Physical transformations among players

This preseason has seen numerous Seminoles check into preseason camp as either bulkier or slimmer versions of themselves.

Robert Cooper is the latest example, sharing Friday he’s down 40 pounds from last season.

The sophomore defensive tackle said he still needs to lose 20 more pounds to reach his target weight, putting him at about 325. Cooper said he can already feel the difference in his level of play.

“I used to get gassed quicker, but now it’s just I can last a lot longer than I have and it’s made a real big impact for me,” Cooper said.

He said he used to get criticized about his weight, which helped him stay motivated as he changed his diet and shed the pounds. He credits FSU defensive line coach Odell Haggins for being a catalyst during his weight-loss journey.

“At first I was like, ‘Eh, I’ll be fine,’ but then when I came here and seeing how Odell was pushing his players, I was like, ‘Yeah I gotta drop this weight,’ ” Cooper said.

Outside of his play, Cooper said he feels good overall having slimmed down.

“I feel amazing. I feel amazing. This is probably the best I’ve ever felt,” he said.

“Before I used to gain weight every offseason. Now, shedding all this weight, I feel like I’m back to seventh-grade Coop.”

Tailbacks add to depth

Deonte Sheffield has switched from wide receiver to running back, giving the Seminoles a fourth playmaker in the backfield. The redshirt sophomore said there’s not much of an adjustment to make.

“To be honest, pretty easy. … When (former FSU coach Jimbo Fisher) recruited me here, I was a running back,” he said.

“My whole life I’ve been a running back, but I’ve played slot, too, in high school.”

Injury update

Marvin Wilson did not practice with the team. The Seminoles did not provide an update on his status.

Road trip

FSU will hit the road and practice at IMG Academy in Bradenton on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, its second time there.