We talked to Norvell and a few players after practice ... Akeem Dent, Kentron Poitier and Ontaria "Pokey" Wilson.
Coach Norvell said that with the full pads on, it was one of the more physical practices that they’ll have in camp.
Norvell said the scrimmage Sunday will be even more game-like than usual and they’re really going to let the game play out. “We’re going to play it like a game. I’m not going to put them in a specific place, other than a couple two-minutes to ensure we get that. I want guys to have to react in the moment.”
He said that the wideouts have been making plays on the perimeter, but there have been too many dropped passes from the collective group.
In regards to the true freshmen class, Norvell called it a really good, hardworking group. Said he thinks there will be at least 5 or 6 that will have the opportunity to make a big impact on the team this year.
DB Akeem Dent said he can see more of the game, recognize more formations now that he’s spent time at safety and corner previously. Said his position switch has worked out for the best.
Dent says he feels like he’s come a long way from last year, and that the downs he had during 2020 was a great learning experience for him.
WR Akeem Dent said he’s much more confident this season than last year. He said this past spring was big for him and his development.
WR Ontaria Pokey Wilson said everything is coming together for the wideouts, and if they finish with effort then everything will fall into place. Said from spring to now, WRs Josh Burrell and Malik McClain aren’t even like freshman anymore, “they’re on another level.”
Pokey also said that QBs Purdy and Rodemaker are doing real good, adjusting to the offense very well, and have great timing with their passes.
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Here are those interviews.
Mike Norvell
Akeem Dent
Kentron Poitier
Pokey Wilson
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10:40 — Mastromanno delivered some more nice punts in special teams. Got one to check up inside the 5, which got Papuchis very excited.
In 11-on-11, not a ton of offensive highlights.
Tate had one really nice TD throw Jackson West from the 3 where he was flushed out by Malcolm Ray, bought time and threw a dart for the TD.
Treshaun Ward and Deonte Sheffield both had a really nice run up the middle.
Chubba had a nice throw down the sideline to McClain but McClain couldn’t finish the catch. Chubba later had an option pitch picked off by Malcolm Ray.
Heading back inside the IPF now
——-
9:35 a.m. -- During the initial 11-on-11 portion inside, they worked on red-zone offense and defense.
The best offensive play was a nice run by Treshaun Ward. I happened to be on that side of the field he was running to, and it's really impressive how small he gets when he's reading blocks and looking for cutback lanes. Has really good balance, vision and patience.
The best defensive play was an acrobatic, leaping INT by Kevin Knowles. It looked like it was waved off because the defense was offsides, but it was pretty sensational. I think Tate threw it because he knew the offsides call was coming and there was no harm. Knowles also came up and delivered a nice hit on a tight end.
Amari Gainer nearly had a diving pick but it was incomplete.
Going outside now for more ... Aslan will have video coming.
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——-
Good morning! We're heading out to FSU for practice. Full pads today.
Scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Look for updates by 9:30-9:45.
Coach Norvell said that with the full pads on, it was one of the more physical practices that they’ll have in camp.
Norvell said the scrimmage Sunday will be even more game-like than usual and they’re really going to let the game play out. “We’re going to play it like a game. I’m not going to put them in a specific place, other than a couple two-minutes to ensure we get that. I want guys to have to react in the moment.”
He said that the wideouts have been making plays on the perimeter, but there have been too many dropped passes from the collective group.
In regards to the true freshmen class, Norvell called it a really good, hardworking group. Said he thinks there will be at least 5 or 6 that will have the opportunity to make a big impact on the team this year.
DB Akeem Dent said he can see more of the game, recognize more formations now that he’s spent time at safety and corner previously. Said his position switch has worked out for the best.
Dent says he feels like he’s come a long way from last year, and that the downs he had during 2020 was a great learning experience for him.
WR Akeem Dent said he’s much more confident this season than last year. He said this past spring was big for him and his development.
WR Ontaria Pokey Wilson said everything is coming together for the wideouts, and if they finish with effort then everything will fall into place. Said from spring to now, WRs Josh Burrell and Malik McClain aren’t even like freshman anymore, “they’re on another level.”
Pokey also said that QBs Purdy and Rodemaker are doing real good, adjusting to the offense very well, and have great timing with their passes.
--------
Here are those interviews.
Mike Norvell
Akeem Dent
Kentron Poitier
Pokey Wilson
-----
10:40 — Mastromanno delivered some more nice punts in special teams. Got one to check up inside the 5, which got Papuchis very excited.
In 11-on-11, not a ton of offensive highlights.
Tate had one really nice TD throw Jackson West from the 3 where he was flushed out by Malcolm Ray, bought time and threw a dart for the TD.
Treshaun Ward and Deonte Sheffield both had a really nice run up the middle.
Chubba had a nice throw down the sideline to McClain but McClain couldn’t finish the catch. Chubba later had an option pitch picked off by Malcolm Ray.
Heading back inside the IPF now
——-
9:35 a.m. -- During the initial 11-on-11 portion inside, they worked on red-zone offense and defense.
The best offensive play was a nice run by Treshaun Ward. I happened to be on that side of the field he was running to, and it's really impressive how small he gets when he's reading blocks and looking for cutback lanes. Has really good balance, vision and patience.
The best defensive play was an acrobatic, leaping INT by Kevin Knowles. It looked like it was waved off because the defense was offsides, but it was pretty sensational. I think Tate threw it because he knew the offsides call was coming and there was no harm. Knowles also came up and delivered a nice hit on a tight end.
Amari Gainer nearly had a diving pick but it was incomplete.
Going outside now for more ... Aslan will have video coming.
-----
——-
Good morning! We're heading out to FSU for practice. Full pads today.
Scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Look for updates by 9:30-9:45.
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