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Randy Shannon emphasizes defensive improvement closing week 1 of FSU fall camp | The NoleBook

jack williams, tallahassee democrat
·4 min read

Florida State football wrapped up its first week of fall camp Saturday. Its first few days of camp saw the secondary dominate, pushing the offense to match intensity.

While the Seminoles' defensive units kicked the door down to start camp, linebackers coach Randy Shannon said there is a lot to be improved on, specifically for the linebackers.

The Seminoles' linebacker room was hit a bit harder in the offseason, following multiple exits and looks toward a handful of younger players to step up into larger roles.

"We have to improve," Shannon said. "We're not where we want to be and we've got to continue to chase the football hard. When we chase the football hard, we'll make a lot of plays. We've also got to be physical. The only way we're going to be physical is to play smart, fast, mentally tough and finish."

More: Florida State lands its third 5-star commit, top safety in country over Georgia, Auburn

FSU is boasting five true-freshman linebackers and one redshirt freshman coming into the season. Shannon said that he has just seen typical freshman mistakes that come when getting adjusted to the game.

The Seminoles' linebackers are expected to be led by Kalen DeLoach, DJ Lundy and Tatum Bethune.

"They're [the freshman] going to do some good things and they're going to do some bad things," Shannon said. "If they continue to grow they will be better. It's my job and everyone else's job to get them to learn and continue to grow. We'll keep going, keep pressing them and keep treating them like they've already been here."

"You can't treat them like freshmen or baby them. You've gotta make sure you're forcing it down their throats and they continue to learn."

Here are FSU beat reporters Ehsan Kassim and Jack Williams's observations from day 3 of fall camp.

Observations from Day 3 of FSU fall camp

  • Ja'Khi Douglas made a contested catch during the first session of 7-on-7s.

  • Ryan Fitzgerald hit a 38 yard field goal.

  • Brock Glenn keeps the ball and finds a big hole to run through, making the correct decision on the read option.

  • Jaheim Bell beats Akeem Dent on a seam route and secures the catch.

  • Winston Wright gets open and makes a catch over Edwin Joseph.

  • Darrion Williamson makes a catch from Jordan Travis on an impressive route to get open.

  • Travis hits Johnny Wilson for red-zone for a touchdown to start red-zone drills.

  • Ja’Bril Rawls records PBU in end zone on a throw from Rodemaker.

  • Christian White intercepts a pass to end the drill.

  • Brock Glenn hits Darion Williamson under heavy coverage.

  • Azareye’h Thomas shuts down Darion Williamson on a pass from Glenn.

  • Running backs get a lot of work early on in 7-on-7 drills.

  • Both Trey Benson and Samuel Singleton make impressive one-handed grabs during passing drills with QBs.

  • Brock Glenn to Destyn Hill on a strong stant route. Norvell runs to Hill to congratulate him early in indoor 11-on-11.

  • Benson hits the hole for a large gain on the first play. He’s had a strong day on the ground.

  • CJ Campbell Jr. had a large gain in the following play. The offense seems to be emphasizing the rushing effort early.

  • Demetric Stephens makes a big run, finding a hole down the left side.

  • Ayobami Tifase breaks through the offensive lines, forces Rodemaker out of pocket, and throws the ball away.

  • Patrick Peyton defends a screen pass well, getting all over Benson early. Does not allow Benson to get open on the throw from Travis.

  • Travis slings it to Darion Williamson in a narrow window for a short gain.

  • Travis coached up Coleman following the play. Talked to head coach MikeNorvell before Travis came over. The pair stopped in front of the TV screen and reviewed the play together. The pair communicated a lot today.

  • Travis hits Johnny Wilson while under heavy pressure from Jared Verse.

  • Daughtry Richardson had great blocking for Benson in the rush.

  • Caziah Holmes makes the cut to elude the defender and find a hole to run through for a bug gain.

  • C.J. Campbell makes a leaping grab and a nice run.

  • Quindarrius Jones with a PBU on Rodemaker's throw to Joshua Burrell.

  • Payton makes a big stop on a rush attempt. He is congratulated by Verse and Norvell comes running over to celebrate as well.

  • Keon Coleman "mosses" Cypress on a jump ball throw from Travis to the sideline.

Jack Williams covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @jackgwilliams.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State football wraps up first week of fall camp | The NoleBook