FSU head coach Mike Norvell talks standouts after first spring scrimmage
The Florida State Seminoles wrapped up their first scrimmage on Saturday after the fifth practice this spring. It was a chance for some of the newcomers to get a feel for a live game atmosphere and shine inside of Doak Campbell Stadium and also a chance for the coaching staff to get a feel for how players would respond without needing instant guidance as the coordinators were calling plays.
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Head coach Mike Norvell spoke with the media post-scrimmage and gave his thoughts on how the football team looked and performed in different situations, who stood out, and how the backup quarterbacks could lead the first-team offense.
"It was a good first scrimmage; good to be able to get out on Bobby Bowden field at Doak Campbell Stadium. It was definitely great to see our guys get out there and compete. All and all, our defense was really running around, did a good job, had a lot of explosive plays." Norvell said, "They had a lot of explosive plays. I thought the defensive front really set the tone. There were mistakes being made on both sides of the ball with the ACC officials here today. There were too many penalties. We've got to continue to emphasize the technique and fundamentals... It was a great first experience for the 19 guys that are new to the program."
Norvell said that starting quarterback Jordan Travis was sidelined at the scrimmage, not because of injury but because he wanted him to be there to give his opinion on what he saw from the underclassmen.
"Jordan was there on the sideline. I wanted to make sure to kinda have him in a position where he got a chance to talk with those quarterbacks, what he was seeing what he was doing, and be able to encourage others. You want everybody to always be available. That is something we desire, but that is not always the reality, and so you gotta have an opportunity to go out there and compete with guys that could go... obviously we made Jordan unavailable today, but, obviously, he's been practicing at an elite level."
The defense seemed to have stood out to Norvell overall and the front was no exception. Which should be no surprise given the amount of returning talent and depth at the position.
"There were a lot of guys that defintely flashed. I've been pleased going even throughout the course of the week. Fabien (Lovett) made a couple of really good plays. We tried to limit him on just the overall count today but it was good to see him out there and competing and pushing. All of that defensive tackle group, I mean, you look at Darrell Jackson, Josh Farmer, Dennis Briggs, those guys really did a nice job. Daniel Lyons I saw flash a few times." adding that, "Defensive ends were competing. Patrick Payton is probably one of the most improved guys within this team in the first six practices"
"Jared Verse, you felt his presence. It was good for Gilber (Edmond) to be able to get out there -- Byron Turner. Those guys are all pushing and trying to find a role as they're competing together. I thought it was good. It wasn't all great but there were some, a lot of things we're going to be able to learn from."
As far as benefits for the team and expectations after the first scrimmage Norvell said that, "The expecations won't change. Our expectation is improvement. Whether a guy went out and had the best scrimmage in the world I expect him to be better come Tuesday."
The Seminoles will return to practice on Tuesday, March 28.
Norvell goes more in-depth on the defense, players that shined, transfers, and more in his full interview below.
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