FSU head coach Mike Norvell talks about Georgia Tech and the trip to Ireland
FSU head coach Mike Norvell talks about Georgia Tech and the trip to Ireland
The eight-month waiting period is over,
It’s game week for the Florida State football team.
Week 0 of college football begins Saturday with the Seminoles’ first game of the season against Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.
Fall camp has now moved into game preparation as the Seminoles wrap up the preseason. As we look ahead to Saturday, here are the 10 players who impressed us the most during fall camp.
The 5 best offensive players
Kyle Morlock, Tight End
Kyle Morlock has been outstanding throughout training camp and has developed a strong bond with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. Morlock has taken heart to improve his game and become a better route runner and run blocker. He will lead a group of young tight ends in his senior year.
Malik Benson, wide receiver
Malik Benson is as good as advertised. The Alabama transfer was difficult to defend one-on-one. His starting speed and excellent route skills would find ways to break away. In his final season, Benson is expected to be WR1 for the Seminoles.
Kam Davis, running back
Kam Davis looks like he is, but the 6’1″, 220-pound rookie plays his role well. Davis has been a battering ram in the backfield. With a crowded running back room, Davis will likely earn his spot in the rotation.
Andre Otto, Offensive Line
Andre Otto is a young player on FSU’s offensive line. Throughout training camp, the redshirt freshman has been moving around the interior. He has received high praise from Norvell after he compared him to Darius Washington. Otto could get playing time at some point, whether as a swing tackle or if the line needs to be revamped for some reason, such as an injury, he could be the next man in line.
Jalen Brown, wide receiver
Jalen Brown has been off the radar since training camp began. While the receiver corps is still uncertain, Brown has proven himself as a starter. The LSU transfer is quick and has shown off his route-running skills, but his biggest improvement is his blocking. Brown could also be used as a return specialist.
The 5 best defenders
Fentrell Cypress, Cornerback
As part of a talented duo at the cornerback position, Fentrell Cypress was one of the standout players of the fall and is expected to be an impact player for the Seminoles this season. Cypress is a quick player and can keep up with some speedy wideouts, but his real strength is in his play recognition. The defensive back has intercepted plays or broken them up with well-timed pass deflections several times during fall camp.
Azareye’h Thomas, Cornerback
Azareye’h Thomas, the second half of the defensive back duo, is poised to be a star for the Seminoles this season. After starting last season as the third cornerback in the rotation, Thomas has become arguably the best at the position for FSU. His tight press coverage makes him one of the best in the country and he has the ability to disrupt plays with his long reach, which he has shown throughout preseason practice.
KJ Sampson, defensive tackle
While KJ Sampson may not be as flashy a name as Joshua Farmer or Darell Jackson, the redshirt freshman has quietly been one of the best players in fall camp. The 6-foot-3 Sampson looked aplomb when he faced the Seminoles’ talented offensive line, gaining a number of reps while also causing a stir during team activities. Named the second defensive tackle in the lineup for the game against Georgia Tech, Sampson could make a splash when he’s on the field.
Cam Riley, Linebacker
The Auburn transfer has been highly touted and has shown his performance during fall practice. Big and fast, Cam Riley has quickly become the leader of the linebacker squad, showing the confidence of a veteran ready to go. Riley has been a reliable player in drills this fall and an active voice in team activities, arranging and adjusting his teammates’ positions while quickly catching up to any offensive player running at him.
Kevin Knowles II, Defender
There was a two-day stretch in fall camp where Kevin Knowles II recorded three interceptions, solidifying his development into a reliable option on the defensive side of the football. In a competitive defensive backfield, there were days where Knowles was the best defender on the field during fall camp, and he could be headed for a big season.
How can I watch the football game between FSU and Georgia Tech?
- Date: Saturday, August 24
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription required), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)
CLEARLY = ACC
* = Neutral location
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Reach him via email at [email protected] or at X @_Da_pistol.
