FSU football QB's Brock Glenn, Luke Kromenhoek shine, young receivers step up in practice
Florida State football held its final practice availability on Wednesday ahead of its trip to Miami.
Facing the undefeated No. 5 Hurricanes (7-0), the Seminoles (1-6) enter the game on the back of a 23-16 loss to Duke. FSU head coach Mike Norvell said that Wednesday's practice was a more physical and intense day.
"I kind of like where we are through the week," Norvell said. "We got to continue to make the investment. Making sure all things, intensity, mindset, that we are in control of that. We are trying to create that through the course of practice because its going to be very intense and emotional come Saturday night."
"We got to make sure we can handle ourselves with discipline and focus when we get to that. It's a continued push."
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Young receivers continued to capitalize on more opportunities for the second straight practice.
Here are notes from Wednesday's practice.
Brock Glenn, Luke Kromenhoek make some big plays
It was a good day for the quarterbacks. Both made some impressive throws, but one thing that stood out was their ability to get out and create some plays with their legs.
Glenn started the day well, making a few nice throws in the two-minute drill action. He followed up with some strong moments in one-on-ones and other team activities. He had a couple of nice throws to freshman Amaree Williams, with one downfield throw placed right into the hands of the young tight end.
He connected with Hykeem Williams for a touchdown in red zone work, throwing the ball in a place for Williams to use his body to shield the defender and score. Glenn made quick decisions, and on more than one occasion got out of the pocket to extend a play.
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Kromenhoek delivered a couple of big plays with mid-to-long-range throws. He rattled off a few completions to Elijah Moore in two-minute work, leading the young receiver to score a touchdown. He made one throw that was dropped into Moore's one free hand in coverage that moved the chains. It was a tone-setting throw and catch for both players.
Like Glenn, he got out of the pocket to extend a few plays, even tucking and running for a couple of large gains himself. The production and confidence from Kromenhoek continue to improve.
It was a strong day for both signal callers.
Young wide receivers continue to make an impact
For the second practice in a row the young trio of Lawayne McCoy, BJ Gibson and Moore had a strong showing.
It wasn't as flashy as Monday, and there were a few errors, but overall the young wide receivers made their presence felt on Tuesday.
Moore started the day hot, making two catches for nearly 50 yards and a touchdown in two-minute drill work. He had one ball that he got his fingertips on before Amaree Williams made a good adjustment to make the catch and keep the offense on the field.
He was active off the line, winning his reps well. He made some strong catches in traffic and contested coverage. He had one fumble after a catch that was punched out by a defensive back, it was a rare mishap on a strong day.
Gibson and McCoy had solid days. Both made some acrobatic catches and had some strong efforts in traffic. McCoy had one diving effort between two defenders that came after he dropped his previous pass. It was a solid response and Norvell was quick to run over and congratulate his young receiver.
Gibson was able to create space with some strong route running, allowing him an extra step on the defensive backs that let him make a few plays.
Norvell spent a lot of time coaching his young wideouts on Wednesday as the core of Gibson, McCoy and Moore continue to push for playing time.
Strong showing from the defensive line
It felt like one of the better practices from the defensive line unit as a whole.
There were a few standout moments from Patrick Payton and Marvin Jones Jr as the two edge rushers were very active in getting to the quarterback or stuffing a run. Payton even batted a pass down at the line of scrimmage.
In one-on-ones vs. the offensive line, the defensive front won more than a handful of reps with Payton, Darrell Jackson and Byron Turner making a few explosive moves to win some reps.
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 QBs Brock Glenn, Luke Kromenhoek impress in practice