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Florida State football's freshman WRs stand out in up-and-down practice

It is Miami week for Florida State football.

The Seminoles (1-6) held practice Monday morning as the team continues to prepare for the undefeated No. 5 Hurricanes (7-0). After a 23-16 loss to Duke, FSU head coach Mike Norvell said there was good energy in practice as rivalry week begins.

"Pleased with the work today," Norvell said. "Obviously we know it's a big week, big opportunity for us. I thought they came out very competitive, it was fast and guys continued to push themselves."

Young playmakers made a mark during Monday's practice. However, as a whole, it wasn't the cleanest practice from the Seminoles as there were more than a few unnecessary errors.

Here are three takeaways from practice.

Up and down practice despite high energy

There was a clear energy from the Seminoles. While the energy levels were higher, the execution and quality of reps weren't as strong.

Both sides of the football had stretches where they had a few too many consecutive errors, leading to some reps and drills not being run fully to the coach's liking.

At times things were clicking, particularly in some one-on-one drills, but it felt like the consistency of execution was a bit up and down. In a week as big as this for the Seminoles, you need consistency in your practice reps.

Luke Kromenhoek looks sharp, Brock Glenn has a steady day

FSU football players participate in the Seminoles first spring practice of the 2024 season on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Florida State University
FSU football players participate in the Seminoles first spring practice of the 2024 season on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Florida State University

Luke Kromenhoek had a strong day with some high-level throws to his receivers.

The true freshmen looked confident after getting his first game reps of his career in the loss to Duke, and on Monday he made some strong throws.

He impressed with his deep ball, making one really impressive throw from midfield to Lawayne McCoy. There were a few more throws that followed that model. He made a nice throw in one-on-ones to Ja'Khi Douglas after the wideout made a move to create separation.

His decision-making was good outside of one errant throw that was intercepted.

Brock Glenn didn't have the flashy plays that Kromenhoek had, however, it was a relatively solid day for the redshirt freshmen.

He made quick decisions and was clean with the football, not turning it over and mostly keeping his throws out of dangerous windows. The ability to get out of the pocket and run was again on display, with his legs extending a few plays that turned into some strong gains.

There were few risks taken, with more of an emphasis on making the safer read from Glenn today.

Young playmakers make an impact

Florida State wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (15) fumbles a punt return against Memphis during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
Florida State wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (15) fumbles a punt return against Memphis during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.

Youth made an impact on Monday, especially at the wide receiver position as freshmen Elijah Moore, BJ Gibson and McCoy flashed with some strong moments.

Norvell commented on the young trio after practice and he was particularly impressed by Moore.

"I thought some of the young receivers, Lawayne, BJ, Elijah flashed today," Norvell said. "I thought he [Moore] had one of his better days as a whole. I thought those guys did a really nice job.

Moore showed good strength in one-on-ones, winning a couple of physical reps. There were still a few mistakes that the staff likely want to eliminate, but the true freshmen was arguably one of the cleanest when it came to execution on a day that didn't feature much of it.

McCoy caught the deep ball from Kromenhoek, but outside of he showcased his route-running ability. On more than one occasion he made a shifty, quick move to beat a defender off the line or during his route, leading to a few open catches for him.

Gibson had a strong day. After being elevated from the scout team last week, the freshmen has continued to impress in his ability to make plays. He jumped out a few times on Monday, with a couple of reps in one vs. one truly eye-catching as he made some impressive grabs.

There were a few nice moments from tight ends Landen Thomas and Amaree Williams as well.

Norvell gives an update on Blake Nichelson

After missing the game vs. Duke, Norvell said he expects Blake Nichelson to be back at the linebacker spot for the Seminoles vs. Miami.

Nichelson was a game-time scratch and he is expected to be fully available on Saturday.

How to watch FSU football vs. Miami

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 26

  • Time: 7 p.m.

  • Where: Hard Rock Stadium / Miami, Florida

  • TV: ESPN

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football practice report: True freshman WRs make big impact