Jaheim Bell, Kyle Morlock, Markeston Douglas providing versatility in FSU tight end room

The Florida State football tight end room has been rebuilt under the leadership of deputy head coach and tight ends coach Chris Thomsen.

The room lost starter Camren McDonald but returns Markeston Douglas and added talents like Jaheim Bell and Kyle Morlock through the transfer portal.

All three tight ends have made an impact during the recent practices.

“We can all mesh differently,” Morlock said. “Depending on what they are looking for out on the field at the time. They can put us together and make the best team to accomplish what we’re doing.”

Bell had a big performance during the first scrimmage Sunday, being credited by head coach Mike Norvell in the press conference following it. But also received shoutouts from offensive coordinator Alex Atkins as well as defensive coordinator Adam Fuller.

Morlock has been coming on in the last couple of practices and Douglas is a returner from last season’s team who started coming on near the end of the season and has continued his progression into the new season.

"The biggest thing that stands out to me that I like about the group, they have a great work ethic," Thomsen said about the tight end room following Tuesday’s practice.

"They're bringing that every day. There's a real diverse set of skills; you know, just different type players that all are gonna find a different role and bring a lot to the table and help win."

Here is a look at all four tight ends who project to make a major impact on the team this season - Morlock, Bell, Douglas and redshirt junior Preston Daniel - and what Thomsen said about them.

Kyle Morlock adjusting to Division I

Morlock spoke to the media about getting more familiar with the offensive system following a transfer from Division II to Division I.

In 2022, he appeared in all 11 games for Shorter, leading his team with 30 receptions, 446 yards and six touchdowns.

With his 6-6, 230-pound frame, he provides another red zone offense for the Seminoles. He is also someone Thomsen identified who can play different roles on the offense to make his impact felt.

"If we want to play at the premiere, the slot or the five, he can do really well out there as a receiver-type player," Thomsen said. "But he also has the bulk and the willingness to go in, attach, play in the backfield and play as an effective blocker in the box."

Morlock arrived on campus for FSU back in December and has been working on building chemistry with the team since, especially quarterback Jordan Travis.

“He’s been a great leader since the day I got here,” Morlock said of Travis. “Just being able to talk to him and get to know him better has been great.”

Jaheim Bell

Bell, who began his career at South Carolina, transferred to FSU over the summer. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder finished with 25 catches for 231 yards and two touchdowns while turning 73 carries into 261 yards and three scores last season.

“It definitely is the most diverse skill set we've had because Jaheim essentially is a guy who's a running back with receiver skill set but is showing the ability to block effectively,” Thomsen said.

Bell is likely to be utilized in open space in whatever capacity the Seminoles can find for him. He is a threat to rush the ball but can also run his routes and get open.

But he’s the most dangerous after the catch.

“With a guy like that who is that powerful, it’s cool to see him go out there and make plays like that,” Morlock said.

Markeston Douglas

Listed at 6-foot-4, Douglas started slowly in 2022, working his way into playing shape. Once he found his ideal playing weight, he took off, finishing last season with 14 catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

Douglas has carried over his strong play at the end of last season in terms of pass catching.

He was listed at 274 pounds in the spring but came in at 285 pounds when the fall camp roster was released.

“Markeston’s in the 280 (pound) range now. You can put him in line and know he’s going to do some things,” Thomsen said. “He brings some mismatches in there but he can also go on the perimeter and operate effectively.”

Preston Daniel

Daniel isn’t going to wow you with his stats but is a key part of the team. He has six career receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown.

However, he has become a clear leader for the team and provides his value on special teams.

“Preston is the glue that puts it all together," Thomsen said. "Preston can play all the spots, knows what to do and has brought a lot of physicality to run game.”

Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football: Seminoles tight end coach Chris Thomsen assess position