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DJ Uiagalelei's big day leads offense in FSU football's second scrimmage of fall camp
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- DJ Uiagalelei's big day leads offense in FSU football's second scrimmage of fall camp
Florida State football held its second fall scrimmage Saturday morning with head coach Mike Norvell impressed with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei's performance.
Both Norvell and offensive coordinator Alex Atkins praised Uiagalelei when speaking to the media after the scrimmage, with Norvell saying Uiagalelei has had a "remarkable preseason" and had a big day Saturday.
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"Everybody is at a different stage but it's all about the growth and getting better, I thought DJ did a great job with that," Norvell said. "All the quarterbacks had their positive moments today, but he [Uiagalelei] started off outstanding."
The Oregon State transfer has been sharper in his decision making and he's been making some good throws to receivers in tight coverage. Norvell said that Uiagalelei connected well with wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas Saturday, with the receiver making some big plays during the scrimmage according to Norvell.
Florida State football players participate in the eighth practice of fall camp on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024
Uiagalelei has continued to grow in his role since the start of camp, and both Norvell and Atkins see him taking more ownership of the offense.
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"What I loved about it is how he's been able to settle and kind of make it his own," Atkins said. "He's not learning the Florida State offense he's learning the offense is changing into kind of his offense.
I like that development because of what he's comfortable with and how he's changing the plays, changing the cadences and understanding where to go to and building a relationship with receivers."
"It's been fun to watch"
A big day for young offensive players during the scrimmage
With kickoff against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday, Aug. 24, Norvell said the team is entering a "critical" two-week period.
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Norvell called Saturday's scrimmage an evaluation day for the team.
Starters got some rest with limited reps which allowed some younger and fringe players trying to carve out a role a chance to shine. Norvell singled out the freshman skill position players as a group that continues to take advantage of opportunities during fall camp.
He mentioned Elijah Moore, Lawayne McCoy and BJ Gibson made some big plays during the scrimmage, but he still sees some areas for growth with his young wideouts and running backs like Kam Davis and Samual Singleton.
"Those guys have had great camps, and I'm excited about what they're going to bring and whatever that role is going to be," Norvell said. "They're pushing and they have great futures in front of them. Really excited about their growth and just ownership of the offense."
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Atkins added he was impressed with LSU transfer wide receiver Jalen Brown's development.
Both Norvell and Atkins were happy with the performances of the tight ends and offensive line Saturday morning, with freshman Amarre Williams drawing praise after catching a touchdown from quarterback Brock Glenn .
Norvell said Williams had the biggest jump from the first scrimmage to the second and Atkins said the tight ends have grown with more reps, but the true freshman has really impressed him.
"Amarre has been a little bit different because he's still learning," Atkins said. "His growth is just raw ability and his competitive nature which is showcasing his ability."
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The continued development of Kyle Morlock has been the storyline of fall, with Brian Courtney also growing in confidence as camp has continued.
Norvell mentioned he was impressed with the play of redshirt freshman offensive lineman Andre' Otto, a theme he has maintained throughout the week. Atkins said that Otto has been an impressive player to watch this fall, even drawing compliments from defensive line players in the team cafeteria.
"I love his mentality and approach," Atkins said. "I was walking into the cafeteria the other day and those guys, the defensive line stars in particular were like 'Otto is going to be a good player.'
"I think anytime those guys compliment young offensive linemen like that, it's a big, big, big badge of honor for them."
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Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State football's DJ Uiagalelei stars in Seminoles fall scrimmage
