Florida State football is in Week 3 of spring practice. During its last scrimmage, the defense outplayed the offense, displaying physicality and creating turnovers.
For the offense, it has to make use of availability as it’s missing some important pieces at wide receiver and offensive line.
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The positive outlook is that coach Mike Norvell and staff got to look at some of the young and upcoming players and what they can bring to the table.
Here are the latest Seminoles who are on the rise after their scrimmage.
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Offense
Jayvan Boggs takes advantage of seeing more snaps
FSU football players walk into the first spring practice of the spring season on Wednesday, March 19, 2025
With Duce Robinson and Squirrell White sidelined, it opened the door for true freshman Jayvan Boggs.
Boggs, an early enrollee, has showcased dynamic abilities and has had moments during practices and scrimmages. One thing Norvell highlighted was his maturity and consistency.
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“He’s definitely been a bright spot for what I see here in camp, and it was good to see him kind of, take another positive step here today after especially coming off a scrimmage,” Norvell said.
More: FSU football LB Elijah Herring may be new, but he’s ‘Mr. Quiet Confidence’ in spring practice
Randy Pittman leads tight end group that can be the strength on offense
Randy Pittman made some good plays during Saturday’s scrimmage and has been an example of why the tight end group could be a strength on offense, according to Malzahn.
They’ve had a really good spring,” Malzahn said about the tight ends.
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“All four of those guys have made plays, and I’m talking about made plays to score, come close to scoring, and all that, so that’s a position right now that I’d say that we have a pretty good strength.”
His best play thus far was running a defender over on a short pass that turned into extra yardage.
More: Why Roydell Williams decided to return to Florida State football after injury-plagued 2024
Jonathan Daniels steps up on offensive line
FSU football players walk into the first spring practice of the spring season on Wednesday, March 19, 2025
With the limitation of the offensive line, Redshirt freshman Jonathan Daniels has been taking the opportunity to get as many reps at right tackle throughout spring.
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Norvell praised the 6-foot-4, 290-pound lineman for holding his own and stepping up while the Seminoles are missing some players.
“Jonathan Daniels, still, still a freshman and still got a lot of things that, he’s learning and working through,” Norvell said. “But, I thought that he did some, he did some good things.”
Honorable mentioned: Adrian Medley, OL; Willy Suarez, WR; Kevin Sperry, QB; Jaylin Lucas, RB
More: FSU football’s OC Gus Malzahn says offense is ‘growing’. But it is still thin in certain areas
Defense
KJ Sampson dominates the line of scrimmage
KJ Sampson was the best player on the field in Saturday’s scrimmage. He has been disruptive in the interior line and found his way to the backfield. His best play was the pick-six after a tipped pass.
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Sampson is in his second year and has shown flashes throughout his career. The redshirt freshman could step forward in Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme.
“It was fun to watch him make a play and build that confidence up because we’re going to need him,” White said.
“We’re going to need him to play. We’re going to need him to be his best with all the guys who are moving around.”
Christian White gets a turnover in the secondary
Defensiva back Christian White has been trending in the right direction throughout the spring. During Saturday’s scrimmage, he caught an interception, a deep pass in the endzone.
White, who is entering his junior season, has been one of the brighter spots in the secondary and is looking to compete for playing time in the secondary.
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More: FSU football’s Doak Campbell Stadium renovations set to transform stadiums west side
The Desir Brother continues to show promise as edge rushers
FSU football players walk into the first spring practice of the spring season on Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Darryll and Mandrell Desir are making a case for themselves. They are determined to see playing time as true freshmen. Norvell has been impressed by their explosiveness for their size.
“They bring you a certain intensity to each snap, I mean high motors, still areas to grow in that play-in and play out,” Norvell said.
“But these are the guys I’m really looking forward to seeing continue to progress as they grasp the big picture and then continue to work on the finer details of the fundamentals of techniques. They’ve got some natural football, too.”
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White also spoke highly of the twin brothers’ potential throughout spring practice. He pointed out their physicality and are capable of making plays against run or pass.
“They’re very good football players. They play physical. They got enough pass rush to hurt you in the pass rush game, but they’re stout against the run,” White said.
“They play with their hands. They’re physical, and they like mixing it up in there. So it’s good to have them. We’re really lucky to have those guys.”
Honorable mentioned: Shamar Arnoux, DB; Amaree Williams, DL; Omar Graham Jr, LB; Juice Cryer, LB
More: Why is FSU football’s Justin Cryer rooting for Houston in March Madness? Ask his brother
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football players whose stock is rising after second scrimmage
