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After Maryland, FSU’s Walt Bell excited to be in ‘family atmosphere’

The Seminoles' new offensive coordinator spent the previous two seasons at Maryland, where a player died following a workout
 
University of Maryland President Wallace Loh speaks at a news conference held Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, to address the school's football program and the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair, who collapsed on a practice field and subsequently died, in College Park, Md. Athletic director Damon Evans said Tuesday that  “mistakes were made” in the treatment of McNair after he fell ill during a conditioning drill. 
 (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
University of Maryland President Wallace Loh speaks at a news conference held Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, to address the school's football program and the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair, who collapsed on a practice field and subsequently died, in College Park, Md. Athletic director Damon Evans said Tuesday that “mistakes were made” in the treatment of McNair after he fell ill during a conditioning drill. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Published Aug. 14, 2018

BRADENTON — New FSU offensive coordinator Walt Bell approached reporters Tuesday morning at IMG Academy seemingly resigned to the fact two subjects would arise: the Seminoles' quarterback derby and the ugly allegations surrounding Maryland, his previous workplace.

Regarding the former, Bell announced no starter. As for the latter, he offered no specifics.

But he did suggest the atmosphere he encountered in Tallahassee stands in glaring contrast to the one alleged at Maryland, where the death of 19-year-old lineman Jordan McNair (two weeks after collapsing during an outdoor workout) was followed by an ESPN report detailing verbal abuse and bullying of players.

"In terms of the culture there versus here, No. 1, I'm really excited to be here at Florida State," Bell said prior to the 'Noles' practice.

"And No. 2, I'm excited to be at a place where our kids smile at practice, they have a great time at practice, and they work for a head football coach (Willie Taggart) that kind of instills that family atmosphere in our organization."

During a Tuesday afternoon news conference, Maryland president Wallace D. Loh said the school was accepting "legal and moral responsibility" for mistakes made by its athletic training staff at the late-May workout that led to McNair's death.

Loh also announced the school had parted ways with Maryland strength and conditioning coach Rick Court, mentioned prominently in the ESPN report. Meantime, Coach DJ Durkin remains on paid administrative leave, and two independent investigations continue.

"We will do everything within our power to ensure that no University of Maryland student-athlete is ever again put in a situation where his or her safety and life are at foreseeable risk," Loh said.

Bell, the Terrapins offensive coordinator the previous two seasons, never mentioned Durkin or Court on Tuesday, but expressed sorrow over McNair's death.

"I think that's what it goes back to. … Jordan was incredibly special," Bell said.

"Not only was he a really good football player and had an incredibly bright future in front of him, but he's everything that you want out of a kid. A great heart and a really calm, comfortable soul, great demeanor about him."

All the way back?

Bell said he considers QB Deondre Francois 100-percent recovered from the torn left patellar tendon that sidelined him the final 12 games of 2017. Francois, who played his final prep season at IMG, said the knee "gets looser every day."

"No swelling, none of those things," Bell said.

"I'm excited to see how fast he's come back, he's moving around really well. I think kind of the next test will be the first time he gets knocked around a little bit, but we all know he's a tough kid."

Bell said first-team reps continue being distributed equally among Francois, 2017 starter James Blackman and redshirt freshman Bailey Hockman.

"We're trying to do everything we can to keep those reps as even as possible, especially through the first scrimmage, then really kind of find out what they've got going after that," Bell said.

Murray making strides

Though not yet cleared for contact or 11-on-11 work, senior WR Nyqwan "Noonie" Murray said he feels he's ahead of schedule in his rehab from a slight left meniscus tear sustained in the spring.

"I hate watching football, so it feels good to be back out there with my team, being able to run routes again, being able to compete," he said.

Though still wearing a knee brace, Murray — whose 40 catches last season tied for the team lead — appeared sharp during agility drills in the brief session open to reporters on Tuesday.

"Noonie is a very high-energy guy," Francois said. "So having him back out there brings a lot of energy that we were missing."

Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls.