Fentrell Cypress details how he analyzes his personal growth

Fall camp has become an orientation period of sorts for many college football veterans given the popularity of the transfer portal in the last few seasons. Florida State defensive back Fentrell Cypress is one of the players going through it.

He’s been on campus at Florida State for a little while now, but he’s still acclimating.

“I’m just trying to learn regardless, still playing defensive back,” Cypress said. “Just trying to learn my position, learn my techniques and all the fundamentals that I go through each and every day and just progress. Work on those. It helps me and the team overall.”

If Fentrell Cypress is working, you can bet it’s setting a good example for the rest of the team.

He’s a second-team All-ACC performer, one of the top defensive backs in the conference. He earned those honors, of course, at Virginia, his previous stop.

But he hopes everything will translate over just fine. That’s what fall camp is all about.

While with the Cavaliers, Fentrell Cypress tallied 57 tackles, 0.5 sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery and 14 pass breakups. He’s a tough cornerback to throw at, and opponents will likely try to avoid him when they can.

Mike Norvell happy with kicking competition

As Florida State continues fall camp, one battle that will be under close scrutiny is the kicking battle. The Seminoles have a healthy competition going on there.

Ryan Fitzgerald was Florida State’s primary kicker last season. He’s back, but after an inconsistent season in 2022 he needs to earn his job this year. His primary competition going into the 2023 season is Tyler Keltner, a transfer from East Tennessee State who was twice named an All-Southern Conference performer.

“They’re doing really well,” Mike Norvell said. “I mean, looking back at it, I don’t have the numbers right [here], but I think both guys in team situations, I don’t know if they’ve missed a kick in team situations. There might be one the second day of — they’ve been remarkable.

“Now, obviously, we’re charting all things and looking through it, but they’ve been really good with what we’re asking them to do and even with the competition, seeing them elevate their play, but also just the way they’re working with each other. I’m really pleased with what I’m seeing from that group.”