Mike Norvell Impressed by Rapid Progress of Florida State True Freshman

The Florida State Seminoles haven't been shy about recruiting their fair share of dual-sport athletes since head coach Mike Norvell arrived in Tallahassee.

In recent years, players such as wide receiver Micahi Danzy (track) and wide receiver BJ Gibson (baseball) have starred in other sports while shuffling their football duties. Danzy even won the ACC Championship in the 400-meter last year, setting the conference and school record with a time of 44.38.

Another Seminole is following the dual-sport lifestyle this offseason.

Shortly after signing with Florida State as a four-star wide receiver in December, true freshman Jasen Lopez transitioned to the hardwood. Lopez immediately began practicing with the basketball team.

Though Lopez didn't appear in a game, he was on the roster as the Seminoles turned their season around before falling to Duke in the conference tournament.

Lopez is back on the football field after missing the Tour of Duty and the first week of spring practice. Despite his delayed arrival, Lopez is picking up ample praise from Norvell.

Mike Norvell Likes Progression Of True Freshman WR Jasen Lopez

Norvell highlighted Lopez over the weekend for his performance in Florida State's first scrimmage. The exhibition was Lopez's first true live action at the college level, and he didn't blink.

It's quickly becoming apparent that the South Florida native will have an opportunity to make an impact at wide receiver, while competing for the starting job at punt returner.

"I called him up at the end of practice because that's a guy, the first week he wasn't here, the second week he was acclimating, so he was just in a helmet and really wasn't getting all the team reps. His first padded practice was the scrimmage, so today [Tuesday] was his second," Norvell said on Tuesday.

"He's making mistakes, but you don't feel the pull back, you don't feel the 'aww', he's just out there playing football, getting better," Norvell continued. "He's a guy that's already shown extreme intelligence of being able to move around a little bit in such a short period of time."

Even though Lopez's focus on football was limited for the better part of three months, that hasn't been an issue so far.

Norvell is excited about what's ahead, considering the need for depth to emerge in the pass corps.

"We were able to get some meetings there early, but really basketball had him for those first couple months, just the work he was doing there," Norvell said. "I'm proud of him for what he's putting in."

"I think as we get into the second part of spring here, as he's able to kind of get rolling with the summer program and some of those other opportunities, it'll be really good for what he's able to do," Norvell added. "He's working back at punt returner and doing a lot of different things, too. I like his progression so far in a short period of time."

During his prep career at Chaminade-Madonna, Lopez had four consecutive seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards and 59 total touchdowns.

Florida State returns to practice on Thursday, April 2.

Who Does Florida State Have At Wide Receiver For The 2026 Season?

Duce Robinson, Senior

Micahi Danzy, Redshirt Sophomore

Jayvan Boggs, Sophomore

Tae'Shaun Gelsey, Redshirt Freshman

Teriq Mallory, Redshirt Freshman

Devin Carter, Freshman

Jasen Lopez, Freshman

EJ White, Freshman

Darryon Williams, Freshman

Brandon Bennett, Freshman

Jonah Winston, Freshman

Tony Bland, Freshman

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