NoleGameday's 2023 Seminole All-Spring Team
It's been a couple of weeks since spring practice concluded and the Seminoles won't get back onto the practice fields until preseason camp. That means there's a decently long purgatory period separating Florida State from kicking off its 2023 season.
READ MORE: Florida State Loses Another Safety To The NCAA Transfer Portal
There's not a better time to do some 'spring' cleaning ahead of the summer. That's exactly what we'll be doing to kick off May as we reflect on some of the players that stood out for the Seminoles over the last two months.
This piece will feature a look at veterans and newcomers on Florida State's roster that consistently impressed throughout the spring. It's not necessarily indicative of a potential depth chart but some of the players on this list are going to dictate the team's success in the fall.
Check out the NoleGameday Seminole All-Spring Team below. Do you agree with our selections?
OFFENSE:
Quarterback: Jordan Travis
I considered going with a different signal-caller because it feels cliche to roll with a player entering his sixth season at the college level. At the same time, Jordan Travis' performance during the spring was head and shoulders above the rest of the unit. It almost came as a surprise whenever he made a mistake or missed an open wide receiver.
Travis has found ways to continue to improve each offseason. That was no different despite being limited in each of the team's scrimmages. He's taken another step forward as a leader and has embraced being one of the faces of Florida State. Travis constantly provided the other quarterbacks with advice while having talks with his skill players to stay on the same page. He's become the eyes on the field to Mike Norvell's eyes on the sideline.
Running Back: Rodney Hill
First off, it's important to note that Trey Benson and Lawrance Toafili didn't take a ton of contact this spring while donning the green jerseys. That means it was tough for both of Florida State's top running backs to stand out during practice as plays were whistled dead before they could do what they do best - break tackles and avoid defenders in the open field.
With that being said, redshirt freshman Rodney Hill began to blossom with extra opportunities this spring after Treshaun Ward transferred to Kansas State. He scored a touchdown on the ground and caught a score out of the backfield during the Spring Showcase. Hill is primed to enter the rotation in 2023.
Tailback: CJ Campbell
A hard-nosed runner, redshirt sophomore CJ Campbell is one of the most respected players on the roster due to what he provides the Seminoles as a walk-on. His status might change with the program this summer if Florida State has an open scholarship after going hunting in the transfer portal. Campbell provides all of the little qualities that make him a valuable asset on and off the field in Tallahassee.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see him develop into a bonafide contributor at some point in his college career. He's simply that talented and it wouldn't be Mike Norvell's first rodeo with a walk-on.
Wide Receiver: Kentron Poitier
The proclaimed 'King of the Spring' was arguably Florida State's biggest breakout player of the period. Kentron Poitier is on the cusp of developing into a star at the college level and it won't be a surprise if he rises to the occasion this fall. Expect Poitier to be a consistent face opposite of Johnny Wilson.
Poitier's a threat to make a big play on every down, as evidenced by his freaky one-handed grab and touchdown catch during the Spring Showcase. He's hitting his stride ahead of his fourth year with the Seminoles.
Wide Receiver: Johnny Wilson
Johnny Wilson led Florida State in receiving last year and nearly broke the 1,000-yard mark but he left a lot on the table. Wilson struggled with consistency and was plagued with drops at different points of the season. At the same time, his athleticism for his size and ability to catch passes at unguardable angles made him a mismatch nightmare.
Returning for another season with the Seminoles, it's clear that Wilson is focused on developing into more of a complete wide receiver. That was evident during the spring as he began to make an impact all over the field while keeping an emphasis on holding onto the football. The sky is the limit for Wilson in 2023.
Wide Receiver: Vandrevius Jacobs
The surprise of the spring on offense and maybe the entire team, 'All Day Dre' proved that he's a force to be reckoned with. Jacobs started off the spring strong and made plenty of eye-popping plays. He came back to Earth a little bit down the stretch of camp but still was able to put together an impressive catch and run during the showcase.
If Jacobs continues to ascend in fall camp, there's a possibility that he gets involved in the rotation early in his career. He's a crafty wide receiver that gets in the right spots and delivers in tight coverage. I wouldn't be surprised if Florida State gives him a shot in the slot but he's proven his ability on the outside.
Tight End: Jaheim Bell
Transitioning to Florida State following a productive career at South Carolina, tight end Jaheim Bell was as advertised during the spring practice. He's a player that the Seminoles will experiment with in a ton of different ways from playing him at the traditional tight end position, in the backfield, and out in the slot.
