FSU Football Insider: LB transfer Cam Riley making strong early impression

Obviously, everything must be qualified. It’s still July. And the Florida State football team has only practiced one day in full pads.

But through the first week of preseason camp, the most impressive linebacker on the field might just be Auburn transfer Cam Riley, who has only been on FSU’s campus for a couple months.

With projected starter DJ Lundy “limited” so far in practice, according to head coach Mike Norvell, there have been plenty of snaps to go around for Riley and the other linebackers competing for a starting spot.

And the veteran transfer has made quite an early impression on his head coach.

“Cam Riley … I’m just very, very excited about what he’s shown for the first six days here” Norvell said.

Riley only got to Florida State this summer, but adjusting to a new scheme is nothing new for the 6-foot-5, 237-pound linebacker. Auburn changed defensive coordinators each season he was with the Tigers.

“Every year, he’s had to learn a new defense, new language, so he’s very familiar with concepts,” Norvell said. “He’s seen a lot of different concepts that he’s been asked to do. But he’s also been able to take that, and his work ethic is outstanding. He’s learned. He’s smart. He’s been able to pick it up.

“Now, it’s just the finer details of how we ask guys to do things that’s going to allow him to continue to play faster. But each day, I think you’re seeing more and more flashes from him as that confidence is building.”

Riley has played in 46 games in his college career, including 10 starts. He has amassed 121 total tackles during that time, making him the second-most productive linebacker on the roster behind Lundy, who again is “limited,” according to Norvell.

So, there are snaps to go around. And the head coach said he likes what he has seen from all of his linebackers through the first week.

Sophomores Blake Nichelson and Justin Cryer have made numerous flash plays throughout the first six practices, and Alabama transfer Shawn Murphy seems to be much more comfortable this fall than he was in the spring.

“They’re all playing faster as it’s going,” Norvell said. “So, it’s really been good to see.”

Developing depth at cornerback

Azareye’h Thomas and Fentrell Cypress have both played a whole lot of football in their college careers, and the two veterans have looked like a potentially terrific cornerback tandem heading into the 2024 season.

They each get beat occasionally. Because that’s just a fact of life for a defensive back. But by and large, the two Florida State cornerbacks have been good to great just about every day, and they have won a whole lot more reps than they’ve lost.

“We’ve got a couple of dynamic guys at corner,” Norvell said. “Both have played a lot of football. You know, both are great leaders in what we do, and they bring a great mindset to the work. So, when you have that position as an overall strength, it definitely allows everything else defensively to build upon it. They’ve been great in their press coverage. Some things we’ve challenged them with different looks, they continue to push and get better.

“I also like the depth we have behind them.”

With good reason. Because that depth behind them has been on full display through the first portion of camp. Quindarrius Jones, in particular, has looked like a potential future star himself at the position. And there have been a number of other young guys who have impressed Norvell so far.

“Quindarrius has looked really good throughout,” the Florida State head coach said. “I think he’s growing in his confidence. I’ve been pleased with, probably one of the most improved players from spring to fall has been Charles Lester. He’s playing with more confidence, understanding the calls. Cai Bates is one that I’m very excited about as well. Edwin Joseph has shown up. Really, as he continues to play with that consistency and confidence.

“Ja’Bril Rawls has made a ton of plays here these last few days. … At that corner spot, I think there are a few guys that can really help us.”

Florida State newcomers learning on fly

A few true freshman skill players on offense appear to be pushing for early playing time already, including a pair of summer enrollees — running back Micahi Danzy and tight end Amaree Williams.

While they can’t be expected to know the entire offense just yet, Norvell said the Seminoles’ youngest players will get every opportunity to prove they can contribute.

“We try to put guys in position to showcase what they can do,” he said. “And then also try to put them in positions to see exactly where they are. Because we don’t get to run out there with them on game day. And so we try to build upon the things they’re confident in and try to make sure we’re presenting, teaching, helping them adjust for all the different looks.

“Because it’s one thing to know a play name or a concept or a call. It’s another thing with 15 different looks you can see and how you need to execute it. So, it’s just more about getting those reps. And those guys really have to take a lot of ownership of learning whenever it’s not their play. And trying to receive as much as that as possible. … It’s about taking advantage of each day and every rep and you’re seeing those guys grow through it.”

After taking Wednesday off, Florida State will return to practice Thursday morning.

Talk about this story with other die-hard FSU football fans on the Tribal Council.

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