FSU Practice Report: Seminoles Open Camp

Florida State opened its camp today with a Jimbo Fisher press conference and its first practice of the Fall, ChopChat was there and has all the details in our first FSU practice report of the season.

It’s hard to get a sense of anything on the first day of camp outside of aesthetics. And frankly, while we’re on the topic, there was quite a bit to take in.

For starters, this was the first time players were sporting the new FSU gear following the Seminoles’ re-design this past Spring. The gold helmets FSU practiced in are a lighter shade from last year. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is really a matter of taste, but this was my first look at the helmets in person and you can tell that more has been changed than just the spears crossing in the back.

In addition to that, the new font on the numbers is going to take some getting used.

Now, let’s actually talk about football.

• LB Ukeme Eligwe is out for the time being as he recovers from a Lisfranc injury, Jimbo Fisher has mentioned he’s a quick healer but there’s no estimate yet on when he will return to action. Lawrence-Stample was limited today as a precaution. Both will have to go through the full five-day acclimation period upon returning to action.
• In terms of the players who were out there, Tyler Hunter — whom Jimbo Fisher said was like a kid on Christmas morning today — was geared up and taking part in practice. It was Hunter who let forth the first yells of the day as he bounced around before calisthenics. After missing most of last season with a neck injury, Hunter will be one of the leaders in the secondary this season — a role he already looks very comfortable in.
• Chris Casher is in impressive physical shape, the 6-4 250-pound redshirt sophomore started the day working with the defensive line but is also expected to see time with the linebackers during camp as well.
• Ja’Vonn Harrison definitely passes the eye test. Most fans are talking about incoming freshmen WR’s Ermon Lane and Travis Rudolph, but Harrison could surprise some folks this year. Fisher made sure to include Harrison’s name in the discussion this past February when he discussed his incoming class, and it was pretty evident why early on today.
• Speaking of Lane, he’s wearing Kelvin Benjamin’s old number, but what jumped out at me was his size. Lane is a legitimate 6-3 and he has some pretty good muscle on his young frame already. It’s too early to get a read on how he’s going to fare in the battle at WR, but his size and speed should certainly give FSU fans reason to be hopeful about the future.
• Brian Crews — a walk-on punter from Tallahassee Lincoln that averaged over 48 yards per punt last year — is on the team but not a part of the 105, meaning he likely won’t factor into the punting competition. Fisher said that Jonathan Hernandez could still push Cason Beatty and also mentioned JJ Cosentino — a freshman QB — could also get a look.
• Jesus “Bobo” Wilson continues to practice and work with the team, but Jimbo Fisher told reporters after practice that he is still suspended indefinitely. I asked Fisher what Wilson had to show him to earn back his trust, he said that is between him and Jesus (Bobo).
• Fisher told reporters after practice that he could tell his team hadn’t practiced in a while, but he was generally pleased with where they are.

FSU practices again tomorrow afternoon. The Seminoles’ first two-a-day will be on Saturday, Fan Day is Sunday August 10th.