Florida State football will get its first on-field look at a reshaped roster Saturday when the Seminoles hold their opening scrimmage of spring camp.
After a 5–7 season, head coach Mike Norvell enters a critical evaluation period — one that includes taking over play‑calling duties and assessing new quarterback Ashton Daniels.
Here are the biggest questions heading into the scrimmage:
How will Ashton Daniels look in his first FSU scrimmage?
All eyes will be on Daniels as he leads Norvell’s offense for the first time in a live setting. The veteran quarterback — now on his third team — is the most experienced player in the Seminoles’ QB room and has drawn praise from Norvell for his command and leadership.
Daniels has totaled 4,783 passing yards, 1,401 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns between his time at Auburn and Stanford. With Norvell calling plays this season, the staff is eager to see how efficiently Daniels can execute the system.
Who wins the line of scrimmage?
Saturday marks the debut of a rebuilt offensive and defensive line.
Offensive line: FSU is breaking in a completely new starting five. Key players to watch include left tackle Xavier Chaplin, guard Andre Otto, and the right‑side duo of Nate Pabst and Chimida Nwaiwu. How well this unit communicates early will be a major storyline.
Defensive line: The focus starts with Mandrell and Darryll Desir up front, but questions remain about depth in the three‑man front. Kevin “JuJu” Wynn, now healthy, is expected to compete to replace Darrell Jackson Jr. Rylan Kennedy is another name to monitor after saying he wants to prove he’s more than just a pass rusher.
Who emerges as the next JACK?
With Earl Little Jr. gone, the centerpiece role in Tony White’s 3‑3‑5 defense — the JACK position — is wide open.
Ashlynd Barker may be the best fit. The 6‑foot‑2 defensive back was the team’s second‑leading tackler last season with 48 stops and 3.5 sacks. His size, range and physicality make him a natural candidate.
Duke transfer Ma’Khi Jones is also in the mix. At 5‑11 and 196 pounds, Jones has experience at nickel and brings strong tackling ability. Though undersized, he is comparable to Little in profile.
Will the defense generate turnovers?
White’s defense showed improvement last season, particularly in creating fumbles. The Seminoles forced seven but recovered only two.
Saturday’s scrimmage will offer a first look at which players can create takeaways — an area White emphasizes heavily.
Can Kevin Sperry make a case for QB1?
While Daniels is the projected starter, sophomore Kevin Sperry has a chance to make things interesting. Norvell said Sperry continues to prepare “as if he’s the starter,” and his development has been noticeable.
Sperry completed 12 of 17 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns across three games last season. A strong scrimmage showing could strengthen his push for the job.
Which freshmen will stand out?
Saturday also marks the first college‑level scrimmage for FSU’s newcomers. Several freshmen have flashed early in camp:
WR Devin Carter — competing for a spot in the rotation, particularly as the fourth receiving option.
LB Noah Lavallee and DL Daylen Green — early defensive standouts.
DL Franklin Whitley, Jaemin Pinckney and Earnest Rankins — all in the mix as part of the young defensive front.
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU football spring practice’s big questions before first scrimmage
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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