Norvell believes FSU could be a ‘deeper football team’ after watching spring drills

There were a lot of questions for FSU football coach Mike Norvell heading into spring practice in 2024.

And maybe, as it wraps up this weekend with the Seminole Showcase on Saturday and then a final walk-through type practice to follow on Sunday, he still has a few remaining ones about his team heading into the heart of the offseason.

But one thing he doesn’t seem to have any qualms or concerns about is the competitiveness and depth of his group.

On that front, he really likes what he’s seen.

Especially on Thursday.

“I told them after practice,” Norvell said. “I’ve been a head coach going on my ninth year. And I usually get a pretty good sense of a team by how the practice before the … spring game goes and what their approach to it is.

“And seeing that mentality — we had some passion and aggression throughout the day. Some of that we’ve got to hone in on and make sure we’re keeping our mindset correct … but I loved the way the guys competed.”

Because it’s how teams get better.

It’s how his program has gotten better.

“Iron sharpens iron” is the old saying, and when Norvell first got to Florida State, there was hardly any iron to work with at all. Now, there’s a lot. On both sides of the ball. Young, old, new, veteran, transfer, incoming freshman, the roster itself has been upgraded significantly with talent and experience over the last few seasons.

To the point that now, as he heads into his fifth spring game (or showcase) as the FSU head coach, the competition level in practice, on a day-in, day-out basis, on a play-in, play-out basis is the best that it’s ever been.

Which is a great way for a football player and a football team to improve significantly.

The wide receivers aren’t just competing against the stable of defensive backs in the Florida State secondary, they’re competing with each other for playing time. And vice-versa.

Every position is not only getting great looks at practice because of the caliber of players they’re going against, they’re having to play well in order to get on the field at their respective positions. There is talent. There is depth. And there are a lot of starting spots — and top backup spots — up for grabs.

“There is great competition across the board,” Norvell said. “I know last year there were positions we had great depth at, but I think collectively across the board, we have a chance to be a deeper football team. We’ll be able to have guys at every position that will be able to go out there and play winning football for us.

“And that’s an exciting component. Obviously, guys have … to define what that role is going to be, but I’m excited about the speed and the explosiveness this team has.”

FSU’s spring showcase is scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

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

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