As the Florida State Seminoles enter the 2025 spring football season, expectations are high. After a successful 2024 campaign, the program is focused on continuing its upward trajectory under head coach Mike Norvell. With several key players returning, coupled with new talent coming in, spring practice has become a critical period for development, competition, and setting the stage for what is expected to be a thrilling upcoming season.
After the first week of spring practices, coaches and fans alike have started to take note of which players are stepping up and making their mark. Spring practice serves as the foundation for depth charts, position battles, and player development, so which players’ stock has risen thus far? In this article, we’ll dive into the players who have shined during the first week of spring practice, identifying those whose stock is on the rise heading into the heart of spring camp.
Quarterback: Jordan Travis – Elevated Leadership
It’s no surprise that Jordan Travis, the veteran starting quarterback, is having an impressive start to spring practice. The senior leader, who has been a staple for FSU’s offense over the past few seasons, has continued to show why he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. Travis has been consistently effective, showcasing his improved passing accuracy, leadership, and decision-making.
Travis’s ability to take charge of the offense and lead with authority is undeniable. Through the first week of spring practice, he has been particularly impressive with his mental approach to the game. His deep ball accuracy has improved significantly, and he is continuing to grow in his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. His leadership in the huddle has also been highlighted, as he has been mentoring younger quarterbacks and ensuring that they remain confident and poised during practices.
In a program with a young and promising backup group, Travis’s leadership is an invaluable asset. Coach Mike Norvell has consistently praised his commitment to both his development and that of his teammates, which will only help Florida State as the season progresses.
“Jordan has really embraced his role as a leader, and it’s evident in how the team responds to him,” Norvell said. “He’s been outstanding in terms of his accuracy and his understanding of the offense. We’re seeing him take that next step as a quarterback and as a leader.”
Running Back: Rodney Hill – Gaining Momentum
With the departure of star running back Trey Benson, the battle for the lead back position has been one of the biggest storylines heading into the spring. The competition has been intense, but Rodney Hill has quickly emerged as a standout player during the first week of spring practice. Hill, a dynamic and explosive player, has impressed coaches with his speed, vision, and ability to break off big plays.
Hill’s ability to run between the tackles and also make plays in space has made him a major weapon for the Seminoles’ offense. He’s been particularly effective in the screen game, using his agility to evade tacklers and gain yards after the catch. Additionally, Hill has been working on his pass protection, a key component for any running back in a system like Florida State’s that places an emphasis on both the run and pass game. His ability to stay on the field during passing downs gives him an edge over the competition.
“Rodney is a player who has really made strides over the past few months,” Norvell said. “He’s got a great combination of vision and burst, and I’ve seen his game evolve. He’s not just a guy who can hit the home run; he’s becoming more well-rounded and capable of contributing in all phases of the game.”
With Hill’s continued growth, he could emerge as the key back for the Seminoles, especially with the emphasis on creating balance in the offense. His stock is undoubtedly on the rise as he pushes for a starting role.
Wide Receiver: Micah Pittman – Turning Heads Early
The wide receiver position at Florida State has undergone significant changes over the past year, but one player who has quickly made an impression is Micah Pittman. The senior receiver, who transferred to FSU from Oregon, has been an early standout during the first week of spring practice. His combination of quickness, route-running precision, and hands has made him a go-to target in the passing game.
Pittman’s ability to gain separation and consistently make plays in the intermediate passing game has been a noticeable strength. He has showcased excellent chemistry with quarterback Jordan Travis, and the two have connected on several deep passes during practice. Additionally, Pittman’s ability to play in the slot or out wide makes him a versatile weapon in the offense.
“Micah has been a huge asset for us,” Norvell said. “He brings that veteran presence, and his ability to separate from defenders and make contested catches has been impressive. He’s a guy we can rely on, and he’s done a great job of helping younger receivers understand the finer points of playing the position.”
Pittman’s ability to add depth to FSU’s wide receiving corps is crucial for the team’s success in 2025. His stock has undoubtedly risen after the first week of spring practice, and he is positioning himself for a larger role in the offense as the season progresses.
Offensive Line: D’Ante Lucas – Stepping Up as a Leader
The offensive line has been an area of focus for Florida State, with the team looking to build a more consistent and dominant group up front. D’Ante Lucas, a senior guard, has stood out early in spring practice as a player who has made considerable strides in his development. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a force in the trenches, and he’s shown that he can anchor the line and protect the quarterback effectively.
Lucas’s leadership has also been key in the early stages of spring camp. As one of the veterans on the offensive line, he has taken on the responsibility of helping develop younger players while maintaining a high level of play. His technique has improved significantly, and he’s been a consistent presence in both the running and passing games.
“We’ve seen a much-improved D’Ante Lucas this spring,” Norvell noted. “He’s playing with more confidence and is leading the offensive line. He’s been physical at the point of attack, and his leadership is something that is so important for our offensive front.”
With Lucas solidifying his role as a key player on the offensive line, he is expected to play a vital role in protecting Travis and opening up lanes for the running backs. His stock is undoubtedly on the rise.
Defensive Line: Jared Verse – Dominating in the Trenches
On the defensive side of the ball, Jared Verse has been a force during the first week of spring practice. The senior defensive end, who emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the country in 2024, has picked up right where he left off. Verse has been virtually unblockable at times, consistently putting pressure on the quarterbacks and disrupting plays in the backfield.
Verse’s ability to use his explosive first step, strength, and relentless motor has made him one of the top defensive players in the nation. He has also shown improvements in his ability to defend the run, making him an all-around threat on the edge.
“Jared has taken his game to another level,” Norvell said. “He’s one of the best pass rushers in the country, and we’re seeing more from him in terms of his ability to play the run. He’s a true leader on that defensive line, and his presence is felt every time he’s on the field.”
With Verse leading the charge up front, Florida State’s defensive line looks primed to be one of the most formidable in the country in 2025. His stock continues to rise as he continues to refine his game and dominate in spring practice.
Linebacker: Kalen DeLoach – Showing Leadership and Playmaking Ability
Kalen DeLoach is another player whose stock is rising early in spring practice. The senior linebacker has been all over the field during the first week of camp, showing his ability to cover ground quickly, make tackles in space, and lead the defense with his experience and knowledge of the game. DeLoach’s ability to read plays and react quickly has made him a standout in the linebacker room, and he’s been consistently praised by coaches for his leadership.
“DeLoach has really stepped up as a leader in that linebacker room,” Norvell said. “He’s been doing a great job of getting guys in the right positions and making plays all over the field. He’s a guy who has a great feel for the game, and that’s something we really value on defense.”
With DeLoach anchoring the linebacker corps, Florida State’s defense looks poised to continue its success in 2025. His development and leadership will be key to ensuring the Seminoles remain strong on that side of the ball.
A Strong Start to Spring Practice
As Florida State reaches the halfway point of spring practice, several players have seen their stock rise, positioning themselves to make significant contributions during the 2025 season. Whether it’s Rodney Hill in the backfield, Micah Pittman at wide receiver, or Jared Verse on the defensive line, the competition is heating up across the board. The first week of spring practices has provided ample evidence that Florida State is in good shape as it prepares for the upcoming season.
Head coach Mike Norvell has been impressed with the intensity and development of his team thus far, and with several players stepping up to take on bigger roles, the Seminoles are well-positioned to challenge for an ACC title and more in 2025. The foundation laid in these early stages of spring practice will be critical for building the team’s depth and cohesion as they move forward into the season.
With the stocks of several key players rising, Florida State fans have plenty to be excited about as they head into the next chapter of the program’s resurgence under Norvell.