While Florida State’s quarterback competition remains unresolved this spring, a quieter — and perhaps more consequential — battle has emerged at an unexpected position.
Two freshmen wide receivers, Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez, are forcing their way into a crowded rotation and altering the conversation about immediate playing time under coach Mike Norvell.
At first glance, the urgency seems misplaced. FSU’s receiver room appears largely set. Duce Robinson headlines the group, Micahi Danzy continues to ascend and Jayvan Boggs returns after starting as a true freshman last season. On paper, the hierarchy looks established.
Spring practice, however, has a way of challenging assumptions.
Over the last two weeks, Norvell has repeatedly praised Carter and Lopez, stating both freshmen are on track to see the field in their first season.
“They’re going to play,” Norvell said.
“I’ve seen what I’ve seen, and I know what I know. I believe that they are going to help this football team. If they don’t get better, they won’t play much.”
That endorsement carries significant weight. Entering his seventh year, Norvell has proven selective when forecasting early roles for first-year players. His comments suggest more than optimism — they reflect precedent.
Recent history favors early contributors
Freshmen have earned trust quickly in Tallahassee before. Last season, the Desir twins emerged from spring practices as contributors and ultimately starters. Mandrell Desir led the Seminoles with 6.5 sacks and garnered freshman All-America honors.
Boggs, after flashing throughout spring, claimed a starting job and became an integral perimeter blocker in the run game. Ousmane Kromah, despite a crowded running back room, carved out carries after impressing during fall camp.
That track record gives credibility to Norvell’s confidence in Carter and Lopez.
FSU has seen this before. In 2018, Keyshawn Helton and Tre’Shaun Harrison both earned early playing time as freshman receivers after standout practices during the Willie Taggart era.
Neither ultimately developed into consistent high-level producers, but the point still remains that even Norvell and his predecessors are willing to play multiple freshmen when the talent demands it. Carter and Lopez may not follow identical paths, but having two newcomers turning heads simultaneously is a rarity worth noting.
What sticks out between Devin Carter, Jasen Lopez
Among the two, Carter, son of former FSU legend Dexter Carter, has been the most consistent throughout spring. With Robinson held out, Danzy splitting time with outdoor track and Boggs sidelined following the first scrimmage, Carter maximized his reps. He flashed reliability, separation and awareness — the traits coaches value most when projecting young receivers into meaningful roles.
“I came in knowing what I could do, you know, as long as I worked hard and did what the coaches asked me. So it’s a good feeling to be able to have the opportunity to make plays like I’m having right now,” Carter said.
“So, all I’m going to do is capitalize on those opportunities, and I’m not going to be surprised at what I do because, you know, I’ve been working for this, so I’m ready for whatever opportunity comes, and I’ll take advantage of it.”
Lopez arrived under far different circumstances. Days removed from completing his season with Luke Loucks’ men’s basketball team, Lopez didn’t put on pads until the second scrimmage. The transition did not slow him, not even the playbook, in which he said was the most challenging part.
“It’s a little tricky in football. There are certain things that you have to do for certain plays, as far as you know, alignment,” Lopez said.
“Knowing your route based on, you know, field boundary, things like that. So I mean, just getting in the playbook and picking up on that was what I would say was the hardest thing for me.”
He contributed as both a receiver and return man, displaying physicality and versatility uncommon for a player juggling two sports.
Their emergence does not erase competition elsewhere in the room.
Tae’Shaun Gelsey, at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, profiles as a future starter. Tariq Mallory and freshmen EJ White and Darryon Williams have flashed intermittently this spring as Tim Harris Jr., FSU’s new offensive coordinator, pointed out.
“We talk a lot about Devin and Jasen and a lot of the explosive playmaking ability that they’ve shown, but EJ and Darion have had their moments, too,” Harris said.
“Those guys are continuing to grow every day with every rep they get. So, really excited about the group overall.”
As Norvell and Harris reiterates weekly, consistency remains the separating factor.
Devin Carter, Jasen Lopez build momentum heading into fall
So far, Carter and Lopez are winning that battle.
With Norvell resuming play-calling duties, the timing is ideal. Established starters allow flexibility, while dynamic young receivers expand the playbook rather than restrict it. That balance — proven production paired with emerging options — is exactly what Norvell has chased through recruiting.
It is still early. Depth charts in April rarely survive unchanged into August. But as FSU closes spring practice with its third scrimmage, Carter and Lopez carry more momentum than any other receivers behind the starters. Their performances have earned legitimate discussion, not just compliments.
If that translates into fall camp and the opener against New Mexico State, it would mark another recruiting and development win for Norvell — and a reminder that sometimes the most important competition isn’t the most obvious one.
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: How Devin Carter, Jasen Lopez affect FSU’s WR depth already as freshmen
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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