Chad Abrams studied Lonnie Pryor for the last two years, hoping he would get one shot to replace the steady fullback in the Florida State backfield.
For Abrams, that chance is now and he’s counting on taking full advantage.
“It’s a big opportunity,” said Abrams, a 6-foot, 230-pound senior. “Lonnie was very dependable. That’s what I try to be out there, a dependable player. Lonnie was very consistent.”
Pryor, from Okeechobee, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent after manning the position as mainly a lead blocker for four seasons. Pryor’s career highlight came in his final game when he was named MVP of last January’s Orange Bowl after rushing for a career-high 134 yards on just five carries and scoring two touchdowns. His rushing total was more than a third of his season total of 376.
Abrams, who came to FSU as a defensive back before moving to fullback, has played mostly on special teams for the last three years. He has six rushes for 25 yards.
“It is different,” Abrams said about camp. “I’m taking reps with the (first team). Now I can’t watch Lonnie take the reps and then do what he does. I have to know everything on my own.”
Although the fullback position has become nearly extinct in college with the growing popularity of the spread offense, FSU coach Jimbo Fisher has maintained the spot in his offense, primarily as a lead blocker. But this season Fisher may get more creative with his fullback. He said he will employ a jumbo package with defensive lineman Jacobbi McDaniel lining up in the backfield; tight end Nick O’Leary’s versatile skills will land him in sets in which he will come out of the backfield, and at times tailbacks Devonta Freeman and James Wilder both will be in the game.
McDaniel, a 6-foot, 295 pound backup nose guard, started getting familiar with the position on Friday.
“He controls that body. He’s athletic now,” Fisher said. “He has to do it live but it was even better than I thought he was going to be at it. He’s a good athlete. Moves well. That’s a big load now.”
But when the Seminoles are in their basic offense, Abrams will be the man crouched down in front of the tailback.
“He’s doing a nice job,” Fisher said. “He’s blocking a little better, getting used to that, his assignments have been good, not bad with the ball in his hands and … he catches it very well. He’s been having a good solid camp.”
Fisher on Wilcox: Fisher had this to say about his brief meeting with new Athletic Director Stan Wilcox: "I look forward to working with him. He has got a lot of experience. (I) know some people that worked with him; they like him and spoke very highly of him. I am happy that he is here."
Freshmen standing out: Freshmen wide receivers Isaiah Jones, Levonte "Kermit" Whitfield and Jesus Wilson drew the praise of Fisher, who has been impressed by both their maturity and how they conduct themselves during practice and meetings in addition to their talent and ability. He mentioned that all three have a shot to make key contributions this season either on offense or special teams.
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