Mike Norvell talks addition of WR Destyn Hill, gives update on DL Darrell Jackson waiver hopes

The biggest story by far this week in Amelia Island is the future of the ACC. That takes precedence over everything else that’s been asked about, talked about, written about during the spring meetings at the beachfront Ritz-Carlton.

But there are other more specific topics that still matter when it comes to Florida State football. And head coach Mike Norvell touched on a few when he met with reporters late Tuesday afternoon, most notably the addition of wide receiver Destyn Hill and the ongoing waiver process with Miami transfer defensive tackle Darrell Jackson.

First, on Hill, who has officially enrolled at Florida State after missing the last two seasons. Hill was added to the official roster on Tuesday and will wear No. 7 this season.

“We’re excited to have him here,” Norvell said. “And I told him to trust the process. And he is. It’s funny, he hits the ground and one of the things that makes him special is that sense of urgency he brings. And he brings intensity in how he plays and how he prepares. He’s been working for a long time, preparing to get here and be ready to make an impact, and i just tell him to trust the process and every day just work to be his best.”

Hill was a four-star recruit when he signed with Florida State out of Edna Karr High School in 2021. He was ranked as one of the best wideouts in the United States and was the crown jewel of Norvell’s second recruiting class at FSU.

More than two years later, he’s finally a Seminole. And as Norvell alluded to, he wants to make an immediate impact.

“He wants it all,” Norvell said. “And that’s a great thing to have. And a lot of the players that we bring in, bring in that same mentality. … And I’m definitely looking forward to getting started with workouts — just to see exactly where he is. There’s been a lot of discussions with his high school coach and people that have been around him. And where he is coming in, we’re excited about, but still got to go to practice and get ready to do all those things.”

There’s no way to know exactly what kind of shape Hill will be in once summer workouts begin and how quickly he’ll be able to adapt to the college game. By the time the FSU-LSU game kicks off in Orlando, Hill will have gone about 33 months since playing in a real football game.

But that doesn’t mean he’s been sitting idle.

“He’s been working,” Norvell said. “It’s been challenging — just when you’re not present and you have a desire to be, it’s hard. And so, it’s just been a lot of anticipation and he’s been doing all the things he can do, when you want to be out there practicing with teammates and all that. And when it is delayed, it’s hard.

“But he’s preparing himself and been preparing himself for the opportunity that’s ahead. So I know he’s going to take advantage of it.”

As for Jackson, Norvell is hoping he and the program get good news soon.

The Gadsden County native has transferred twice in his college career. First from Maryland to Miami and now from Miami to FSU. So, by NCAA rule, he needs a waiver to be able to play immediately.

Florida State has asked for a waiver because Jackson moved to Tallahassee to be closer to his mother, who is going through health issues.

Norvell was asked if there was any new news on that front.

“No,” he said. “We’ve had good conversation. … As you go through the waiver process, sometimes there’s a back and forth, just making sure you provide as much information. So, there’s been good back and forth providing all the questions the NCAA would have. And we appreciate Darrell and the family and just being able to help with that. So, that’s kind of what we’ve been working through.

“Hopefully it will be something we know before we get too far into the summer. So, I think that’s been important. And we do have a sense of urgency, and I think the NCAA understands that.”

Talk about this story with other die-hard FSU football fans on the Tribal Council.

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