FSU football: Several true freshmen physically ready to play?

FSU football had several true freshmen join the team this summer for voluntary workouts. Could several of them be physically ready to play?

FSU football is holding voluntary workouts right now, so there’s not much to glean since there’s no access to those practices.

However, the program has released the jersey numbers for the newcomers that joined the team this summer via the FSU Twitter account.

The heights and weights for the players have been released as well and there are a few things that caught my attention.

It’s not uncommon to see true freshmen play on special teams and on defense at certain positions like a defensive back. We’ve seen true freshmen make an impact at defensive end like Brian Burns.

After looking at the heights and weights of the new players, could some of them be physically ready to contribute in 2020?

• QB Chubba Purdy checks in at 6’2″ and 210 pounds
• WR Kentron Poitier checks in at 6’3″ and 200 pounds
• TE Markeaston Douglas checks in at 6’4″ and 255 pounds
• DE TJ Davis checks in at 6’3″ and 250 pounds
• LB DJ Lundy checks in at 6’1″ and 244 pounds
• DB Demorie Tate checks in at 6’1″ and 189 pounds
• DB Sidney Williams checks in at 6’1″ and 198 pounds
• DB Jadarius Green-McKnight checks in at 5’11” 204 pounds

Thoughts

I was one of the first people to write about how the COVID-19 pandemic would level the playing field for the quarterback room. FSU quarterbacks have taken a beaten behind the offensive line the past few years. Purdy coming in with that size is a good thing and could be a factor in him seeing the field this year.

Poitier is almost the same size at redshirt junior Tamorrion Terry. Of course, playing wide receiver as a true freshman is difficult, but that size could come in handy if he’s willing to block in the running game. Markeaston Douglas is extremely raw, but that size could be useful in the blocking game which is an important role for the tight end in Mike Norvell’s offense.

TJ Davis could use that size at defensive end, at least against the run while he continues to evolve as a pass rusher.

DJ Lundy is a massive linebacker as a true freshman. He might need to shed a few pounds! All three defensive backs listed have the size to play as a true freshman, and I expect them all to play snaps this season.