Plus, Bell is more willing of a blocker than we might have thought coming in. He had a couple of fun battles with Jared Verse and Patrick Payton off the edge in practice. Bell even got a leg up on Verse and was able to drive him back.
Tight End: Kyle Morlock
Another tight end out of the transfer portal, I was interested to see how Kyle Morlock stacked up with the Seminoles after playing at D2 Shorter College. It took a couple of practices but Morlock began to settle in once the pads came on.
Like Bell, Morlock has an opportunity to be a mismatch at tight end for Florida State, only, in a different way. He sports a large frame at 6-foot-6 with the ability as a receiver to boot. It will be intriguing to see how Morlock and Bell play off one another during the fall.
Tackle: Bless Harris
After missing most of the 2022 season due to an injury, the spring was an important period for Harris to get back into rhythm. It paid off as he turned into one of Florida State's most consistent linemen during the period while being flexed between both tackle spots.
Harris is still battling for a job but he'll be invaluable for the Seminoles wherever he ends up.
Guard: D'Mitri Emmanuel
Emmanuel mainly cracks this last for getting his seventh season of eligibility and returning to Florida State down the stretch of spring practice. He didn't miss a beat during the reps that we were able to watch him take.
Getting Emmanuel back is big for the Seminoles. Not only do they have a starter from last season in the fold, but they also have an experienced player to lean on who can be an asset to the group on and off the field.
Center: Maurice Smith
Smith elevated his level of play during the spring after Florida State brought in competition on both sides of the trenches. He did an admirable job of displaying more consistency at center than Casey Roddick while battling with Darrell Jackson along the interior.
With his grasp of the offense and familiarity with Jordan Travis, Smith gives the Seminoles a leader up front despite his smaller stature.
Guard: Casey Roddick
Roddick provides the versatility to contribute at guard and at center which could be big for Florida State in 2023. He looks to be a good fit in Florida State's offense due to his athleticism and ability to move in space. Roddick should be a valuable piece for the Seminoles in the counter-game that requires a lot of pulling from the offensive line.
Tackle: Jeremiah Byers
Though it's only been 15 practices for Byers in garnet and gold, he may very well be the most impressive offensive lineman on the roster. Byers has a blend of physicality, athleticism, and awareness that make him worth watching. Plus, he can talk with the best of them, and that includes Jared Verse.
DEFENSE:
Defensive End: Jared Verse
Speaking of Verse, it wasn't much of a surprise to see him stand out during the spring as he prepares for his second season at Florida State. He returned to Tallahassee to hone in on his skillset as a complete defensive end rather than just a pass-rusher. That mindset was evident as he found himself consistently involved in all facets of the game. Verse was dominant at times and he always brings the energy.
The former Albany star will play a monumental role in how far the Seminoles go in 2023. His impact on and off the field is second to none on the roster outside of Jordan Travis.
Defensive End: Patrick Payton
Following a campaign where he was named the ACC's Defensive Rookie of the Year, redshirt sophomore Patrick Payton took his game to a new level during the spring. He was all over the field and the growth that he's making is evident. Payton is beginning to realize his potential and will be asked to step into a bigger for the Seminoles in the fall.
It looks like he's ready for the increased snaps opposite of Jared Verse. Payton is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with as a pass-rusher and run-stopper. He's also bringing a newfound vocal intensity that fits right in with the attitude that is being established on the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive Tackle: Darrell Jackson
Coming out of the gate, it looked like transfer defensive tackle Darrell Jackson had the opportunity to be the best player on Florida State's roster this spring. He was dominant throughout the first half of camp and set the tone for what he's hoping to bring to the Seminoles alongside Fabien Lovett and Braden Fiske.
Jackson tailed off some towards the end of the spring but his potential is evident alongside a mix of athleticism and strength. Listed at 6-foot-5, 326-pounds, Jackson is an elite athlete for his size. It'll come down to his consistency more than anything.
Defensive Tackle: Daniel Lyons
Lyons added some weight coming off his first year at Florida State where he graded out as the team's best defender in limited snaps, per PFF. Stepping into a crowded room during the spring, Lyons did his part to stand out in a group of players that includes Fabien Lovett, Darrell Jackson, Braden Fiske, and Dennis Briggs.
