FSU football's Cam Riley, Adam Fuller embracing new in-helmet communication on defense

Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat

Cam Riley is no stranger to learning a new system.

The Auburn transfer had four different defensive coordinators in his four seasons with the Tigers, consistently learning a new style of football. So learning the Florida State football defensive scheme hasn't been anything he isn't used to.

What is new?

Wearing the "green dot" that signifies him as the player who has an in-helmet radio and receives communication about play calls from defensive coordinator Adam Fuller on the sidelines. The Seminoles have signified which player has the radio on by placing green dots on the helmets of those in charge of communication.

In-helmet communication is new to college football this season, with teams allowed to have one player on both sides of the football to have a radio inside his helmet.

"I like it, I'm glad that was an addition to college football this year," Riley said. "It gets loud sometimes in different games, so having the ability to get the correct call within the time span of the play clock or when the ball is snapped it gives you the ability to make sure everyone is lined up correctly and on the same page."

The communication between coaches and players will be shut off 15 seconds before the end of the 40-second play clock, or when the ball is snapped, whatever event comes first.

The new system has been well-received by Riley and Fuller, with the defensive coordinator using the communication system in both of the Seminoles scrimmages during fall camp.

FSU football linebacker Cam Riley makes a play on the football as the Seminoles prepare for Georgia Tech at the Albert J Dunlap training center on Tuesady, Aug. 13, 2024
FSU football linebacker Cam Riley makes a play on the football as the Seminoles prepare for Georgia Tech at the Albert J Dunlap training center on Tuesady, Aug. 13, 2024

Riley has quickly become one of the key contributors on defense, excelling in fall camp and showcasing his quick play recognition at the linebacker spot. He's quickly become a leader and worked well with younger players like Blake Nichelson and Justin Cryer.

He said the addition of Seminoles legend Ernie Sims to the coaching staff has been great for him, allowing him to learn more about his role in the FSU defense. Paring that with his practice performances, Riley has been a standout while being the lead communicator at times when he's wearing the dot.

While there are challenges presented, Riley likes the direct ability to communicate with his coach on the sidelines, saying it makes in-game adjustments easier.

He said despite the quick window for coaches to talk to players, Fuller is able to communicate what he wants.

"Sometimes it's a ton of information, sometimes it's not that much," Riley said. "If he sees something that needs to be corrected he'll let us know what to fix."

Fuller said that during the first scrimmage, they didn't care about having just one dot on the field, but in the second outing, the Seminoles practiced a variety of scenarios with the communication system.

One such scenario revolved around players who had the dot on subbing in and out of the game, and making sure the equipment team was on standby if someone needed to go back into the game without a communication system. This is done to avoid a penalty for having two players with the system on the field.

Fuller said the new system allows players like Riley to be communicators on defense and make efficient changes during a game, but it does present some challenges.

"Whoever has the dot basically becomes the voice of the defense," Fuller said. "There are some advantages to it, but then there is when the radio goes out or they can't hear you because the volume doesn't go up because of the way you tackled."

Despite the few challenges, the Seminoles have enjoyed the added technology and the different perspectives it offers coaches and players like Fuller and Riley.

FSU football 2024 schedule

Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State football defense adapts to new in-helmet communication

Advertisement