FSU Seminoles: ira denson
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- After three months of change on the roster and the coaching staff, Florida State finally took the field last week to begin spring practice. While it’s tough to tell too much from just a few days of shaking off the rust, a few key storylines did emerge. Here’s a look back at what we learned from the first week of practice for the 2013 Seminoles:
1. Six coaches definitely make a difference.
Fisher assured that Florida State's core philosophies wouldn't change just because there are six new assistant coaches overseeing practice, but the new assistants brought a much different feel to the proceedings in the first few days. From Randy Sanders keeping his eye on the QB competition to Sal Sunseri's booming voice reverberating across the practice fields, players certainly had to make a few adjustments to their new coaches. "They're probably in there saying, 'Boy, the man is crazy,' " Sunseri said after the first day of workouts.
Players said some terminology is new, and Telvin Smith suggested the defense planned on playing more aggressively under Pruitt, too. But until FSU hits the field in September, we might not fully know just how big an impact this new staff will have.
1. Six coaches definitely make a difference.
Fisher assured that Florida State's core philosophies wouldn't change just because there are six new assistant coaches overseeing practice, but the new assistants brought a much different feel to the proceedings in the first few days. From Randy Sanders keeping his eye on the QB competition to Sal Sunseri's booming voice reverberating across the practice fields, players certainly had to make a few adjustments to their new coaches. "They're probably in there saying, 'Boy, the man is crazy,' " Sunseri said after the first day of workouts.
Players said some terminology is new, and Telvin Smith suggested the defense planned on playing more aggressively under Pruitt, too. But until FSU hits the field in September, we might not fully know just how big an impact this new staff will have.
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From the impending quarterback competition to finding replacements for departing juniors, Jimbo Fisher will have his work cut out for him during the next few months as he lays the groundwork for 2013.
With that in mind, we're going position by position looking at Florida State's strengths and weaknesses as the Seminoles prepare for the start of spring practice.
Previous entries can be found here.
Next up: Offensive Line
2012 recap: If success is determined as a matter of perspective, then 2012 was a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida State offensive line. It's not that the unit was dominant -- though at times, it was exceptional -- but rather that it came so far from the unmitigated disaster of 2011. Only center Bryan Stork was a holdover from the previous season's regular starters, while guards Tre Jackson and Josue Matias built on the foundation they laid in the 2011 bowl game. But it was the arrival of right tackle Menelik Watson and left tackle Cameron Erving that made the biggest impact. Overall, the line helped FSU to nearly double its rushing total from the previous season while trimming the number of sacks allowed from an ACC-worst 40 to a much more respectable 26.
With that in mind, we're going position by position looking at Florida State's strengths and weaknesses as the Seminoles prepare for the start of spring practice.
Previous entries can be found here.
Next up: Offensive Line
2012 recap: If success is determined as a matter of perspective, then 2012 was a tremendous accomplishment for the Florida State offensive line. It's not that the unit was dominant -- though at times, it was exceptional -- but rather that it came so far from the unmitigated disaster of 2011. Only center Bryan Stork was a holdover from the previous season's regular starters, while guards Tre Jackson and Josue Matias built on the foundation they laid in the 2011 bowl game. But it was the arrival of right tackle Menelik Watson and left tackle Cameron Erving that made the biggest impact. Overall, the line helped FSU to nearly double its rushing total from the previous season while trimming the number of sacks allowed from an ACC-worst 40 to a much more respectable 26.
NoleNation looked at the state of the Seminoles, going position by position to review the depth on the current roster and determine FSU's strengths and weaknesses going forward. And while a lot can change in the next few seasons, a few players figure to be front and center in Florida State's future success. Here's a look at the players who should play the biggest roles in determining FSU's fate in each of the next three seasons.
2013
Devonta Freeman -- The running game made huge strides in 2012, and Freeman was solid down the stretch after Chris Thompson's injury. Consistency was the bigger issue, and with a first-year starter at quarterback in 2013, FSU's offense will need to rely on Freeman every week.
