FSU football: 3 things learned in week one of 2023 spring camp

FSU football has one week of spring practice in the books, and Mike Norvell seemed pleased with the progress when he spoke with the media Friday evening.rnrnThe Noles have had three practices, one in full pads. Mike Norvell indicated there were some sloppy things they needed to clean up but liked the overall energy from the guys.rnrnThere were players making plays on boths sides of the ball, and they are already installing different facets on offense and defense.rnrnOne of the most important aspects is the culture continuing to improve with players leading other players.rnrn rnrnWe went into spring practice with questions on both sides of the ball. Which backup quarterback make the most strides?rnrnWould the transfers fit in and increase the competition? How quickly would the freshmen early enrollees begin to assert themselves in the competition?rnrnWho would emerge and separate themselves during spring camp? The players will have a few days off for spring break before returning to action. Let's take a look at three things we learned in week one of spring camp.rnrn[nextslide teaser="No.%203" /]rnrn rnrn rn Talent and Depth rnI think it's easy to see this team is the most talented and physically developed version we've seen since the 2017 season.rnrnI might take this 2023 team over that team if everyone on each team was completely healthy.rnrnFSU has more depth at quarterback, running back, and offensive line. The wide receivers and tight ends are better. Defensively, the defensive line is likely deeper, and FSU returns two starters at linebacker.rnrnThe only area I'd give the edge to the 2017 team would be in the secondary, particularly at safety. That position is probably the only position group that has legitimate questions, but FSU has moved a guy (Omarion Cooper) with some experience to that position to bolster that position.rnrnThe lack of depth at several positions was the ultimate difference-maker in wins and losses for FSU over the past two seasons, but the staff has addressed most of those issues via the transfer portal and early enrollees.rnrnThere should not be that big of a drop-off between the starters and reserves like we saw last year, especially in the trenches.rnrn[nextslide teaser="No.%202" /]rnrn rnrn rn Newcomers and Freshmen Standing Out rnOne consistent thing we're hearing from Mike Norvell is the number of transfer players and freshmen standing out at practice.rnrnNorvell isn't one to praise unless deserved, and we've heard him say he likes what he has seen from multiple units.rnrnThe defensive line, running backs, and wide receivers have flashed. Transfer defensive tackle Darrell Jackson is someone Mike Norvell has mentioned several times.rnrn[story_link_next description="Information%20on%20Mycah%20Pittman%20Injury" url="https://chopchat.com/2023/03/11/fsu-football-mycah-pittman-injury-keep-season/" /]rnrnWinston Wright, Vandrevius Jacobs, and Jaheim Bell have all made plays. Freshman KJ Kirkland stands out at safety. Brock Glenn seems to be pushing AJ Duffy, which is a good thing.rnrnFentrell Cypress looks the part and has made some plays. Cypress and Renardo Green at the cornerback spots look like an upgrade over last season.rnrnGilber Edmond looks like he's going to be a factor at the defensive end position.rnrnThe offensive line is mixing and matching, but the addition of Jeremiah Byers, Keiondre Jones, and Casey Roddick improve that unit and provide massive depth. Overall, I expect these newcomers to have even more of an impact than last year's group.rnrn[nextslide teaser="No.%201" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_47696" align="aligncenter" width="4951"] (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)[/caption]rn QB Room rnThe quarterback position was a major question mark going into the 2022 spring camp. Jordan Travis had shown improvement throughout the final few games of the 2021 season but had been injury prone.rnrnTate Rodemaker hadn't shown any glimpses that he could be a capable backup, and AJ Duffy had just arrived on campus as an early enrollee.rnrnFast forward a year, and the QB position has changed drastically. Jordan Travis is an early Heisman favorite, Tate Rodemaker has shown the ability to make plays in real games, and AJ Duffy looks night and day better than he did a year ago.rnrnBrock Glenn just arrived on campus, but the coaches have been impressed with his work ethic and willingness to dive right into everything head first. Obviously, FSU needs Jordan Travis to stay healthy and continue to play at an elite level.rnrnHowever, this spring is more about his continued development and the development of these younger quarterbacks. Mike Norvell mentioned he plans to allow these backup quarterbacks to get more reps with the starters than normal since they know what Jordan Travis can do.rnrnThose reps will have these quarterbacks ready if they get on the field in 2023. However, more importantly, it's setting up the quarterback battle after Jordan Travis leaves after this year.rnrnQuarterback play not falling off drastically will be key in FSU football having the opportunity to continue playing at a high level once he's gone.rnrn[story_link_next description="3%20Biggest%20Recruiting%20Needs%20For%202024%20Recruiting" url="https://chopchat.com/2023/02/06/fsu-football-biggest-needs-2024-recruiting-class/" /]

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FSU football: 3 things learned in week one of 2023 spring camp

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