Tallahassee Democrat

Which Florida State football player has had a great camp? Here are the top performers

By Peter Holland Jr. and Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat,

1 day ago

The eight-month wait is over,

It's game week for Florida State football.

College football's week 0 kicks off on Saturday with the Seminoles playing the first game of the season in Dublin, Ireland against Georgia Tech in the Aviva Stadium.

Fall camp has now transitioned into game preparation as the Seminoles close the door on the preseason. As our eyes turn towards Saturday, here are the 10 players who have impressed us the most during fall camp.

Top 5 performers on offense

Kyle Morlock, tight end

Kyle Morlock has been stellar throughout camp and has built a strong connection with quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. Morlock took the heart in stepping up his game as a better route runner and run-blocker. He will lead a young tight-end group as he enters his senior year.

Malik Benson, wide receiver

Malik Benson is as good as advertised. The Alabama transfer has been hard to guard one-on-one. His quickness coming off the line and his excellent route-running ability would find ways to gain separation. As he enters his senior season, Benson is expected to be WR1 for the Seminoles.

Kam Davis, running back

Kam Davis looks the part, but the 5-foot-11 220-pound freshman plays the part well. Davis has been a battery ram in the backfield. With a loaded running back room, Davis is likely to earn his way in the rotation.

Andre Otto, offensive line

Andre Otto is a young asset to FSU's offensive line. Throughout camp, the redshirt freshman has been moving around in the interior. He has received high praise from Norvell after he compared him to Darius Washington. Otto could eventually see playing time, whether as a swing tackle or if the line needs some reshaping for any reason, such as injury, he could be the next man in line.

Jalen Brown, wide receiver

Jalen Brown has been under the radar since the start of camp. While the receiving corps. is still up in the air, Brown has made his case as a starter. The LSU transfer has quickness and has been crisp with his route-running ability, but his biggest improvement is his blocking. Brown could also see time as a return specialist.

Top 5 performers on defense

Fentrell Cypress, cornerback

Part of a talented duo at the corner position, Fentrell Cypress has been one of the standout performers of the fall as he projects to be a high-impact player for the Seminoles this season. Cypress is a quick mover and has the ability to keep up with some speedy wideouts, but his real strength comes from his play recognition. The defensive back has jumped plays or broken them up with well-timed pass deflections multiple times in fall camp.

Azareye'h Thomas, cornerback

The second half of the defensive back duo, Azareye'h Thomas is poised to be a star for the Seminoles this season. After starting last season as the third cornerback in the rotation, Thomas has become arguably the best at the position for FSU. His tight, press coverage ranks him up with some of the best in the country, and he has the ability to break up plays with his lengthy reach, something he's shown throughout the preseason camp.

KJ Sampson, defensive tackle

While KJ Sampson might not be a flashy name like Joshua Farmer or Darell Jackson, yet, the redshirt freshman has quietly been one of the top performers during fall camp. The 6-foot-3 Sampson has looked comfortable when facing the talented Seminoles offensive line, winning a number of reps while also being disruptive in team activities. Named as the second defensive tackle in the depth chart for the game against Georgia Tech, Sampson could make a splash if or when he sees the field.

Cam Riley, linebacker

The Auburn transfer came in highly touted, and he has delivered during fall camp. The tall and speedy Cam Riley has quickly become the leader for the linebacker room, displaying the confidence of a veteran who is ready to break out. A smooth operator in drills this fall, Riley is an active voice in team activities, lining up and adjusting his teammate's positions while also being quick to wrap up any offensive player running toward him.

Kevin Knowles II, defensive back

There was a two-day stretch in fall camp where Kevin Knowles II recorded three interceptions, solidifying his growth into a reliable option on the defensive side of the football. Slotting into a competitive defensive backfield, there have been days where Knowles was the best defender on the field during fall camp, and he could be in for a big campaign.

How can I watch FSU football vs. Georgia Tech

Date: Saturday, Aug. 24
Time: Noon ET
Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial ), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)