The redshirt freshman appears ready to join the rotation in 2023. He's consistent and physical.
Linebacker: Kalen DeLoach
Mike Norvell and Adam Fuller believe that linebacker Kalen DeLoach has an opportunity to be one of Florida State's most impactful defenders. That was on display this spring as the veteran continued to get better as the slate of practices moved on.
DeLoach was one of the few players to pick off Jordan Travis and he did it multiple times. Consistently around the ball, he forced two turnovers during the Spring Showcase that probably would've been touchdowns in an actual game. DeLoach is as confident as ever ahead of the 2023 season.
Linebacker: Omar Graham Jr.
Entering his second season with the Seminoles, redshirt freshman Omar Graham Jr. is beginning to grow into the player that the coaching staff thought he could be coming out of high school. Graham Jr. is a hybrid linebacker that can play in space while coming up to stop the run.
Not to compare but it feels like he's on a similar track to Patrick Payton as far as progression. With Brendan Gant moving on, Graham Jr. will likely step into the rotation at linebacker. It remains to be seen on his level of involvement behind Kalen DeLoach, Tatum Bethune, and DJ Lundy but there are some promising qualities to work with.
Cornerback: Quindarrius Jones
I wasn't sure what to expect out of true freshman Quindarrius Jones at the beginning of the spring. He came out of high school as an underrated recruit that Florida State evaluated in person and then pounced on last summer. To say the least, Jones completely blew whatever expectations I had for him out of the water.
At a time when he should've still been in high school, Jones consistently won matchups against some of the best receivers on the roster, including some isolated opportunities against Johnny Wilson. A playmaker who knows how to attack the ball when it's in the air, Jones looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
Cornerback: Renardo Green
Following a breakout campaign in 2022 where cornerback Renardo Green began to consistently assert his will between the lines, he stayed on point throughout the spring. Green was one of the best defenders on the team during camp and didn't elicite a lot of attention, unless he was creating a turnover or batting away a pass.
The veteran brings a competitive energy and work ethic to the defensive backfield. He's a perfect example for some of the other players in the room to learn from.
Nickel: Greedy Vance
Vance is a gritty defender who had some fun back-and-forth matchups with Ja'Khi Douglas during the spring. After leading Florida State in interceptions a season ago, Vance is primed for a large role as the nickel cornerback.
That's going to take a step forward in defending the run as he was isolated by opposing offenses against running backs and struggled at times in 2022. Vance was much better along the line of scrimmage during the spring as he forced multiple stops for loss, albeit, with limited contact and tackling to the ground. He's got the leg up on Kevin Knowles II who was unable to suit up during the spring after an injury.
Safety: Shyheim Brown
The list of players to select at safety has grown thin following Omarion Cooper and Travis Jay's decisions to transfer from the program. Regardless, Florida State still has an intriguing young prospect in Shyheim Brown. Heading into his third year with the program, Brown is expected to be asked to do a lot following Jammie Robinson's move to the NFL.
He didn't flash as consistently during the spring as I hoped but is still on the right track to being a promising starter. Brown's growth will be important to follow when fall camp rolls around.
Safety: KJ Kirkland
A second true freshman defensive back - safety KJ Kirkland - also makes the All-Spring team after a promising debut. Holding a mix of size, athleticism, and quick reaction time, Kirkland has an opportunity to be a special player during his time at Florida State.
Kirkland has solid ball skills and caught the attention of Adam Fuller and defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Punter: Alex Mastromanno
Might as well end this off with a quick look around the special teams unit. The 'punter from down under' is entering his fourth season at Florida State and has the job squarely locked down. Mastromanno should be one of the best at his position this upcoming season.
Kicker: Ryan Fitzgerald
The position that everyone is wondering about after Florida State brought in transfer kicker Tyler Kelton to compete with the incumbent Ryan Fitzgerald. Personally, I wasn't blown away by either player during the spring and I think Fitzgerald would stick as the starter if the season was starting tomorrow. At the same time, Kelton will have a final opportunity to make a push during fall camp.
I'm of the belief that Florida State shouldn't make a change unless the option is head and heels above what Fitzgerald can offer. It's important to remember that he connected on 7/10 field goals, including a game-winner against Oklahoma, while hitting all 36 of his extra-point attempts over the final seven games of 2022.
READ MORE: Florida State's Jammie Robinson Selected in Fifth-Round of NFL Draft by Carolina Panthers
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