LATE REPORT
Jimbo Fisher addressed a number of items. One of his most poignant comments actually came about the receivers. It was toward the end and he said there has not been enough "consistency" or "greatness" from the group. He said Travis Rudolph is standing out among the group.
He said Jacob Pugh has a high ankle sprain while DeMarcus Walker also looked good in his return after missing a few days with an illness.
Another big talking point was the offensive line. He had a lot of positive things to say about right tackle Brock Ruble.
"He may have improved as much as anybody up front," Fisher said. "I really like where Brock has been. His body is at 295 but he's stronger, he's controlling his body better. He's putting his weight back on and he may not have to be a huge guy. He has made a lot of progress on a lot of areas."
Fisher also said Rick Leonard is getting comfortable with the transition to offensive line. He said Leonard, who is behind Ruble on the depth chart at right tackle, took some snaps at center during practice. Fisher said, "He's an athletic big body ... he can help us."
Of course we'll have more after we've spoken to players. We've been told we are getting Roderick Johnson, Derrick Nnadi and Ryan Izzo.
EARLY REPORT
Florida State had a few more visitors on Wednesday with the most notable being former FSU defensive coordinator and associate head coach Mickey Andrews. Joining Andrews was former FSU fullback and television analyst William Floyd along with now former defensive backs Lamarcus Brutus and Javien Elliott.
There were also come coaches from Mercer University taking notes. Chances are, they're down here for spring break to learn about FSU's system. It's a common practice to see coaches from other colleges or high schools run a scheme used by a Power 5 program. If so, they'll go to that school's campus and spend a week with those coaches and players.
Now, for the news:
>DE DeMarcus Walker returned after being sick the last few days. He had some pretty good movement and was fluid when going around the pylons. LB Jacob Pugh was out with a boot on his foot. We're getting Fisher afterward and we should know more then. DB Marcus Lewis was in a blue jersey. Also, QB Sean Maguire was still in a boot but was able to do work on a stationary bike without it. Next to Maguire was WR Bobo Wilson, who also did work on a stationary bike while getting in some ab work.
>Really, one of the bigger items to come from practice is Derwin James' continued work at defensive end. He spent nearly almost all of open practice working with the ends. He was pretty powerful moving through the pylons and was quick when simulating coming off the edge. What stood out most was his footwork. The coaches had the players move their feet as if there was a blocker in front of them. James' feet were quick and his motion had the perfect amount of movement to make the coaches happy. He was able to read and identify what to do on a read option with near ease.
>Speaking of defensive ends, Adam Torres spent all of practice working with the ends.
>Special teams was a little interesting. On Monday, Fisher was annoyed with how certain players were performing on kickoff return. Today? He was beyond mad about the machine used to simulate kickoffs was not working. He asked/bellowed, "Why can't we get the machine to work?!?" Certainly a surprising moment to say the least.
>From what we get to see in open practice, it appears Jay Graham might be one of the more creative coaches. The running backs are always going through some unique drill and the latest involved the group shuffling their feet through mini-cones, running at Graham who tried to dislodge the ball with a giant leather pad, running around a hoop about 10 feet in diameter, then running under a bar and then run through one more coach with a leather pad trying to free the ball. The usual suspects (Dalvin Cook and Jacques Patrick) were good. Converted RB Ryan Green was fast. Again.
>Final note comes from the defensive tackles. Odell Haggins had them doing more footwork drills. The tackles would hold a small but light pad and would run in place to simulate churning through an offensive lineman. Because there were a few guys who didn't do it the way Haggins wanted, he was constantly on the group about having a "sense of urgency."
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We're set to get Fisher at 5:55 p.m.
Until, then. Goodbye for now.
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