Florida State head coach Mike Norvell shared a significant and positive update on the status of Ethan Pritchard. The freshman linebacker has been hospitalized since being shot in the back of the head two weeks ago while driving a family member home.

Norvell told reporters at his weekly press conference that Pritchard opened his eyes for the time over the weekend. Norvell visited his player in the hospital on Sunday and shared the news with the team later that day.

“Yesterday, he opened his eyes,” Norvell said. He later added, “It puts all things in perspective – the appreciation of a blink.”

Norvell expressed his gratitude to the medical team overseeing Pritchard’s care. He described the moment of progress for Pritchard as an emotional experience for all parties involved, including himself, Pritchard’s family, and his teammates, who celebrated the news on Sunday.

“I walked in that team meeting [on Sunday] and I had probably one of the biggest smiles on my face just to tell them that he had taken a positive step,” Norvell said.

It’s the first significant update from the program on Pritchard. Norvell and FSU officials had, so far, only shared that the freshman was in stable but critical condition in the hospital.

“He’s fighting,” Norvell said. “There are still some major steps along the way that we’re all going to be believing for and supporting and continuing in our prayers.”

While discussing Pritchard’s situation, Norvell said it has served as a reminder that life is precious. He shared an exhortation to treat others with kindness during what can feel like scary times.

“As we go through life, it’s so very precious. In our world right now, it’s a very challenging time,” he said. “We do have a responsibility. We’re called on this earth to love one another.”

Pritchard was hit in the back of the head by a bullet on Sunday, Aug. 31. Pritchard was driving his aunt home after a family event when he turned a corner and heard gunshots, his father told WFTV.

Seminoles turn attention toward Kent State

FSU rose to No. 7 in the country after an off week, and Norvell said the time off served as a chance for his team to evaluate and improve. He pointed out that they are still a “young” team in terms of how long the players have been together. With so many transfers and incoming freshmen, most of them have only played two games with any of their teammates.

Norvell used the off week of practices to simulate high-pressure situations – the type that builds trust and understanding – in an environment where his team can learn and avoid mistakes.

Starting yesterday, FSU turned its attention to this week’s opponent – the Kent State Golden Flashes. KSU is 1-2 following a blowout loss to Texas Tech in Week 2 and a close loss to Buffalo last weekend. Their sole win came in Week One, a 21-17 victory over Merrimack.

Despite the losses, Norvell said Kent State is a team that is quickly improving. He came away impressed by their performance against Buffalo in the 31-28 loss.

“It’s a team that’s getting better,” he said. “You saw a very competitive matchup and a team that’s taking positive steps.”

FSU and KSU kick off at 3:30 pm in Tallahassee this Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network.