Three Florida State football newcomers took the podium Wednesday to talk about their transition into the Florida State program, their reasons for choosing FSU and more.
Xavier Chaplin was up first and talked about offensive line coach Herb Hand being a main reason for his decision to transfer to Florida State. He spoke of Hand’s coaching ability and how it works for him, saying, “He just makes it all so simple.” He spoke highly of the coach both on and off the field, even mentioning his ability to cook as something most wouldn’t know about him.
Chaplin mentioned focusing on first-step quickness, hand placement and identifying blitzes as things he’s looking to improve as he positions himself for the NFL. He talked about the tour of duty at FSU being a very real and tough thing, saying it plays at full speed and fourth-quarter conditions. He also mentioned Duce Robinson as a great example of putting the team first in everything.
When asked about the SEC experience he gained at Auburn last year, he said, “I feel like I didn’t have the season that I wanted out there.” He also mentioned a goal of dominating on every rep this year.
Next up was true freshman Izayia Williams, who said his knee is doing better and he is getting back to moving laterally. He mentioned that he had been talking to coach Ernie Sims since he was a sophomore in high school. Williams said he didn’t notice much of a difference in his decision to commit to Florida State between John Papuchis, the previous linebackers coach he committed to, and Sims, due to their similarly great relationship. He also clarified that he will not participate in spring practice and won’t be available until fall camp.
Williams stated he wants to “know everything fluently” as part of his development when he gets fully going this fall. He also mentioned that coach Tony White told him he needs to put in extra work if he wants to play early.
True freshman Earnest Rankins rounded out the group. He talked about the tour of duty being “just work” and noted the camaraderie as something that stood out to him, along with the fanbase that drew him to FSU from Georgia. He said coach Terrance Knighton told him about his versatility, saying, “I could play the one through the five,” and that he needs to work for it.
Rankins said the Desir twins are two players who have poured into him and offered counsel. He also said he lives with three other freshman defensive linemen and that they go over plays twice a week before bed. He wants to get his frame to 275 pounds before spring ball as part of his development.
The full interviews of all three can be seen below.