As Florida State football enters the second week of fall camp and prepares for its first scrimmage Tuesday night at Doak Campbell Stadium, several Seminoles have boosted their standing.
From veterans taking the next step to freshmen pushing for immediate roles, these six players have emerged as early standouts and will look to carry that momentum into the scrimmage.
Samuel Singleton Jr., Running Back
Competition in Florida State’s running back room remains fierce, but Samuel Singleton Jr. continues to separate himself as a legitimate contender for a starting role.
Running backs coach Kam Martin said Singleton’s growth has been evident since the offseason began.
“Singleton has taken that next step,” Martin said. “It goes all the way since I got here in January. Just his body, him being in the building every day. Sam is a guy I feel like is going to have a big year. He’s got all the tools to be a real running back, and I’m excited to coach him.”
Singleton emerged as a key contributor late last season before an injury cut his campaign short. Now in his senior year and weighing more than 200 pounds, he appears physically prepared to reclaim a prominent role in the Seminoles’ backfield.
Jasen Lopez, Wide Receiver
Few freshmen have generated as much buzz as Jasen Lopez during the opening weeks of camp.
Coach Mike Norvell has made it clear that Lopez is expected to contribute immediately, and the true freshman has done little to temper those expectations. Already a dual-sport athlete, Lopez has worked his way into a receiver rotation that could become one of Florida State’s deepest and most productive position groups.
His consistency and playmaking ability have positioned him among the newcomers most likely to see the field this season.
Landen Thomas, Tight End
Landen Thomas has an opportunity to author one of Florida State’s better comeback stories this season.
After flashing potential as a freshman, Thomas struggled to build on that momentum last year because of injuries and conditioning issues. Entering his junior season, however, he has impressed coaches with a renewed commitment and improved physical condition.
Tight ends coach Chris Thomsen believes Thomas is progressing in the right direction.
“He’s on track,” Thomsen said. “That’s what I see and what I want to continue to see from him. He’s got the work ethic and the approach. He’s just got to keep getting better in all phases.”
If Thomas continues his upward trajectory, he and Dessirrio Riles could give Florida State a productive one-two combination at tight end.
Deante McCray, Defensive End
Defensive line coach Terrance Knighton did not hesitate when discussing Deante McCray’s impact on the program.
The fifth-year player, who spent three seasons at Western Kentucky before arriving at Florida State, has emerged as one of the leaders of the defensive front both on and off the field.
“He embodies what a leader is,” Knighton said. “He’s the example on the field and off the field. He’s the example in the classroom, in the film room and in the weight room. If I could have 12 of him, that’s what I would want.”
McCray enters his second season with the Seminoles and is pushing for a starting role alongside Darrell and Mandrell Desir and Daniel Lyons on the defensive line.
Izayia Williams, Linebacker
True freshman Izayia Williams missed the spring because of injury, but he has quickly made up for lost time.
Norvell praised Williams’ speed and instincts, noting that the linebacker has shown little hesitation despite his lengthy absence from the field. In a linebacker room loaded with talent and experience, Williams has still found ways to stand out through his pursuit and athleticism.
“He’s got the skill set, the traits,” Norvell said. “You can see there is no hesitation. Coming off an injury, you wonder how somebody is going to respond the first day out in pads. It was great to see the green light go.”
Williams is making a strong case for early playing time as one of Florida State’s most impressive freshmen.
KJ Kirkland, Safety
While much of the attention in the secondary has centered on Ashlynd Barker, KJ Kirkland has quietly put together a strong start to camp.
According to safeties coach Evan Cooper, Kirkland’s confidence and execution have reached a new level.
“He’s at a point where he knows what he needs to do, and he’s executing at a high level,” Cooper said. “He used to be really hard on himself, and I just told him I’m going to be hard enough on you. He’s just in a good space right now, and I expect him to have a big year.”
A three-year contributor for the Seminoles, Kirkland has recorded 80 tackles, two pass breakups and a sack during his career. His leadership in the secondary and ability to match up against tight ends have made him a valuable piece of Florida State’s defense.
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Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics and Big Bend Preps for the Tallahassee Democrat. If you like to pitch a story on a high school athlete, don’t hesitate to get in touch with him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Here are six FSU players boosting their stock ahead of first scrimmage
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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By Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
