With a battle of one-win teams on deck this weekend, the most intriguing part of practice did not revolve around the players on the field but the coaches in charge. Florida State practiced for the first time open to the media since the firing of three coaches: offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Alex Atkins, defensive coordinator Adam Fuller, and wide receiver coach Ron Dugans. This led to a significant brain drain as Mike Norvell couldn't coach each position group alone, resulting in graduate assistants and analysts taking charge. However, the head coach brought in reinforcements like Chip Long, who worked under him at Arizona State and Memphis.

Some Changes in Practice Due to New Leadership

Interim Defensive Coordinator Randy Shannon Running a New Drill

During practice, some changes occurred due to the new leadership. Interim defensive coordinator Randy Shannon ran a drill that was not seen before this season. This added an element of novelty and excitement to the practice sessions.

The wide receivers also split up into three groups instead of the usual two, which likely brought about different training approaches and challenges for the players. These changes showed the impact of the coaching staff's adjustments on the team's practice routine.

The Offense's Performance During 11-on-11 Periods

The offense moved the ball well during the first two 11-on-11 periods. Luke Kromenhoek found Hykeem Williams during the opening drill, and Brock Glenn fired a deep ball touchdown to Darion Williamson in the second. Kromenhoek then responded with a nice pass to fellow freshman Amaree Williams, who sprinted away from the defense for a touchdown. However, the skill positions took the upper hand over the secondary, while the front seven imposed their will on the offensive line, and the running game struggled to find its rhythm.

This showed both the strengths and weaknesses of the offense during these crucial practice sessions. It highlighted the areas that need improvement and the potential for growth within the team.

Quarterback Play and the Competition

Yesterday, Norvell listed Kromenhoek and Glenn as co-starters for the first time, and they competed like players battling to start. Kromenoek took the field first during the opening 11-on-11 period, throwing a couple of darts to Hykeem Williams, who caught one and dropped the other. The freshman marched the ball into field goal range but stalled after a nice pass breakup from Kevin Knowles. Kromenhoek did not generate much offense in the next team period, but Glenn did. The redshirt freshman launched a perfectly thrown deep ball to Williamson and, on the ensuing play, extended the play with legs before throwing a strike off-platform to Kentron Poitier for a first down.

Both quarterbacks did an excellent job utilizing the middle of the field, something that the offense needs to do more of. They each completed passes to Amaree Williams during the seven-on-seven period at the end of the day. Nothing about today changes the notion that Kromenhoek is the more physically gifted of the two, but Glenn feels more confident and commands the offense at a higher level. With the Seminoles’ last/best chance to score over 30 this weekend, the sharp play is a welcome sight.

Patrick Payton's Performance in Practice

Patrick Payton constantly flashes during practice but rarely during the games. He set hard edges during one-on-one run-blocking drills between the offensive and defensive lines, as the tackles struggled with his length and physicality off the edge. He continued his strong morning with a sack as he stayed disciplined against a moving pocket, forcing whistles from the coaching staff. He followed that up with another pressure that induced a throw-away as the tackles could not keep up with him again. He finished his day by destroying Jeremiah Byers in pass rush one-on-ones with an explosive first step and inside quickness that the former transfer could not keep up with.

Shannon mentioned after practice that Charleston Southern runs a fair amount of option play, which puts tons of stress on the defensive ends. Even with a season going by the wayside, Payton still receives the opportunity to put his best on film.

Amaree Williams' Continued Improvement

Williams continues to improve with each day of practice and could be the most improved player by the time the season finishes. Each time he makes a difficult play as a tight end, it seems more obvious that he should stick at the TE position next season.

He stayed quiet most of the morning before exploding at the end of practice. The freshman made a challenging diving grab to begin the 11-on-11 period, tucking his elbows to get underneath the ball and make a completion that most of his teammates would drop during the season. He smartly read the defense during his touchdown score and found himself wide open before being faster than most would give him credit for and outrunning the defense. When the team transitioned to seven-on-seven, he caught a ball over the middle, and the safety tried to lay a hit on the freshman, but Williams dished out most of the punishment and kept rumbling for extra yards. Both quarterbacks carry chemistry with the tight end, and Williams may not be far behind Landen Thomas regarding skill or understanding.

Norvell did not meet with the media after practice, but Shannon and special teams coordinator John Papuchis spoke. They stated they do not expect many changes to the defensive personnel or scheme.On a surprisingly energetic Tuesday, three themes stood out.