'I'm happy to be here': FAMU DRS, Fla. High and Lincoln players enjoy workout at FSU Big Man Camp

Tallahassee Democrat

The Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility at Florida State was flooded with high school colors on Wednesday for Mike Norvell's Big Man Camp.

Over 300 players from all parts of the state and the nation were in attendance for this outing led by the Seminoles' head coach.

Local representatives mixed in were the colors of FAMU DRS, Florida High and Lincoln.

The Big Bend list featured Hollis Sams (FAMU DRS), Josaiah Knight (FAMU DRS), Kamari Bess (FAMU DRS), KJ Colston (Florida High), Mark Faircloth (Florida High), Wyatt Crosby (Florida High), Cameron Thomas (Florida High) and Carter Gilbert (Lincoln).

Florida High rising sophomore offensive lineman Mark Faircloth (right) performs a blocking footwork drill during the Mike Norvell Big Man camp at Florida State on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

Competing in the camp was beneficial from a physical and mental standpoint, according to players.

They were able to receive solid instructions for the upcoming season. It also presented an opportunity to suit up against campers with a wide range of skills.

The mental and emotional aspects of the day symbolized a return to normalcy for offseason workouts.

Last year, summer camps in Tallahassee were non-existent due to the coronavirus shutdown. Players were reduced to individual training and Zoom meetings to discuss football-related matters.

Mike Norvell's Big Man Camp was held at FSU's indoor practice facility Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

Florida High rising senior offensive lineman KJ Colston poses with Florida State offensive line coach Alex Atkins at the conclusion of the Mike Norvell Big Man Camp on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

"I'm so happy to be here and work in front of the coaches," said Colston, a rising senior at Florida High.

"You can't take anything for granted. You never know what might happen. COVID came last year and took this away."

More Big Bend Preps:All-Big Bend Volleyball: Hultquist attains perfection as Player of the Year

More Big Bend Preps:All-Big Bend Flag Football: FAMU DRS' Logan, Brown win Player and Coach of the Year

More Big Bend Preps:All-Big Bend Lacrosse: Maclay's Thompson, VanTassel named Player and Coach of the Year

More Big Bend Preps:Droves of Big Bend players expected to attend Mike Norvell football camps at FSU in June

Coaches from these programs were equally thrilled about the session. The camp served as a chance to reconnect with colleagues and provide support for their players.

"COVID kept us bubbled up last year. This is a good time to get some competition against other guys. They can also see what other guys are doing," FAMU DRS head coach Cedric Jones said.

"This also gives me a chance to catch up with some old friends. Everybody's happy about having football season again. We'll have something close to normal and I'm stoked about it."

Florida State University football head coach Mike Norvell makes the rounds at his Big Man Camp held at FSU's indoor practice facility Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

Wednesday's workout was filled with multiple drills to improve speed, agility and strength. The easy choice as to their favorites was the one-on-one contact activities.

Decked in helmets and shoulder pads, they competed on the board along with run and pass-blocking sequences.

"It was good to be here and I had a lot of fun," said Sams, a rising junior at FAMU DRS.

"I've never experienced something like this. It was great to do this for the first time. The biggest thing I learned was that's it's all in the head. It's not the size, but how you do the work."

The next event in the month-long series at Florida State is the individual camp.

This takes place on Sunday, June 13 at 4 p.m. on the intramural fields. It's open to players who are rising freshmen and older.

Follow sportswriter Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.

Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.