Florida State Spring Camp Observations: Seminoles show promise during first day of practice

The Florida State Seminoles and Mike Norvell took the field on Monday evening to begin spring camp. It was a hot and sunny day in Tallahassee as the returners and 19 newcomers got their first taste of what to expect this spring.

NoleGameday was in attendance for the entire practice and down below are the observations taken from day one of camp.

— Mike Norvell announced that Robert Scott, Mycah Pittman, Kevin Knowles II, Aaron Hester, and Malcolm Ray will not be available for Florida State during the spring.

— Former Seminoles such as Jermaine Johnson, Cam McDonald, and James Coleman viewed the practice from the sidelines.

OFFENSE:

— Wide receiver Johnny Wilson showed off his insane reach with a grab over the middle early in Monday's practice. Wilson had his moments throughout the day but still seems to be working his way into shape.

— The difference in athleticism between tight end Jaheim Bell and the rest of the unit is evident. He's got an explosiveness when he cuts that is noticeable. Bell took some reps at wide receiver as well. He made a tough grab on the sideline during 7-on-7.

— Casey Roddick made his debut and showed off his versatility throughout the practice, earning time at guard and center. He moves extremely well for his size.

— Wide receiver Deuce Spann came away with a catch on a rep against Fentrell Cypress II during one-on-one drills.

— True freshman wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs caught some eyes on day one. He made a catch over the middle before bringing down a leaping grab on the sideline during one-on-ones. Jacobs was in the right spot for a deep ball from Duffy late in practice and cut up the sideline for a touchdown.

— Winston Wright was another player who looked impressive on offense. He's still working his way back into shape but he came away with a contested grab during one-on-ones, which might've been his first catch in a competitive practice setting since before his injury. On his next rep, Winston brought in a pass over the middle and exploded up the field, showing off his burst.

— Not a ton to note out of the quarterbacks on day one. Jordan Travis was his normal self and got into a rhythm during team drills while true freshman Brock Glenn showed off some impressive precision and accuracy on his throws. Not a lot of balls hit the ground.

— Kentron Poiter broke out for back-to-back catches in the latter half of practice.

— Running back Caziah Holmes hit a hole and powered through a defender's tackle attempt late in the practice. All of the other running backs came sprinted after Holmes after the play to celebrate the effort.

— Jordan Travis and Mike Norvell had multiple 1-on-1 conversations following his reps in team drills. This continues a trend we saw during the fall.

— Jeremiah Byers and Keiondre Jones both look the part. True freshman Lucas Simmons has a frame that is built off potential.

DEFENSE:

— Cornerback Greedy Vance was impressive throughout Florida State's opening practice. He tracked a ball and hauled down an interception on the sideline during one-on-ones. On his next rep, Vance came flying in to break up a pass.

— Travis Jay worked at safety during the practice and his moments as well. He engaged with Preston Daniel off the line and then worked into position to deflect a pass. A crafty play from Jay. He came back to prevent a completion to Markeston Douglas on his next rep.

— Fentrell Cypress II is a long, lengthy cornerback who gets in the right spots to make an impact. He broke up a pass intended for Spann at one point during practice and another one later in the session.

— Cornerback Renardo Green pulled down a one-handed interception on the sideline.

— Linebacker Brendan Gant almost got a pick during team drills but it popped out of his hands.

— True freshman KJ Kirkland delivered a shot on a wide receiver to break up a pass on the sideline during team drills.

— Daniel Lyons came away with a sack in team drills.

— True freshman defensive end Lamont Green Jr had two outstanding reps during 1-on-1s against the offensive line. Jared Verse showed him some love after the performance.

— It's hard to take much away from a practice without pads but defensive lineman Darrell Jackson is someone that stands out up front with his athleticism and build.

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