Mike Norvell Talks Growth of FSU Football After Impressive Showing on Offense
"I thought the offense won the day. I mean, a lot of explosive plays, just big runs. I thought there was some connecting on big plays."
Florida State is coming off its 10th spring practice, and the Seminole offense has pieced together a string of strong practices as they get into a rhythm for the 2024 season. Oregon State transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei has taken the next step in his game this offseason, making big throws and explosive plays these past few weeks.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell met with the media after Thursday's practice to discuss the offense's progress and recap what he's seen throughout spring ahead of the 2024 Garnet and Gold Spring Showcase on April 20.
"I thought the offense won the day. I mean, a lot of explosive plays, just big runs. I thought there was some connecting on big plays. Some of the mistakes that we were making defensively — obviously not one of our best days there on that end. But I thought as we got into third-down situations, the defense responded well at the end of practice," Norvell said. "And for offense, we got to continue to pick it up. But like I told these guys, you get ten practices in, every rep, every play, we got to continue to push the standard that we operate."
Growth is encouraging during spring, especially for a team that is replacing so much of its ACC Championship roster from a season ago. The 'Noles will likely have multiple players drafted and will need to replace former FSU star Trey Benson, who is projected to go early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"I'm seeing growth in it, obviously, guys are growing in their confidence in the technique, the fundamentals, overall execution," Norvell continued. "I think we got an explosive group of backs, and if you give them space, they got an opportunity to make something happen."
FSU added Alabama transfer Shawn Murphy in the offseason who spent two seasons at Alabama before landing in Tallahassee. After a slow start to the spring, Norvell said that Murphy had one of his best days.
"He was one that dealt with a few little minor physical things, just working through them you know, that kind of limited him some over the last week and a half. I kind of challenged him today just to go out and play. I mean, not to worry about something that might be ailing you. Just, go out there and put it on display. And I thought he had his best day," Said Norvell.
Another major peice to the defense will also be headed to the next level in his career. Georgia transfer Marvin Jones, Jr. is expected to replace projected first rounderJared Verse off the edge. The 'Noles will need Jones to pair in tandem with Patrick Payton and compete with Verse's production.
"He's on track. I mean, I feel great about who we have, and I think the last probably week and a half, he's really, you know, he's accelerating his reactions, his confidence, the steps, all the things that he's doing. But you see the ability. I mean, he's, he's what we thought."
The Garnet and Gold Spring Showcase is set to take place on April 20 at 4 pm. It will feature the Seminoles and guest coaches from the 1999 National Championship team.
READ MORE: Defensive End Marvin Jones Jr. Discusses First Spring With FSU Football
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