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DJ Uiagalelei takes command of offense in FSU football's 2nd scrimmage of spring season
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- DJ Uiagalelei takes command of offense in FSU football's 2nd scrimmage of spring season
Florida State football participated in its second and final scrimmage of the spring season on Saturday.
While the scrimmage was closed, FSU head coach Mike Norvell spoke to the media after detailing the scrimmage and his overall thoughts.
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According to Norvell, the Seminoles ran between 115 and 120 plays and "more game-like sequences." Here are the biggest takeaways from Norvell's thoughts on the second scrimmage
DJ Uiagalelei takes command of offense
FSU football players participate in the Seminoles first spring practice of the 2024 season on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Florida State University
Quarterback play was lackluster in the Seminoles' first scrimmage as Norvell talked about how there were a lot of missed opportunities by the offense.
However, he did have some good things to say about freshman Luke Kromenhoek.
Saturday, another newcomer took center stage, and his strong performance does carry some significance toward the regular season.
Norvell said DJ Uiagalelei really took command of the offense, saying that this was "his best day."
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"He's had some good days at spring practice, but today he operated at a very, very high level," Norvell said. "You saw the confidence behind the ball. You can tell he was in control of what he wanted to do today."
Installing the playbook has been a main focus, and sometimes a concern, for FSU's offense.
Uiagalelei has mentioned that he's leaned on sophomore quarterback Brock Glenn when it comes to learning the Seminoles offense.
Saturday's performance showed that the likely FSU starting quarterback is starting to settle into his role in the backfield.
"We've been very aggressive with our installation, so we're throwing a lot on him," Norvell said. "We like how he responded and how he reacted. It's exciting to see that progression."
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Confidence in offensive line, still work to be done
Florida State football and coaches players arrive for the fifth FSU spring football practice of the 2023 season on Thursday, March 23.
Throughout spring practices, the defense has dominated.
It's not abnormal for the defense to have an early jump, but the constant pressure and coverage have forced the offense to play catchup.
While Norvell said there are still places that the offensive line needs to clean up, he said he likes the group.
In the scrimmage, the O-line played a critical role in creating big plays on the ground and giving the quarterbacks enough time to make decisions.
"I thought the O-line, especially in the run game, was able to create a couple of opportunities for explosive runs," Norvell said. "Obviously, the quarterbacks had time to distribute the ball and were able to put some good drives together."
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"That's a good group up front. When it's good on good it's a challenge every day but there are still some things we need to clean up on."
One of the biggest products of the offensive line's success in the scrimmage was running back Lawrance Toafili. Norvell said he had a handful of big runs and has really grown as a player since his performance in the ACC Championship game in December.
During a time when FSU's offense was at a low point in the ACC Championship game, Toafili had a breakout performance, rushing for 118 yards and the only touchdown of the game.
"We limited him today in the scrimmage, but he made himself heard," Norvell said on Toafili. "He had a couple of good runs and plays and catches the ball well. He is much better than he was at any point last season."
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Norvell wants receivers to step up to challenge
Florida State football wide receiver Lawayne McCoy takes part in the final Tour of Duty winter workouts ahead of 2024 spring practices on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
FSU's wide receiver play hasn't been a high point during the spring.
The playbook installation has led to a handful of drops during practice and has been one of the biggest reasons why the offense has had a slower start compared to the defense.
The room did undergo some big changes in the offseason with Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson departing for the NFL Draft. That has left Norvell with the question of "who's going to step up?"
"I tell them what you see is what you want," Norvell said. "If you have missed opportunities, inconsistent [play] and that's what that is, you've got to seize the moment and seize the opportunity."
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"There are open doors and opportunities, but what are you going to do with it."
Norvell still likes the "talent and ability" of the wide receiver room, but it's all about who will step up.
Young players like Lawayne McCoy and Camdon Frier had big plays, but Norvell said nothing comes easy in FSU's wide receiver room.
Jack Williams covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on X @jackgwilliams.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DJ Uiagalelei, FSU football offense shows improvement in team's 2nd spring scrimmage
