Florida State football: Seminoles bring good energy in the first day with pads in spring practice
As the pads went on, so did the aggressiveness and attitudes of Florida State football.
After practicing in helmets for the first two days of spring practice, the Seminoles added pads and were forced to practice indoors with inclement weather outdoors.
Early on, the pads added some chippiness, with defensive lineman Patrick Payton and offensive lineman Julian Armella getting heated following a rep in which Armella got the better of Payton.
The two had to be separated by head coach Mike Norvell and a few others, but cooler heads prevailed.
"First day in pads, I like the energy," Norvell told the media following practice. "I liked the way the guys came and approached today. We put some installs in, some different situations and tried to make them uncomfortable.
"I thought they really came out with a great mindset. There are a lot of things we need to clean up on. There were some sloppy moments. But with the competitive spirits, I heard some pads popping. There were some times we wanted to challenge guys, seeing guys make plays when they get opportunities at all levels."
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Following the practice, former quarterback and Seminole legend Jameis Winston gave the team a pep talk.
The practice was the third and final one of the first week of spring practice for FSU. Next week the team will be off, with spring break.
The Seminoles will return to practice at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 21.
"We get a week to take spring break, but it'll be a week to reflect, study the film of the first three practices," Norvell said. "It was good to see strides, but I am excited about what the next week ahead will be."
Along with Winston, defensive lineman Jermaine Johnson, and safety Jammie Robinson were among the former players watching the practice.
"We had some former players who were back, like Jameis, who got to talk to the team there afterward," Norvell said. "Tomorrow we get to celebrate Jermaine, his All-American brick. It's great to have some of these guys back, have them around the program and be able to share their passion and love for the university."
Here are some observations from practice Friday.
Florida State football: Observations and notes from the Seminoles' first spring practice
The defensive line shows out with pads on
When they are not able to hit, it can sometimes be hard to judge how a player on the defensive line is doing.
Friday, with pads on, the defensive line got to show off its toughness and the depth it has going into the 2023 spring.
"There were a lot of guys on the defensive front flying around," Norvell said. "I saw some great effort plays. Josh Farmer had one. Darrell Jackson, Daniel Lyons. All the edge guys, I really felt like they were making impacts throughout."
The biggest standout might have been Miami transfer, Jackson. Jackson is listed at 6-foot-5, 326 pounds in the FSU spring notes and he looks every bit as imposing with his frame.
Jackson showed his athleticism in a number of drills and was one of the biggest standouts on Friday. He had a couple of plays disrupting the run during team drills.
Following one play during an offensive line vs. defensive line drill, Norvell went and gave Jackson a high-five after he beat his opponent in the trenches.
"I love watching him play," Norvell said of Jackson. "He's strong, he's big, he's powerful. He's got as good of a future as anyone we have."
Payton is another player who came out with a ton of energy Friday. Early on in practice, that got him in trouble, as he got into it with Armella after he was beaten on an assignment. He also accidentally hit quarterback Jordan Travis during 11 vs. 11 drills.
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Travis Jay stands out
Defensive back Travis Jay was expected to have a big role for the Seminoles last season but spent his redshirt sophomore year working with the scout team.
During the first three practices, he has taken a step toward being a major contributor, especially with a spot by Robinson leaving for the NFL draft.
His biggest and most impressive play of the day came on a route where receiver Winston Wright beat him on a comeback route. Jay did not give up on the play, as Wright attempted to turn upfield, Jay took the ball out of Wright's hands and in stride proceeded to run toward the end zone.
"That was a great play," Norvell said. "Travis is somebody we have really challenged. It's an opportunity now he has to show up and he has to be consistent. He has to do the things we believe he can do.
"I thought he did some good things today. In some of those plays, he's been capable of making a lot of highlight plays. It's never been a question of athleticism or talent, but it's been about going out there and being able to consistently be where he needs to be and doing the things he needs to do on the field.
"That's what I am excited about because we really believe he's taken some ownership in that and the opportunity is his."
Norvell added Jay will be competing with freshman KJ Kirkland, who has been an early standout for Norvell and Omarion Cooper, who is moving from cornerback to safety.
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Other observations
Colorado OL transfer Casey Roddick and UTEP transfer Jeremiah Byers each had strong days. Byers especially moves well at his size.
Armella, coming into his sophomore season, had a strong day. He won a number of his assignments and is showing growth from last season.
Freshman OL Lucas Simmons has his moments and has shown flashes of what he can bring in the future. He still needs to add consistency and likely some weight to his impressive frame.
Trey Benson, CJ Campbell and Caziah Holmes had some impressive runs.
Tate Rodemaker had his best practice of the spring, as he hit Winston for a long gain over the middle. He made some throws into tight windows in another drill.
Johnny Wilson had a strong day, especially when Jordan Travis was targeting him.
Ja'Khi Douglas and his route running continue to impress. He is constantly getting open and has solid hands. He can push for a lot of playing time in the slot.
Linebacker Tatum Bethune got beat by Markeston Douglas in the middle of the field during a practice Wednesday. On Friday, he bounced back and had a PBU when guarding Markeston Douglas. During team drills, he also had an interception on a pass from Jordan Travis.
FSU spring practice schedule
Monday, March 6 – Spring Practice #1
Wednesday, March 8 – Spring Practice #2
Friday, March 10 – Spring Practice #3
Tuesday, March 21 – Spring Practice #4
Thursday, March 23 – Spring Practice #5
Saturday, March 25 – Spring Practice #6 (scrimmage closed to media, availability after)
Tuesday, March 28 – Spring Practice #7
Thursday, March 30 – Spring Practice #8
Friday, March 31 – Pro Day
Saturday, April 1 – Spring Practice #9 (scrimmage closed to media, availability after)
Tuesday, April 4 – Spring Practice #10
Thursday, April 6 – Spring Practice #11
Tuesday, April 11 – Spring Practice #12
Thursday, April 13 – Spring Practice #13
Saturday, April 15 – Garnet & Gold Spring Showcase (4 p.m.)
Monday, April 17 – Spring Practice #15
Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: First day of pads brings energy and toughness for Seminoles