Mario Edwards Jr. -- There's no doubting Edwards' potential, and he certainly looked the part of a future star in his two-game trial run as FSU's starting defensive end last season. But things will be different in 2013 as Edwards won't have the luxury of Bjoern Werner commanding double teams on the other side of the line. He'll need to step up and become the centerpiece of FSU's pass rush.
Bobby Hart -- Jimbo Fisher has some options at right tackle, so it's not as if the offensive line's success or failure will all fall on Hart's shoulders, but life could be made a lot easier -- both in the short term and down the road -- if Hart could maximize his enormous potential in 2013 and be a suitable replacement for Menelik Watson.
2013
Devonta Freeman -- The running game made huge strides in 2012, and Freeman was solid down the stretch after Chris Thompson's injury. Consistency was the bigger issue, and with a first-year starter at quarterback in 2013, FSU's offense will need to rely on Freeman every week.
Mario Edwards Jr. -- There's no doubting Edwards' potential, and he certainly looked the part of a future star in his two-game trial run as FSU's starting defensive end last season. But things will be different in 2013 as Edwards won't have the luxury of Bjoern Werner commanding double teams on the other side of the line. He'll need to step up and become the centerpiece of FSU's pass rush.
Bobby Hart -- Jimbo Fisher has some options at right tackle, so it's not as if the offensive line's success or failure will all fall on Hart's shoulders, but life could be made a lot easier -- both in the short term and down the road -- if Hart could maximize his enormous potential in 2013 and be a suitable replacement for Menelik Watson.
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State of the Noles: Guards and Centers 
February, 18, 2013
Feb 18
8:30
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By NoleNation Staff | ESPN.com
When it comes to recruiting, coaches are always thinking long-term. It's not just about which holes must be filled immediately, but rather where the needs might be in two or three more years.
With that in mind, NoleNation writers David Hale and Corey Dowlar are going through each position, looking at what FSU has on its roster now, and who might provide reinforcements down the line, projecting starters and evaluating the depth through 2015.
Up next, a look at the interior of FSU's offensive line: Guards and centers.
Current scholarship Guards/Centers (11): Tre Jackson (Jr.), Ruben Carter (RSSo.), Josue Matias (Jr.), Daniel Foose (RSJr.), Trey Pettis (RSSo.), Garrett Faircloth (RSSr.), Ira Denson (Fr.), Sterling Lovelady (Jr.), Bryan Stork (Sr.), Austin Barron (Jr.), Ryan Hoefeld (Fr.)
With that in mind, NoleNation writers David Hale and Corey Dowlar are going through each position, looking at what FSU has on its roster now, and who might provide reinforcements down the line, projecting starters and evaluating the depth through 2015.
Up next, a look at the interior of FSU's offensive line: Guards and centers.
Current scholarship Guards/Centers (11): Tre Jackson (Jr.), Ruben Carter (RSSo.), Josue Matias (Jr.), Daniel Foose (RSJr.), Trey Pettis (RSSo.), Garrett Faircloth (RSSr.), Ira Denson (Fr.), Sterling Lovelady (Jr.), Bryan Stork (Sr.), Austin Barron (Jr.), Ryan Hoefeld (Fr.)
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With national signing day now beyond us, NoleNation takes a closer look at the next crop of Seminoles.
Vitals: Offensive guard Ira Denson, 6-foot-4, 320 pounds
Vitals: Offensive guard Ira Denson, 6-foot-4, 320 pounds
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FSU salvages solid class despite shakeups
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
6:12
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By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Jimbo Fisher has spent the past two months selling his program to a class he couldn't have known would come together so well in the end. Amid chaos in the coaching staff and a bevy of last-minute shifts, Fisher was the man in the middle of the action, assuring his 2013 commitments that the program was in good hands, and their futures remained bright at Florida State.
When the dust settled, Fisher beamed.
"It think it was a great day," he said after Wednesday's final letter of intent came across the fax machine. "I'm very proud of our class. We hit a little bit of every position throughout the whole class."
