FSU Football Special Teams/DE Coach John Papuchis Provides Update After Spring Practice No. 10

Papuchis spoke on the versatility of West Virginia transfer Tomiwa Durojaiye and the veteran presence of returning specialists.

Florida State special teams coordinator John Papuchis speaks to media on August 28, 2023. / Jack Williams/Tallahassee Democrat / USA

Florida State football special teams and defensive ends coordinator John Papuchis spoke to the media following the team’s 10th practice of the spring. During his availability, he highlighted players that could make major impacts in a variety of ways.

READ MORE: FSU Football Starting DB Greedy Vance Intends To Enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Coach Papuchis first provided an optimistic view of the defensive end unit with the spring semester reaching an end and summer workouts just around the corner.

“It’s a hard-working group. We’ve gotten better progressively as the spring has gone on – really throughout the whole winter workouts and then spring,” said Papuchis. “Every day I feel like they’ve taken the field with a purpose and worked hard. [If] you have that kind of mindset, that mentality, you have a chance to be pretty good.”

Furthermore, Papuchis spoke on Oregon State transfer Sione Lolohea and what he’s seen from him after 10 practices.

“He brings a consistent work ethic and I think that’s reflective of who he is. Every day he shows up and every day he works hard, in the meeting room he takes notes. Every day when he comes to the practice field he’s got a focus to him. And I think that is a reflection of his maturity. I think more than anything that’s just who he is and one of the things that we love that he’s bringing to our team,” said Papuchis.

When asked about Tomiwa Durojaiye and his ability to play both on the edge and between the tackles, the special teams and defensive ends coordinator said the West Virginia transfer “is that guy” when versatility is needed.

“Well, you need those guys to have some versatility to them. And he is that guy for us right now. We’ve had other guys like that in the past. Keir Thomas kind of did some of that, more on third down on the side, Dennis Briggs has done that a little bit. And now [Tomiwa] has that opportunity to do that for us. And having those guys with some versatility does add some flexibility to your packages,” said Papuchis.

READ MORE: FSU Football Spring Camp Observations: Offense Getting Into Rhythm at Practice 10

Finally, Papuchis spoke on his specialist squad, specifically what he’s seen from veterans Ryan Fitzgerald and Alex Mastromanno as they making their returns for the program.

“Some real maturity. Both of them have had really good moments in spring, and really both of them have days that they would like to probably have back. But I think the thing that is reflective of their maturity is that in both cases when they’ve had days that they didn’t really aren’t pleased with, they came back the next day and may have had their days,” said Papuchis.

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