Fisher High on Izzo, Thomas Ahead of N.C. State Match-up

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher took to the podium on Monday afternoon following his team’s first day of N.C. State week. In addition to addressing how the Seminoles adjusted their practice schedule following two straight weeks of no action, Fisher offered words of praise for two notable players — one on each side of the ball.

Fisher spoke at length on the little-seen impact of tight end Ryan Izzo on FSU’s offense.

“The first half (of the Alabama game), we were outstanding in that game offensively. (Izzo) was a big part of things you don’t even see, like the chips on a block, how he’s reaching up on a stretch block,” Fisher said. “Just a great presence of mind around him how to play the game.

“The more he can help, the more he can help.”

Fisher also spoke highly of the position group as a whole, noting that Mavin Saunders and Tre’ McKitty are “getting better in what they’re doing”. After struggling in camp, Saunders looks to be headed in the right direction, and Fisher looks forward to using more tight ends as the season progresses.

Fisher particularly hopes to use tight ends to help true freshman quarterback James Blackman adjust to life as a starter.

“Having two tight ends is really big,” Fisher said.  “We really could use them (to help the quarterback), get shorter routes, ball control.”

Fisher also offered praise to linebacker Matthew Thomas. Thomas, who was declared eligible just days before FSU’s opener against Alabama, led the Seminoles with 10 tackles on Sept. 2 – four of which were solo. Fisher said that Thomas has been “outstanding”.

“Outstanding. Did not surprise me one bit,” Fisher said. “He was having an outstanding camp and figuring out what he does and how he does it.”

One storyline often forgotten during football season is the toll that the intense scheduling takes on coaches. Since the Noles had the weekend off, Fisher took the chance to spend time with his sons.

“I was with my kids. Took Ethan fishing on Saturday,” Fisher said. “Watched Trey Friday night and spent time with him watching game film on Saturday. … This week was like (last week) and just spent time with my kids.

“I’d rather do that than anything in the world. I see enough football.”

You can view the full press conference below.

Josh Mixon covers Florida State athletics for The Daily Nole. You can find him on Twitter @joshmixon10.