This wasn't another sales pitch. This was as honest an evaluation of Florida State's take on national signing day as Fisher could muster.
No, FSU didn't hold together the entirety of the class it had assembled before six assistant coaches left for greener pastures. Yes, Fisher lost out on some key battles for recruits. Some needs were met, others fell a bit short.
But after a whirlwind six weeks in which Fisher was both assembling a staff and a recruiting class, sometimes nearly singlehandedly, the end result was about as good as he could have hoped for.
Florida State landed 22 players -- though offensive lineman Richy Klepal isn't expected to play for the team for medical reasons -- and ended the afternoon with ESPN's No. 9 overall signing class.
When the dust settled, Fisher beamed.
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Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY SportsThe Noles highlight of signing day might have been when the nation's No. 1-ranked linebacker, Matthew Thomas, announced he'd join the class.
Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY SportsThe Noles highlight of signing day might have been when the nation's No. 1-ranked linebacker, Matthew Thomas, announced he'd join the class.This wasn't another sales pitch. This was as honest an evaluation of Florida State's take on national signing day as Fisher could muster.
No, FSU didn't hold together the entirety of the class it had assembled before six assistant coaches left for greener pastures. Yes, Fisher lost out on some key battles for recruits. Some needs were met, others fell a bit short.
But after a whirlwind six weeks in which Fisher was both assembling a staff and a recruiting class, sometimes nearly singlehandedly, the end result was about as good as he could have hoped for.
Florida State landed 22 players -- though offensive lineman Richy Klepal isn't expected to play for the team for medical reasons -- and ended the afternoon with ESPN's No. 9 overall signing class.
Wins and losses for FSU's class of '13
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
5:48
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By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
As it is virtually every year on national signing day, there were some big hits for Florida State, and there were a few tough misses, too. Overall, Jimbo Fisher and his new-look coaching staff have to consider the Class of 2013 a big win given the immense chaos that has ensued with six assistants leaving since Dec. 1. Most key commitments held strong, and a few late arrivals turned a solid class into one that cracked the top 10 in ESPN's national rankings.
Of course, rankings aren't everything. A lot of the success or failure of a class is based on a team's needs, and on that front, there were also a few highlights and a few noticeable problems. Here's how it breaks down.
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Who is leaving: Florida State is losing three top-flight defensive ends to the NFL draft this season, led by draft-eligible junior Bjoern Werner. Senior Tank Carradine's stock would have been much higher if not for a late knee injury in the regular season finale against Florida. Brandon Jenkins, who was lost for most of the 2012 season because of a foot injury, will also be heading to the pros.
The offensive line only loses one player, junior Menelik Watson, but it is a big one. He's likely to go in the first couple of rounds and had a major impact for Florida State in just one season.
Xavier Rhodes is the lone corner departing, but it's also a big one. Aside from Rhodes, the secondary will return largely intact.
The offensive line only loses one player, junior Menelik Watson, but it is a big one. He's likely to go in the first couple of rounds and had a major impact for Florida State in just one season.
Xavier Rhodes is the lone corner departing, but it's also a big one. Aside from Rhodes, the secondary will return largely intact.
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Denson has two more officials lined up
January, 15, 2013
Jan 15
7:00
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By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 offensive guard Ira Denson (Madison, Fla./Madison County) was supposed to be in Tampa this weekend.
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OL Ira Denson turning focus to college
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
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By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
ORLANDO, Fla. -- It wasn't how ESPN 150 offensive guard Ira Denson (Madison, Fla./Madison County) wanted his senior season to end.
On Saturday afternoon, University School upended the Cowboys 24-17 in the state championship game. But the 6-foot-4, 317-pound Denson chose not to dwell in the immediate, citing a great team effort this season to get them at least this far.
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UF, FSU often clash for recruits
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
8:33
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By
Corey Dowlar and
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
Florida State
Timmy Jernigan: Growing up, there was never a question where Jernigan would play his college football. And there wasn't a question if he would make it to the next level. He was elite, even from a young age. And Jernigan loved the Florida Gators.Defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins didn't waver, though. He continued working hard to get Jerngian on campus, coached him up on camps and eventually made headway. Finally, FSU got a stranglehold on Jernigan. And by the time national signing day rolled around, Florida didn't even send a letter of intent and Tallahassee was his destination.
