Florida State head coach Mike Norvell believes the Seminoles are improving as they go through spring practice, but cleanliness and consistency remain the emphasis heading into the team’s next scrimmage.
Norvell spoke on Tuesday, after FSU finished its eighth spring practice. After rewatching Saturday’s scrimmage, he stated that the attack is going in the proper direction across the board, but performance needs to be better.
“Coming off of Saturday, we want some things to be a little bit cleaner in terms of our communication and operation,” Norvell said. “I like where things are going, but there is still a lot of competition. “
Florida State will not practice its next scrimmage at Doak Campbell Stadium, but Norvell stated that the Seminoles will continue to rehearse game-like pressure situations, such as two-minute drills. He stressed the need to build on the excellent momentum from the first scrimmage while reducing errors.
Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez were both ‘part of the plan. ‘
“I want to see improvement in our overall situational awareness,” Norvell told reporters. “As we get more reps, especially with new faces, that has to keep growing. “
Norvell has been impressed by the development of numerous young receivers, including freshman Darryon Williams after Tuesday’s practice, and has said that Devin Carter and Jasen Lopez have put themselves to contribute early.
“They are going to play,” Norvell said. “They’d have to regress from where they are right now. I wouldn’t claim they are the first line, but based on what you see in a short amount of time, they plainly belong.
Carter has been one of the most dependable wideouts this spring, with chances emerging behind veteran leaders Duce Robinson and Micahi Danzy, both of whom have track and field responsibilities. Williams, EJ White, and Lopez have benefited from increased repetitions.
“He’s already demonstrated exceptional intellect in being able to move around so quickly,” Norvell remarked. “Basketball captured him early, but I am pleased with the effort he is making. “
Mike Norvell’s view on the offensive line: They are quite intelligent.
Up front, the offensive line remains a work in progress as Norvell considers combinations while replacing all five starters from last season. As spring drills continue, he has encouraged linemen to master several roles, emphasizing flexibility.
“The finest characteristic of that group is that they are quite intelligent,” Norvell told reporters. “You take a guy like Nate (Pabst), who has previously played guard and tackle – that carryover matters. Now it’s all about fine-tuning the details. “
Returning contributors Andre Otto at guard and Chavez “Sandman” Thompson at center have improved, but their duties remain flexible. Norvell stated that flexibility along the line might eventually decide the final starting five.
With competition heating up and another scrimmage scheduled, Norvell expects the Seminoles’ spring to be determined by how effectively improvement translates to execution — a bar he expects to climb as the season approaches.
