Florida State at Clemson: Wednesday Practice Observations
The No. 4 Florida State Seminoles (2-0, 1-0 ACC) were back on the practice fields on Wednesday in preparation for a hostile environment on the road against the Clemson Tigers (2-1, 0-1 ACC). It was a dialed-up practice as the 'Noles locked in after a near upset last weekend against Boston College. The practice was intense, and the coaches and players seemed to have chips on their shoulders and ready to get after the day.
Among the people observing Wednesday's practice were legendary FSU announcer Gene Deckerhoff and scouts from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, and Steelers.
READ MORE: Mike Norvell Provides An Update on FSU Quarterback Jordan Travis' Arm Injury
NoleGameday attended the entire session and jotted down some notes and observations.
Offense:
-Both sides of the ball made impactful plays, but overall, the offense seemed to win the day in both team drills and 1-on-1. I thought tight end Jaheim Bell and running back Rodney Hill had good days. Both players were coming down with the ball, and Hill was opening up scores by blocking downfield.
-In the 3rd down conversion drill, quarterback Jordan Travis and running back Trey Benson had big runs. Benson rattled off a near 30-yarder and probably would've scored had they not blown the whistle.
-Travis found tight end Markeston Douglas on a goal-line attempt wide-open for a score.
-Wide receiver Keon Coleman had a nice catch on defensive back Fentrell Cypress, who was playing intense coverage, but Coleman was able to use his size and ability to haul it in.
-Wide receiver Destyn Hill had a nice one-handed snag that was zipped to him by Travis. Head coach Mike Norvell emphasized the importance of using both hands when catching the ball, but it was an impressive display of reaction time by Hill.
-Red zone 1-on-1 was fairly competitive, but there were more scores than not. Wide receiver Johnny Wilson had a big touchdown grab over defensive back Greedy Vance. Hykeem Williams, Hill, Preston Daniel, and Vandrevious Jacobs scored in the drill.
-Coleman had a nice catch, which was almost thwarted by Morlock going for it. Coleman was crossing behind the defense, and Travis was able to throw it over two defenders to get him the ball.
-Neither of the two placekickers missed a field goal. Both scored from 30 and 40 yards.
Defense:
-Two start the two-minute drill, defensive back Jarrian Jones came across in coverage, breaking up a pass intended for Coleman, followed by a touch sack on Travis by defensive tackle Malcolm Ray.
-Jones would later end the drive with another breakup after a long completion to tight end Kyle Morlock as the second dwindled.
-Defensive back Conrad Hussey had a pick in 1-on-1's in the red zone on a pass intended for Morlock. He was able to jump the route in the back end of the end zone to come down with the snag.
-Defensive back Shyheim Brown had a nice pass breakup in the red zone as well on wide receiver Johnny Wilson, and defensive back Kevin Knowles II would end the drill with a nice breakup on a pass intended for Coleman. Brown had a nice stuff at the goal line in team drills as well.
-Defensive back Renardo Green deflected a pass intended for Wilson in the red zone.
-I'm impressed with the coverage from the linebacking group and the progress they've made from a season ago. They can stick with receivers and tight ends more consistently in practice. Tatum Bethune was able to keep Williams at bay, and although Williams made the catch for short yardage, Bethune had him down instantly and didn't give up the big play.
READ MORE: Florida State's Victory Against Boston College Was One Of Most Watched Games In Week 3
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