James Wilder Jr.: A legend in the prep ranks from early on in his career, this powerful running back was considered to be a UF lean for a while. Florida State and Georgia entered the picture, too. All three programs battled it out intensely.
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Several FSU commits, targets in ESPN 300
November, 7, 2012
11/07/12
11:53
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By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
At first glance, this year's Florida State recruiting class lacks the star power of the two before it. That isn't to say it is void of quality, though. But Seminoles do have some offensive firepower on the list, notably four-star prospects Ryan Green, Isaiah Jones, and Levonte Whitfield. In the trenches, which has been an area of focus for the Seminoles coaching state in recent cycles, offensive linemen Austin Golson and Ira Denson and defensive end Davin Bellamy have them off to a good start.
Sitting at 17 total commitments, there is still work to do. But fortunately for FSU, there are some excellent options.
Sitting at 17 total commitments, there is still work to do. But fortunately for FSU, there are some excellent options.
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One of the biggest visitors Florida entertained over the weekend was ESPN 150 offensive lineman Ira Denson (Greenville, Fla./Madison County). The 6-foot-4, 325-pound senior was on hand to watch the Gators overpower LSU, and the Florida State commit admits he had a good time.
“It was a good trip,” Denson said. “The game was pretty exciting and real physical.”
Denson, a 2013 Under Armour All-American, has been committed to Florida State for several months and despite a good trip Saturday the offensive guard says his status is unchanged.
“It was a good trip,” Denson said. “The game was pretty exciting and real physical.”
Denson, a 2013 Under Armour All-American, has been committed to Florida State for several months and despite a good trip Saturday the offensive guard says his status is unchanged.
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Ira Denson proves self on summer circuit
August, 8, 2012
8/08/12
7:35
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By
Corey Dowlar | ESPN.com
About 50 miles to the east of Tallahassee, Fla., is a small, passionate town where football is king.
Madison, Fla., home to Madison County High School, is a recognizable name to high school football fans in the Sunshine State thanks to years of success. It was all achieved by discipline, long periods of hard work and hope -- hope to someday make it to the next level.
Ira Denson (Madison, Fla./Madison County) fits that description well enough.
Madison, Fla., home to Madison County High School, is a recognizable name to high school football fans in the Sunshine State thanks to years of success. It was all achieved by discipline, long periods of hard work and hope -- hope to someday make it to the next level.
Ira Denson (Madison, Fla./Madison County) fits that description well enough.
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ESPN 300 shifts Ira Denson, Tony Stevens
July, 12, 2012
7/12/12
12:00
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By
David M. Hale | ESPN.com
ESPN's revised recruiting rankings were released Thursday, and there aren't many changes among the 17 players already committed to Florida State for 2013.
Ten of FSU's commitments remain in the ESPN 300, though wide receiver Tony Stevens (Orlando, Fla./Evans) dropped out of the ESPN 150.
Overall, Florida State ranks fifth nationally for the work coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff have already done on the recruiting trail, and a few big fish remain in the pond.
Ten of FSU's commitments remain in the ESPN 300, though wide receiver Tony Stevens (Orlando, Fla./Evans) dropped out of the ESPN 150.
Overall, Florida State ranks fifth nationally for the work coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff have already done on the recruiting trail, and a few big fish remain in the pond.
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ABOUT NOLE NATION
David Hale
David Hale joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering the Philadelphia Phillies for The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., and the University of Georgia for The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. Hale has written about college and professional sports since 2004. He currently lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and can be reached at davidmhale@gmail.com.
Corey Dowlar
Corey Dowlar joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering Florida State and South Florida athletics for 247Sports.com and Rivals.com. Dowlar has written about Florida State sports and recruiting since 2007. He currently lives in Clearwater, Fla., and can be reached at cdowlar@gmail.com.