2023 FSU Football Spring Showcase Recap: Poitier and DeLoach Steal the Show
The Florida State Seminoles kicked off their annual FSU Football Spring Showcase on Saturday in front of 33,107 eager fans wearing garnet and gold. It was a chance to showcase how the team has progressed in the offseason while putting some newcomers in the spotlight. It was a mix of team drills and individual drills for a team introducing 20 newcomers who made their debut for the first time inside Doak Campbell Stadium in front of a crowd. FSU also welcomed National Champions Charlie Ward, Henri Crockett, PJ Williams and Karlos Williams as guest coaches.
During the showcase, FSU revealed a fresh new look during the showcase for the upcoming 2023 season.
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2022 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Patrick Payton started the defense off strong with a sack forcing a 42-yard field goal from K Ryan Fitzgerald. The second-team offense quickly responded with a 15-yard touchdown run by CJ Campbell.
Florida State Seminoles running back CJ Campbell (22) makes his way down the field. Seminole fans watched as the Florida State football team hosted the FSU Garnet and Gold Spring Showcase on Saturday - Alicia Devine USA Today Network
The running backs were constantly open in the flats to start the day. quarterback Jordan Travis found Campbell again for a short gain before being picked off by LB Kalen DeLoach for six. DeLoach was able to read and jump WR Duece Spann's route for an easy interception. This was one of many standout plays from him, DeLoach forced and recovered a fumble by punching the ball out of Rodney Hill's hands for a scoop and score later on in the outing.
"Kalen is a guy who's gotta be one of those heartbeats for us. He's been here since we came through the doors as a coaching staff," Head coach Mike Norvell said of DeLoach's performance, "His attitude, his approach. If he's not exceptional on the day it really shows up."
Redshirt freshman QB AJ Duffy was able to mostly find momentum with his legs throughout the day. He found WR Kentron Porter for a monster one-handed catch showcasing Poitier's length. Later on in the outing he made another big catch for 28 yards and another grab for a touchdown.
Plays like these are going to make it hard to keep him out of the starting lineup.
Quarterback Tate Rodemaker found TE Preston Daniel down the seam for a huge gain. Daniels continued the yards after catch, breaking tackles in the Noles secondary. A few plays later, Rodemaker found RB Rodney Hill in the end zone for a score. Hill, along with Campbell has continuously shined during spring camp and it seemed to have carried over into the scrimmage.
Not wanting his name to be left out, RB Lawrance Toafili scored an easy 25-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.
Some freshmen stood out for the defense. Omar Graham Jr. had a good day stuffing runs at the line of scrimmage and making big tackles for loss and pass breakups in the flats while Quindarrius Jones came down with an interception. Legacy freshman Lamont Green Jr. had a sack on the day before leaving the game with an injury to his right arm
True freshman Block Glenn made his debut and met defensive ends Jared Verse and Payton quickly. The duo was able to close the pocket quickly before the whistle was blown for a sack. He found Morlock late in the event for a massive gain leading a drive that would eventually put three points on the board from special teams from 23 yards.
Glenn seemed to come on late with what was likely the biggest play of the day hitting Jacobs in stride. Jacobs showed off his shiftiness and playmaking ability by shaking off tackles and juking defenders turning it into a nearly 50-yard play. Shortly after that, Glenn found Williams in the endzone for a score.
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