TALLAHASSEE — Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher was displeased with the effort from his wide receivers after Wednesday’s practice, while he lauded the progress his defense and offensive line are making this spring.

Fisher said the wide receivers had a “very average day” and struggled with “everything. They got their butts kicked. Didn’t catch the ball. Didn’t run good routes. Got beat up. Didn’t get off release. Didn’t get off press. Didn’t make catches in the red zone on some good throws.

“Didn’t have a good day. Stunk.”

As for FSU’s defense, Fisher said the unit as a whole has made strides despite being without linebackers Reggie Northrup (ACL surgery), Terrence Smith (turf toe) and Matthew Thomas (shoulder surgery) participating.

Redshirt sophomores Ro’Derrick Hoskins and Tyrell Lyons have taking snaps with the first team since the beginning of spring practice.

But overall, Fisher is optimistic about the glaring need at linebacker with Northrup, Smith and Thomas sidelined.

“Going to have all three of them healthy in the fall,” Fisher said.

On the offensive line, Fisher said his new batch of first-team players all have “a chance to be really good players.

Fisher said Wilson Bell “is playing his tail off” at right guard while also praising Kareem Are at left guard and Alec Elerbe’s work at center. Fisher also said starting left tackle Roderick Johnson Rod’s “is the one who’s starting to drop. He needs to pick it back up.”

Redshirt freshman Brock Ruble continued practice with the first team at right tackle with redshirt junior Chad Mavety still out (concussion).

Tallahasee Democrat