FSU Football Freshmen Standouts Emerge in Spring Camp

Mike Norvell highlights top newcomers after first week of spring practice

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:49pm

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Florida State head coach Mike Norvell praised several incoming freshmen after the Seminoles' first week of spring football practice, including linebackers Karon Maycock and Daylen Green, defensive linemen Franklin Whitley and Earnest Rankins, and wide receiver Devin Carter. Norvell highlighted the young players' early impact and potential to contribute this season as FSU looks to rebound.

Why it matters

Florida State is coming off a disappointing season and will need to rely on its talented crop of incoming freshmen to help turn the program around. Norvell's positive early reviews of these newcomers suggest they could play key roles in the Seminoles' efforts to bounce back in 2026.

The details

Norvell singled out linebackers Karon Maycock and Daylen Green, as well as defensive linemen Franklin Whitley and Earnest Rankins, for their strong performances in the first week of spring practice. The coach praised the freshmen's physicality, instincts, and natural abilities that have stood out early on. Norvell also highlighted wide receiver Devin Carter, the son of former FSU and NFL player Dexter Carter, for his speed, ball skills, and competitive drive.

  • Florida State wrapped up its first week of spring camp on Friday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Mike Norvell

The seventh-year head coach of the Florida State Seminoles football team.

Karon Maycock

A freshman linebacker for the Florida State Seminoles.

Daylen Green

A freshman linebacker for the Florida State Seminoles.

Franklin Whitley

A freshman defensive lineman for the Florida State Seminoles.

Earnest Rankins

A freshman defensive lineman for the Florida State Seminoles.

Devin Carter

A freshman wide receiver for the Florida State Seminoles and the son of former FSU and NFL player Dexter Carter.

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What they’re saying

“I really like these freshmen. We've got a couple of freshmen that are there. Noah LaVallee has been good through three days. He forced a fumble there on the first day. Today, he had a couple of open field tackles and was putting pads on people. You see Karon and Daylen. I think it's a really good group.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach (si.com)

“I think Franklin Whitley has been somebody the first couple of days that you saw. He's still very new to the game, but you saw just natural strength. To be able to extend and get guys off of you. Today I saw Ernest Rankings really flash a few times, and that was something that was encouraging. We've got big expectations for him.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach (si.com)

“He's a guy who has great speed and ball skills. I think he can be a really good route runner in what his capabilities show, but he's a good worker. He really loves the game. You could tell he's a technician of the game. He puts a lot of investment in that, but also extremely competitive.”

— Mike Norvell, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Seminoles will continue spring practice over the next several weeks as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Florida State's incoming freshmen class is already making an impression in spring camp, providing hope that the Seminoles' talented young players can help the team bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. Norvell's early praise for these newcomers suggests they could play key roles in the team's efforts to return to prominence.