Florida State's first preseason scrimmage offered plenty for both sides of the ball to clean up, but offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. and defensive coordinator Tony White left the weekend encouraged by the progress their respective units have made through the opening stretch of fall camp.
Speaking with reporters after reviewing the film, Harris pointed to the offense's communication, tempo and quarterback play as some of the biggest positives from the scrimmage, while White praised the defense's disruptive front and improved operation despite focusing first on correcting mistakes.
"I went home and I was pissed off," White admitted before watching the tape. "Then I came here and watched the film and said they're right where we need them to
be."
He added that the overall sideline operation, communication and execution were significantly cleaner than what Florida State experienced early last season.
On offense, Harris said the Seminoles handled the pace of the scrimmage well and consistently operated with the tempo the coaching staff has emphasized throughout camp. He also praised the quarterbacks for processing Florida State's aggressive defensive looks and making the proper pre-snap adjustments.
The Seminoles' offensive coordinator noted that quarterback Ashton Daniels has shown growing confidence throughout camp while consistently getting the offense into the correct plays and protections. Harris also highlighted Kevin Sperry's decision-making during the scrimmage and said Dean DeNobile handled his opportunities well, giving the staff confidence in the entire quarterback room.
White credited his defensive front for creating consistent disruption, noting the Seminoles recorded multiple sacks and tackles for loss while playing with greater instinct instead of hesitation.
"You can see the thinking's turning into instinct," White said, adding that the defensive line's athleticism gives the coaching staff more flexibility to create pressure through stunts and movement.
Both coordinators also singled out several players whose performances stood out during the scrimmage.
Harris praised freshman wide receiver Jasen Lopez for his competitiveness and daily improvement, saying the two-sport standout has positioned himself to compete for playing time immediately. He also pointed to the development of running backs Ousmane Kromah and Sam Singleton Jr., noting their emphasis on generating yards after contact and improved pass protection.
Defensively, White highlighted Ashlynd Barker's continued growth, K.J. Kirkland's interception, and productive performances from A.J. Cottrill and Karon Maycock. He also praised the development of interior defensive linemen Jordan Sanders, Franklin Whitley and Kevin "JuJu" Wynn while noting the disruptive play of edge defenders Rylan Kennedy and Jalen Anderson.
Despite the encouraging signs, neither coordinator suggested the Seminoles are close to a finished product.
Harris said offensive consistency remains the biggest area for improvement as a revamped offensive line continues building chemistry alongside several young skill players. White echoed a similar sentiment on defense, emphasizing better tackling, continued conditioning and situational execution as camp progresses.
With Florida State preparing to continue preseason camp, both coordinators struck a similar tone: the first scrimmage revealed areas that still need refinement, but also showed tangible evidence that the foundation built throughout the offseason is beginning to translate onto the field.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU coordinators see encouraging signs after first scrimmage
