auden Tate, Keith Gavin and George Campbell and three starting offensive lineman.