Three Young FSU Players Shine in Spring Scrimmage

Norvell highlights Devin Carter, Jasen Lopez, and Amari Thomas as standouts in Seminoles' first spring practice session

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes of a Florida State football player in action, conveying the raw energy and movement of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the young Florida State players making an impact in the Seminoles' spring practice scrimmage.Hawthorne Today

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell highlighted three young players - wide receivers Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez, and running back Amari Thomas - as standouts in the Seminoles' first spring practice scrimmage. Norvell praised the newcomers' ability to make plays, with Carter and Lopez showing promise as potential return specialists.

Why it matters

With over 50 new players joining the Florida State roster, the spring scrimmage provided an early look at some of the young talent that could make an impact for the Seminoles in the 2026 season. Norvell's comments indicate these three players are already making strong impressions and could earn meaningful playing time.

The details

During Florida State's first spring practice scrimmage, head coach Mike Norvell singled out wide receivers Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez, as well as running back Amari Thomas, as young players who stood out. Norvell was pleased with the plays made by the trio, noting Carter's maturity and ability to run, Lopez's big catches despite limited practice time, and Thomas' impressive runs. The coach also mentioned Carter and Lopez as potential return specialists, an area the Seminoles struggled with last season.

  • Florida State concluded its initial two weeks of spring camp on Saturday with a scrimmage.
  • The Seminoles will resume practice on Monday, March 30, with their next scrimmage taking place on April 4.

The players

Mike Norvell

The head coach of the Florida State Seminoles football team.

Devin Carter

A wide receiver for the Florida State Seminoles, who Norvell praised for his maturity and ability to run.

Jasen Lopez

A wide receiver for the Florida State Seminoles, who Norvell said has a great opportunity to compete this year despite being limited in spring practice due to basketball.

Amari Thomas

A running back for the Florida State Seminoles, who Norvell mentioned broke off a notable run during the scrimmage.

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What they’re saying

“I was really pleased to see guys go out there and make plays. I know Devin Carter had a play, Jasen Lopez — Amari Thomas had a big run.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach

“Devin has come in and his maturity ... the ability — he can run. I mean, I've seen him for the last four years really growing up, and so there was nothing that he's doing that's really shocking me. He's continuing to grow and get stronger with each day, but the mental part of the game, he embraces that understanding.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach

“Jasen Lopez, I think, has a great, great opportunity to compete for that here this year. Today was Jasen's first day of being able to go out and have live practice... He had the acclimation coming off of basketball. So he's really just in helmets here the first two days, but to jump right in and scrimmage, he had a couple of big catches. Obviously some things that he's got to get more reps at, but I thought he showed some good things today.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach

What’s next

Florida State is set to resume practice on Monday, March 30, with its next scrimmage taking place on April 4.

The takeaway

With over 50 new players joining the Florida State roster, the spring scrimmage provided an early glimpse of the young talent that could make an impact for the Seminoles in the 2026 season. Norvell's praise of Devin Carter, Jasen Lopez, and Amari Thomas suggests these three newcomers are already standing out and positioning themselves for potential playing time.