Florida State Football Training Camp: Injuries, Analysis and Position Battles

Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE

We have heard it the last few seasons, but it never seems to take place. Is this the season that the Florida State Seminoles arrive back in the college football spotlight?

Well, they do return 14 starters from last season, which includes eight on defense, a unit that should be one of the best in the country. The offense also returns a few playmakers, including senior quarterback E.J. Manuel. But before we declare the Seminoles ACC Champions once again, they must put in work during the fall camp.

And with camp underway, here are the latest updates, news and more that includes everything for your Florida State Seminoles.

August 17, 2012

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

EJ Manuel was held out of the recent scrimmage with an ankle injury.

But the good news is that it is nothing serious and if the regular season was tomorrow he would be suited up and ready to go. (Via David M. Hale of ESPN)

He's fine. If he had to play, he'd have played. Fisher said. A guy fell on his ankle in the last of the two-minute drill (Wednesday) and it was swollen up. He'd have been out there hobbling and aggravated the heck out of it. If we go tomorrow, he could probably go half and by the next day be a full.

As for the scrimmage itself, Fisher was very impressed by what he saw from his team. (Via Corey Clark of tallahassee.com)

“I really liked how the offense came out — very physical, ran the ball well,” Fisher said. “Defensively we did some good things, too. … It was kind of that typical back and forth. Good competition.”

 

August 13, 2012

Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Expectations are high

Florida State has been hearing that they should be playing in BCS games the last couple of seasons, but haven't been able to put things together. As the Seminoles are have recently taken the field for fall camp, the goals are as high as they have ever been.

“We’re going to be talented,” Head coach Jimbo Fisher said. “We know what we can do.”  (Via accsports.com)

What do the players expect to do this season, well, quarterback E.J. Manuel has set the bar extremely high his senior season.

“That’s my goal,” Manuel said. “To win every single game.”

 

Defense even better

Florida State had the best defense in the ACC last season and finished as the fourth best defense in the country. While they return eight starters on that side of the ball and have a recruiting class that has many great players, defensive coordinator Mark Stoops says this squad can be even better this year.

I see the wheels spinning and I see them understanding things. Stoops said. And I see them really wanting to take (coaching) and that excites me. That the guys are not just assuming that we’re going to be good. That’s a recipe for disaster. I don’t see that. I see us hungry to learn the finer things to take us to another level. (Via Bob Ferrante of Fox Sports)

The Seminoles finished the year with 41 sacks and only allowed 275 total yards a game. To be even better than that would be special and possibly be good enough to lead the Seminoles to their first BCS bowl game since 2005. 

August 9, 2012

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Greg Reid is a free man

Greg Reid was one of the best cornerbacks and kick returners in college football. He was a key contributor on this Florida State team, but is now a free man after being dismissed for a violation of team rules.

He is now eligible to transfer to any division II school of his choice after Florida State has officially released him from his scholarship. He will not have to sit out this season once he decides which school he will play for. 

 

Mario Pender out for the year

As if this offseason couldn't get any worse for the Seminoles, running back Mario Pender will miss the entire year after suffering a groin injury. The injury is so severe that it will require surgery.

"Instead of making it worse, we're going to get it fixed and have him ready to go," Fisher said. "We'll probably redshirt him," (via David M. Hale of ESPN).

Pender is a 5-star recruit from the 2012 class, who had a chance to see the field quite often this year.

 

Chris Thompson is back

With Pender out for the year, the Seminoles could use all of the running back depth they can find. Senior Chris Thompson is ready to provide a helping hand. About a year ago Thompson didn't even know if he would ever be able to play football again after breaking his back. Now he is back on the field and teammates say he looks better than before.

"We didn't know if he was ever going to play again," defensive tackle Everett Dawkins said. "To see him go out there with that same speed, he hasn't lost a step," (via David M. Hale of ESPN).

Thompson has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his Florida State career and has scored 10 touchdowns.

Updates

This article will be updated throughout fall camp to provide you with the latest news, injuries, and everything else that involves your Florida State Seminoles.