TALLAHASSEE — The national title has done nothing to change the Florida State football team.
The Seminoles opened spring football practice on Wednesday amid renewed energy from the 14-0 campaign. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said the focus remains the same, however, no matter how many victories the team piled up.
“We’re not worrying about the past. Last year is last year,” Fisher said. “We learn from what we did last year, but don’t revel in it. Learn from our success and also from our mistakes.
“This team has to develop its own identity, its own personality. I’m pleased where we are so far (after offseason workouts). We’re looking for a lot of consistency.”
Fisher preached the importance of staying within the process. Staying true to the routine and improving never ends, he said. And while FSU might be favored in the fall to repeat as champion, Fisher said complacency will be a killer for a team that must replace its top running back, defensive tackle and find leaders to make up for departed stars.
“Nothing’s ever relaxed. When you relax you’re in trouble,” he said. “We’ll continue to do things the same way.”
FSU also will practice today and Saturday. There are four weeks in the spring schedule leading into the Garnet and Gold Game at Doak Campbell Stadium on April 12.
Winston watch: Heisman quarterback Jameis Winston will not see much a change in his spring activities despite playing for FSU’s baseball team, Fisher said. Winston will miss only one practice on Saturday when baseball is at Clemson for a three-game Atlantic Coast Conference series. He will play in the spring game when baseball is on the road at Georgia Tech.
Winston is FSU’s closer and wear and tear on his throwing arm is a minor concern. Fisher said Winston had more of a workload on his arm last season with also playing in the outfield, but this season the rising sophomore has performed more on the mound.
“He’s not getting (a lot of) innings, he’s just getting quality innings,” Fisher said. “We’ll keep up with how his arm feels and all that.”
Fisher said there are no plans to limit Winston’s repetitions in football practice. Fisher said it’s imperative for Winston to build a rapport with a young group of wide receivers. He also said Winston can improve in all facets, including footwork, balance and body control and reading defenses.
Fisher added he was excited to see John Franklin III in the battle to be the backup quarterback. Franklin redshirted last season and will compete with Sean Maguire, who backed up Winston after Jacob Coker was lost for the season with a knee injury against Wake Forest in November.
Cook to miss spring: Early enrollee and five-star recruit Dalvin Cook will miss spring practice with a torn labrum, Fisher said. Cook suffered the shoulder injury when he stumbled going up a set of stairs and extended his arm to brace his fall.
Fisher said Cook will be out for three to four months and will be ready for fall practice. The freshman will still be involved in team meetings and will soak in spring on the sidelines. Fisher said Cook is already advanced in his preparation.
“When Dalvin was in our workouts it looked like he had been here for three years,” Fisher said. “You hate to see that, but he’ll be ready.”
Fisher noted the progression by Ryan Green and Karlos Williams. Green was a reserve last season and Fisher believes he’s the fastest player on the team. Williams rushed for more than 700 yards and 11 touchdowns and is the starter heading into his senior season.
“Karlos has done a great accepting a leadership role,” Fisher said. “He’s been very vocal.”
New center: Bryan Stork graduated and is the only departed starter on the offensive line. The loss left a hole at center, a position with importance that can’t be stressed enough, Fisher said.
Rising senior Austin Barron has inherited the job. The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder has started a handful of games and will be expected to perform at a high level. Barron won’t be pushed much by reserves, as offensive line is a talented group but devoid of depth.
“He’s a guy who’s started five or six games in his career, but critical games,” Fisher said. “With playing experience (at center) that helps me sleep better.”
This and that: Offensive lineman Ira Denson was dismissed from the team following a Tuesday arrest for illegal use of a credit card and petty theft, Fisher confirmed. Denson previously was still on the roster while attending classes with no team activities. … Fisher said Scooter Haggins and Tyler Hunter will participate in spring practice after missing all or part of last season with injuries. Haggins, a wide receiver, was redshirted with a knee injury and returns as a rising fifth-year senior. Hunter, a defensive back, had neck surgery in October and will be limited in contact this spring. … When asked how FSU can replace the height of departed 6-5 wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, Fisher was quick to respond and garnered some laughs. “I’ll stack Bobo (Wilson) and Kermit (Whitfield) on top of each other, they’ll be as tall as one Kelvin.”