FSU defensive coordinator Adam Fuller talks Georgia Tech
FSU defensive coordinator Adam Fuller talks Georgia Tech
It’s game week for Florida State football as kick-off against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland is five days away.
The Seminoles ramped up preparations for the start of the season during Monday morning’s practice. Drills were run a little quicker and the intensity was high as FSU put together a complete practice on both sides of the football.
Newly named starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei carried over his momentum from last week’s practices, having another good day under center. The offense as a whole was clicking well, putting together a string of good practices in a row.
Defensively the Seminoles remained sound, with the usual contributors popping up with some nice plays throughout practice.
Here are four things to know from fall camp.
A consistent display from Uiagaleleli, wide receivers
The Seminoles offense ended last week with a bang, having arguably the best performance of the fall during Thursday’s practice. That momentum carried over into the first game week practice on Monday, with Uiagalelei leading a consistent showing.
Uiagalelei was placing the ball well, finding his receivers in stride with some nice passes. He connected on a nice deep ball to Lawrance Toafili in team activities, following that up with an impressive downfield throw to Deuce Spann in passing work.
Some moments maybe could have been cleaner, but it was an overall solid showing from Uiagaleleli.
One of the biggest areas of improvement for the offense comes from the wide receivers, with the group starting to find their stride days before kickoff. After some up and down days in the early part of fall camp, there has been a consistent impact from the group as players like Malik Benson, Jalen Brown and Kentron Poitier have made big strides.
Benson has established himself as a leader of the group, not only running his routes efficiently but also taking time to coach up his teammates.
Brown is another name that has emerged, earning a starting role against Georiga Tech. He followed up being named starter with an impressive day that included an impressive downfield diving catch in traffic, prompting an excited response from players and coaches alike.
Darion Williamson had an impressive showing, catching nearly every ball thrown his way and fighting through tough coverage to make some impressive plays. On one play, Williamson fought off aggressive coverage from Quindarrius Jones, who got his hand on the ball in Williamson’s hand, but the receiver shook him off to complete the reception.
Running backs make an impact
The running back room has been arguably the most consistent on the offensive side of the football, with players like Toafili, Roydell Williams and Kam Davis making some impact plays during Monday’s practice.
Toafili flashed his ability as a pass catch with the previously mentioned catch from Uiagalelei’s pass, and he added a few more reps where he made some nice grabs in traffic. On the ground, he was solid when called upon, making quick moves to secure extra yardage.
Williams and Davis both impressed on Monday, with both players showing the combination of speed and strength they possess.
Williams fought through the tackles well and was able to turn in some impressive runs in team activities. Davis showed his quick step, making several cuts when running the ball that left the defense chasing shadows at times. The freshman has been one of the more impressive players in recent weeks.
The offensive line was solid Monday, opening gaps and creases for the running backs to exploit. Andre’ Otto continues to impress, winning his pass protection reps and looking strong against the defensive line.
Versatility across the defense
There were big moments from each area of the defense on Monday.
Be it an improbable and athletic interception from Azareye’h Thomas, an impressive day for some of the linebackers or the athleticism of the defensive front, there was some big plays from the defense.
Thomas matched up with a receiver in one-on-one coverage, and while the initial pass looked to be a catch, Thomas got his hand on the football to pop it loose and then he climbed the back of the receiver to secure the interception. The play drew a big reaction from the defensive backs and coaching staff.
Cam Riley put in another consistent shift at the linebacker role, grabbing an interception in passing drills. He continues to impress and earned praise from defensive coordinator Adam Fuller during and after practice for his performance on Monday.
Marvin Jones Jr and Darrell Jackson both had big moments on the defensive line, with Jones flashing his speed and power off the line to disrupt some plays and run impressive drills. Jackson showcased his reach, reaching his arm out while latched to and offensive lineman to blow up a run play. It was an impressive day for both players.
Georiga Tech, Ireland preparations take center stage
The first game week of the season brought out an uptick in intensity from the Seminoles as every rep in drills and live action was run with a bit more purpose.
Players like Thomas and safety Shyheim Brown were not afraid to let friendly trash talk fly and the team seemed to be practicing with a closer to gamelike mentality.
The Seminoles will depart for Ireland on Wednesday evening following practice, and the team will have two more practices in Ireland before gameday against Georiga Tech.
How to watch FSU vs. Georgia Tech
- Date: Saturday, August 24
- Time: Noon ET
- Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)
FSU football 2024 schedule
Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
