FSU Football: Storylines and names to watch after spring camp week three

Despite injuries, the defensive line has been good. They got good penetration in the first scrimmage and made multiple goal-line stops in a row.

This past Saturday, they stymied nearly everything the offense threw their way. The defense as a whole was called “dominant.”

No matter how good the defensive line looks, I would rather slow-play overarching statements like that until there has been real competition. I think an FCS defensive line would look dominant against our offense with how injured the offensive line is.

However, they did “respond” to not living up to expectations last week and that is a good step.

Robert Cooper looks improved thus far. He was singled out by coach Norvell as someone who “is a big human being” and “has taken that next step.”

Fabian Lovett has been at work and been disruptive with multiple sacks and TFLs in the past couple of scrimmages. Derrick McClendon seems to be making significant strides.

Recent enrollee Josh Farmer has impressed coach Norvell as he was singled out in Tuesday’s Press Conference.

Farmer has put on a lot of weight and will move to the defensive tackle position, which will help since the Noles didn’t sign a true defensive tackle last recruiting cycle.

Dennis Briggs has been complimented by multiple coaches and multiple sources this spring. He has started in both scrimmages and has performed well.

Jermaine Johnson has been as advertised and hopefully will be the pass rusher the Noles need in 2021.

Quashon Fuller flashed with his name being called in the backfield multiple times over the past couple of weeks for TFLs and sacks.

Tru Thompson has been consistent, but Malcolm Ray has been quiet so far this spring. I would like to see them both take a big jump, especially Thompson after his big offseason transformation.

I’m still not sure how good the defensive line is with the offensive line playing guys that are not in their starter roles. However, it’s good to hear they are dominating players where that should be the case.